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Research progress in mechanisms of neurotoxicity induced by micro(nano)plastic exposure
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This review examines how micro- and nanoplastics may harm the nervous system, through oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, a disrupted blood-brain barrier and the gut-brain axis. It also notes early studies of substances tested against these effects, including curcumin, probiotics and Camellia pollen. Chronic low-dose exposure remains a research gap.
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) can accumulate in the nervous system via various exposure routes, including ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. Such accumulation may contribute to neurotoxic outcomes, including alterations in neuronal structure, inhibition of neurodevelopment, as well as cognitive, behavioral, and neurodegenerative diseases. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the potential mechanisms through which MPs and NPs may exert neurotoxic effects. These mechanisms include: (1) cellular-level disruptions such as OS, mitochondrial dysfunction, and DNA damage; (2) neurochemical alterations involving neurotransmitter imbalances and inhibition of AChE activity; and (3) structural and systemic effects such as BBB disruption, inflammatory responses, and gut–brain axis-mediated neurotoxicity. Building upon these mechanistic insights, recent studies have explored various agents that may mitigate neurotoxicity induced by MPs/NPs, These substances may exert protective effects through multiple pathways, including reducing oxidative stress (e.g. curcumin), suppressing inflammation (e.g. probiotics), and preserving BBB integrity (e.g. Camellia pollen). However, there are still gaps in research regarding chronic low-dose exposure, interactions with co-pollutants, and susceptible populations. Future research should focus on actual exposure scenarios to more accurately assess the risk of neurotoxicity.
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This review summarizes research on how micro- and nanoplastics damage the brain and nervous system, covering evidence from cell studies, animal experiments, and clinical observations. Plastic particles can cross the blood-brain barrier, disrupt the gut-brain connection, cause oxidative stress, and trigger inflammation that leads to memory problems and cognitive decline. The review also discusses potential treatment strategies, making it a useful resource for understanding the brain health risks of plastic exposure.
Pathways, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Strategies of Neurotoxicity Induced by Micro- and Nanoplastics
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This review examined the pathways by which micro- and nanoplastics reach the brain—via the gut-brain axis, respiratory tract, and circulatory system—and the mechanisms by which they induce neurotoxicity, including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and disruption of neurotransmitter systems. The authors surveyed emerging therapeutic strategies, highlighting antioxidant supplementation and anti-inflammatory interventions as the most promising current approaches.
From exposure to neurotoxicity induced by micro-nanoplastics with brain accumulation and cognitive decline
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This review synthesizes evidence that micro- and nanoplastics can reach the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier or traveling along nerve pathways, accumulating in regions critical for memory and thinking. Animal studies show that chronic exposure leads to cognitive problems, behavioral changes, and brain changes resembling neurodegenerative diseases, driven by oxidative stress, inflammation, and disruption of the gut-brain connection. The findings raise concern that long-term human exposure to nanoplastics through food and air could contribute to cognitive decline and neurological disease.
Micro-nanoplastics in the central nervous system: Evidence, mechanisms and perspectives
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This review examines evidence that micro- and nanoplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier and cause neurotoxicity through oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and disruption of neurotransmitter signaling. While clinical studies have confirmed the presence of plastic particles in human brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid, the authors note that methodological limitations and inconsistent quality controls currently prevent establishing a definitive causal link to neurological conditions.
Recent progress and future directions of the research on nanoplastic-induced neurotoxicity
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This review summarizes current research on how nanoplastics cause damage to the nervous system, covering studies in cell cultures, zebrafish, mice, and other models. Nanoplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier, trigger oxidative stress and inflammation in brain tissue, and disrupt nerve cell function. The authors highlight that understanding these mechanisms is crucial for assessing the long-term neurological risks of human exposure to nanoplastics through food, water, and air.
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