We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Papers
61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Crossing barriers – tracking micro- and nanoplastic pathways into the human brain
ClearCrossing barriers – tracking micro- and nanoplastic pathways into the human brain
Researchers tracked potential pathways for micro- and nanoplastics to enter the human brain using both laboratory cell experiments and post-mortem human brain tissue. They found nanoplastic remnants inside cells of the choroid plexus, a brain barrier structure, as well as in cerebrospinal fluid immune cells from geriatric patients. These preliminary findings suggest that plastic particles can cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate alongside age-related cellular debris in human brain tissue.
Human neurons are susceptible to the internalization of small-sized nanoplastics
Researchers studied how human neurons take up nanoplastics and found that the cells readily absorbed 50-nanometer polystyrene particles through specific cellular pathways. The nanoplastics accumulated in cell compartments and, at higher concentrations, triggered oxidative stress and reduced cell survival. The study provides evidence that very small plastic particles can enter human brain cells, raising concerns about potential neurological effects of nanoplastic exposure.
Mechanisms of micro- and nanoplastics on blood-brain barrier crossing and neurotoxicity: Current evidence and future perspectives
This review examines evidence that micro- and nanoplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier, the protective shield around the brain, through multiple pathways including disrupting the barrier's tight junctions and being transported inside cells. Once in the brain, these particles may cause damage through oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and disrupted iron metabolism, with effects worsened when plastics carry other pollutants like heavy metals.
Brain under siege: the role of micro and nanoplastics in neuroinflammation and oxidative stress
This review examines emerging evidence that micro- and nanoplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in nervous tissue, potentially triggering neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Researchers summarized findings showing these particles may act as neurotoxicants that contribute to synaptic dysfunction and pathological changes in brain cells. The study highlights the need for further research into how chronic plastic particle exposure may affect central nervous system health over time.
Unveiling the toxicity of micro-nanoplastics: A systematic exploration of understanding environmental and health implications
This review summarizes what is known about the toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics, noting they can cross critical barriers in the body including the blood-brain barrier. Studies in lab animals show these particles can cause DNA damage, oxidative stress, and cell death, with potential effects on the brain, heart, lungs, and skin, underscoring the need for more real-world human studies.
Polystyrene nanoplastics penetrate across the blood-brain barrier and induce activation of microglia in the brain of mice
Researchers demonstrated that 50-nanometer polystyrene nanoplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier in mice, accumulate in brain tissue, and activate immune cells called microglia that then damage neurons. The nanoplastics disrupted the tight junctions that normally protect the brain, creating openings for the particles to pass through. This study provides direct evidence that nanoplastics can reach the brain and trigger inflammation, raising concerns about potential neurological effects of long-term nanoplastic exposure in humans.
Micro-nanoplastics in the central nervous system: Evidence, mechanisms and perspectives
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.
Blood uptake and urine excretion of nano- and micro-plastics after a single exposure.
Mice exposed to polystyrene nanoparticles (100 nm) and microparticles (3 µm) via different routes showed that smaller particles appeared rapidly in blood and were detected in urine, while larger particles cleared more slowly. The study provides direct evidence that nanoplastics can cross biological barriers and enter circulation, with potential for distribution throughout the body.
A systematic review of the potential neurotoxicity of micro-and nanoplastics: the known and unknown
This critical review of 234 studies found that micro- and nanoplastics can reach the brain via olfactory translocation or by crossing the blood-brain barrier, where they may cause neuroinflammation, oxidative damage, and behavioral changes in animal models. The evidence raises significant concerns about potential neurotoxic effects of chronic microplastic exposure in humans, though major knowledge gaps remain.
A review on micro- and nanoplastics in humans: Implication for their translocation of barriers and potential health effects
This review compiles evidence showing that micro- and nanoplastics have been found in human blood, lungs, placenta, and other organs, and can cross protective barriers including the blood-brain and placental barriers. The accumulated evidence links these particles to inflammation, oxidative stress, hormone disruption, and potential effects on reproduction and brain health, though more research is needed to determine exact risk levels.
Evidence on Invasion of Blood, Adipose Tissues, Nervous System and Reproductive System of Mice After a Single Oral Exposure: Nanoplastics versus Microplastics.
Researchers found that after a single oral exposure in mice, nanoplastics were rapidly absorbed into the blood, accumulated in fat tissues, and crossed both the blood-brain and blood-testis barriers. The study demonstrated that the distribution and behavior of plastic particles in mammals is strongly dependent on particle size, with nanoplastics showing substantially greater tissue penetration than microplastics.
