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Mechanistic insight of neurodegeneration due to micro/nano-plastic-induced gut dysbiosis.
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This review provided mechanistic insight into how micro/nano-plastic-induced gut dysbiosis drives neurodegeneration, tracing a pathway from intestinal microbiome disruption to neuroinflammation and brain damage. It identified the gut-brain axis as the critical link between plastic particle exposure and progressive neurodegenerative conditions.
Despite offering significant conveniences, plastic materials contribute substantially in developing environmental hazards and pollutants. Plastic trash that has not been adequately managed may eventually break down into fragments caused by human or ecological factors. Arguably, the crucial element for determining the biological toxicities of plastics are micro/nano-forms of plastics (MPs/NPs), which infiltrate the mammalian tissue through different media and routes. Infiltration of MPs/NPs across the intestinal barrier leads to microbial architectural dysfunction, which further modulates the population of gastrointestinal microbes. Thereby, it triggers inflammatory mediators (e.g., IL-1α/β, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) by activating specific receptors located in the gut barrier. Mounting evidence indicates that MPs/NPs disrupt host pathophysiological function through modification of junctional proteins and effector cells. Moreover, the alteration of microbial diversity by MPs/NPs causes the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier and translocation of metabolites (e.g., SCFAs, LPS) through the vagus nerve. Potent penetration affects the neuronal networks, neuronal protein accumulation, acceleration of oxidative stress, and alteration of neurofibrillary tangles, and hinders distinctive communicating pathways. Conclusively, alterations of these neurotoxic factors are possibly responsible for the associated neurodegenerative disorders due to the exposure of MPs/NPs. In this review, the hypothesis on MPs/NPs associated with gut microbial dysbiosis has been interlinked to the distinct neurological impairment through the gut-brain axis.
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This review summarizes how micro- and nanoplastics may damage the brain through the gut-brain axis, a communication pathway between the digestive system and the nervous system. Nanoplastics can disrupt gut bacteria and weaken the intestinal barrier, potentially sending inflammatory signals to the brain. The authors suggest that targeting gut health could be a way to reduce brain damage caused by nanoplastic exposure.
Micro- and nanoplastics and potential perturbation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis.
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This review summarizes existing research on microplastics and nanoplastics and their possible effects on the gut, its microbes, and the brain. Animal studies found changes in gut bacteria, gut barrier function, inflammation, and behavior, but human evidence remains limited and cannot yet show these particles cause brain disease.
Nanoplastics, Gut Microbiota, and Neurodegeneration
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Nanoplastics ingested via contaminated food and water can cross biological barriers and accumulate in gut tissue, where they disrupt the gut microbiota and may trigger neuroinflammatory pathways linked to neurodegenerative disease. This gut-brain axis disruption represents one of the most concerning potential mechanisms by which chronic nanoplastic exposure could harm human health.
Microplastics and the gut-brain axis: Unraveling neurotoxic mechanisms and health implications
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This review examines how microplastics interact with the gut-brain axis, a communication network linking the digestive system to the central nervous system. Researchers found that microplastics can disrupt intestinal barrier integrity, alter gut microbiota composition, and trigger systemic inflammation that may affect neurotransmitter balance and brain function. The study suggests that chronic microplastic exposure through the diet could contribute to neurological effects through inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways.
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Researchers reviewed the emerging evidence on how nanoplastics may affect the gut-brain axis, the communication pathway between the digestive and nervous systems. Studies indicate that nanoplastic exposure can alter gut microbiota, increase intestinal permeability, trigger oxidative stress and inflammation, and produce neurotoxic and behavioral effects. The review calls for more research given the ubiquitous presence of plastics in the human environment and the potential for nanoplastics to disrupt this critical biological communication pathway.
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