We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Pre/post-natal exposure to microplastic as a potential risk factor for autism spectrum disorder
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated whether microplastic exposure could be a risk factor for autism spectrum disorder by testing the effects of polyethylene particles on mice at different life stages. They found that microplastics accumulated in the brain and that prenatal exposure in particular led to behavioral changes in offspring resembling autistic traits. The study suggests a possible link between early microplastic exposure and neurodevelopmental effects, though more research is needed to understand the relevance to humans.
In common with the increase in environmental pollution in the past 10 years, there has also been a recent increase in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this regard, we hypothesized that exposure to microplastics is a potential risk factor for ASD. To evaluate the validity of this hypothesis, we initially examined the accumulation of polyethylene (PE) in the brains of mice and then assessed the behavioral effects using mouse models at different life stages, namely, prenatal, post-weaning, puberty, and adult models. Based on typical behavioral assessments of autistic traits in the model mice, we established that ASD-like traits were induced in mice after PE feeding. In addition, we examined the induction of ASD-like traits in response to microplastic exposure using positron emission tomography, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, microarray, and microbiome analysis. We believe these findings provide evidence in microplastics as a potential risk factor for ASD.
More Papers Like This
Prenatal and early-life exposure to micro- and nanoplastics and autism-relevant neurodevelopment: An integrated review of human, experimental, and mechanistic evidence
AI summary Read the abstract
Tiny plastic particles called micro- and nanoplastics have been found in the placenta, breastmilk, and other tissues linked to pregnancy and infancy, meaning babies may be exposed before they're even born. This review pulls together animal studies and lab research suggesting these particles could affect brain development in ways connected to autism—like changes in social behavior—likely by triggering inflammation, oxidative stress, and disruptions to gut-brain communication. The evidence is still early and mostly from animal studies rather than direct proof in humans, but it highlights an important area for future research given how common plastic exposure is in daily life.
Microplastics as a Silent Threat to Child Neurodevelopment: Evidence and Perspectives on Autism
AI summary Read the abstract
Tiny plastic particles from everyday products can enter our bodies and even reach the brain, and this review of recent studies found they may cause inflammation and affect memory and attention—raising questions about their role in childhood brain development. While researchers haven't found proof that microplastics cause autism, this review of existing evidence suggests they could be one environmental factor worth investigating further, highlighting why reducing plastic exposure may be a smart precaution while scientists learn more.
A systematic review and experimental study of micro/nanoplastic-induced endocrine disruption in rodents: Potential links to autism spectrum disorder
AI summary Read the abstract
This systematic review and experimental study explores how microplastic and nanoplastic exposure may disrupt hormones and contribute to autism-like behaviors in rodent models. Studies consistently showed decreased testosterone and reproductive hormones with plastic exposure. While a direct link to autism in humans has not been proven, the findings suggest that plastic particles' endocrine-disrupting effects deserve closer investigation.
Maternal exposure to polystyrene microplastics impairs social behavior in mouse offspring with a potential neurotoxicity
AI summary Read the abstract
When pregnant mice were exposed to polystyrene microplastics, their offspring showed impaired social behavior even though the plastics did not reach the brain directly. The microplastics accumulated in the mothers' digestive organs and caused changes in brain cell growth and survival in isolated neurons. This study suggests that microplastic exposure during pregnancy could affect brain development and social behavior in offspring through indirect mechanisms.
Maternal exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics impacts developmental milestones and brain structure in mouse offspring
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed pregnant mice to polystyrene nanoplastics and studied the effects on their offspring's brain development. The study found that maternal nanoplastic exposure affected developmental milestones and brain structure in the young mice. The findings suggest that nanoplastic exposure during pregnancy may pose risks to fetal brain development, though more research is needed to understand the implications for humans.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.