Penetration of micro/nanoplastics into biological barriers in organisms and associated health effects
This Chinese-language review systematically examined how micro- and nanoplastics penetrate gastrointestinal, respiratory, and skin barriers in humans and model organisms, and how they translocate via blood circulation to accumulate in organs including the liver, brain, testes, and placenta.
Size-dependent translocation of polystyrene nanoplastics across biological barriers in mammals
This study tracked radiolabeled nanoplastic particles in rats and found that smaller 20-nanometer particles could cross biological barriers that larger 100-nanometer particles could not, including reaching the brain. Both sizes were transferred from mothers to offspring, but through different pathways, revealing that nanoplastic size plays a critical role in determining which organs and tissues are exposed.
From environment to brain: the role of microplastics in neurobehavioral disorders
This review examines how microplastics enter the human body and cross the blood-brain barrier, linking their presence in neural tissue to neurobehavioral disorders through mechanisms including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and disruption of neurotransmitter systems.
Effects of Polystyrene Nanoplastics on the Biology of Human Neural Stem Cells and Human Cerebral Organoids.
This study investigated the effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on human neural stem cells and human cerebral organoids, examining whether nanoplastics that have been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier and placenta can disrupt normal brain development. Given the lack of prior research on nanoplastic effects on the developing brain, the findings carry significant implications for understanding neurodevelopmental risks from early-life plastic exposure.
The neurotoxic threat of micro- and nanoplastics: evidence from In Vitro and In Vivo models
This systematic review examined 26 studies showing that micro- and nanoplastics can cross into the brain, damage neurons, and trigger inflammation in lab and animal models. These findings raise concerns that long-term plastic exposure could contribute to neurological problems in humans, though more research is needed.
Deciphering the Neurotoxic Burden of Micro- and Nanoplastics: From Multi-model Experimental Evidence to Therapeutic Innovation
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.
The impact of microplastics on neurodegenerative diseases and underlying molecular mechanisms: A narrative review
This review explores how microplastics that accumulate in the environment can reach the brain through inhalation or by crossing the blood-brain barrier. Researchers examined evidence suggesting that microplastics may contribute to the onset or acceleration of neurodegenerative conditions by triggering harmful responses in brain cells. The study calls for stronger environmental policies, better detection methods, and further research into potential therapeutic interventions.
Assessing the Impact of Microplastics on Brain Chemistry: The Need for a Comprehensive Policy Framework to Mitigate Toxicity
This review examines the growing evidence that microplastics can cross biological barriers, accumulate in brain tissue, and affect neurological function. Researchers found that microplastic exposure has been linked to neurotoxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammation in the brain, with potential implications for neurotransmitter systems and cognitive function. The study calls for comprehensive regulatory measures to limit microplastic pollution and further research into the long-term neurological health effects.
A perspective on the potential impact of microplastics and nanoplastics on the human central nervous system
This paper discusses evidence that micro- and nanoplastics may be able to cross the blood-brain barrier, the protective layer that normally keeps harmful substances out of the brain. If confirmed in humans, this could mean plastic particles contribute to neurodegenerative diseases, though more research is needed to understand the extent of this risk.
Microglial phagocytosis of polystyrene microplastics results in immune alteration and apoptosis in vitro and in vivo
Researchers found that polystyrene microplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier in mice after oral exposure and accumulate in brain tissue, where they are engulfed by microglia, the brain's immune cells. This engulfment triggered inflammatory responses and cell death in the microglia both in cell cultures and in living mice. The study suggests that microplastic exposure may affect brain immune function, with potential implications for neurological health.
From exposure to neurotoxicity induced by micro-nanoplastics with brain accumulation and cognitive decline
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.
Insights into the toxic effects of micro-nano-plastics on the human brain and their relationship with the onset of neurological diseases: A narrative review.
This review examined toxic effects of micro and nano-plastics (MNPs) on the human brain, linking MNP exposure to neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, disruption of the blood-brain barrier, and progression toward neurodegenerative diseases. The authors synthesized evidence from cell studies, animal models, and emerging human data.
Polystyrene nanoplastics induce cognitive dysfunction and dendritic spine deterioration via excessive mitochondrial fission
Researchers demonstrated that polystyrene nanoplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in mouse brains, leading to cognitive impairment and loss of connections between brain cells. The damage was driven by excessive splitting of mitochondria, the energy-producing structures within cells, which triggered runaway cellular cleanup processes. Importantly, a drug that blocks this mitochondrial splitting reversed the cognitive damage, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach to nanoplastic-related brain injury.