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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to The effects of microplastics exposure on quail's hypothalamus: Neurotransmission disturbance, cytokine imbalance and ROS/TGF-β/Akt/FoxO3a signaling disruption
ClearSecondary brain injury after polystyrene microplastic-induced intracerebral hemorrhage is associated with inflammation and pyroptosis
Researchers studied how polystyrene microplastics affect brain tissue in chickens after six weeks of continuous exposure. The study found that microplastic exposure caused cerebral hemorrhage, microthrombi formation, and loss of Purkinje cells, with secondary brain injury driven by inflammatory responses and pyroptosis activation.
Manifestation of polystyrene microplastic accumulation in brain with emphasis on morphometric and histopathological changes in limbic areas of Swiss albino mice
Mice exposed to polystyrene microplastics showed cognitive impairment, anxiety-like behavior, and measurable brain damage, particularly in the limbic system regions responsible for memory and emotion. The microplastics accumulated in the brain and caused neuron loss in the hippocampus, along with structural damage to the cortex, amygdala, and hypothalamus. This study provides direct evidence that microplastics can reach the brain and cause physical changes that affect behavior and mental function.
Microplastics induced inflammation in the spleen of developmental Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) via ROS-mediated p38 MAPK and TNF signaling pathway activation1
Young Japanese quail fed polystyrene microplastics at environmentally relevant doses developed significant inflammation in their spleens, a key immune organ. The microplastics triggered oxidative stress that activated inflammatory signaling pathways, leading to tissue damage and immune dysfunction. This study adds to evidence that microplastic exposure can harm the immune system in birds, with potential implications for wildlife health and, through the food chain, for humans who consume poultry.
Neurophysiological and Behavioral Effects of Micro- and Nanoplastics in Aquatic Organisms
Researchers reviewed evidence that micro- and nanoplastics in aquatic environments cross the blood-brain barrier, accumulate in neural tissues, and cause oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and disrupted neurotransmitter signaling, with downstream effects on locomotion, feeding, predator avoidance, and social behavior across multiple aquatic species.
Polystyrene Micro- and Nanoplastic Exposure Triggers an Activation and Stress Response in Human Astrocytes
Researchers exposed primary human astrocytes to polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics and found that these particles triggered cellular stress responses, including increased production of reactive oxygen species and activation of inflammatory pathways. Nanoplastics were particularly effective at penetrating cells and disrupting normal astrocyte function. The findings suggest that plastic particle exposure may contribute to neuroinflammatory processes in the brain, warranting further investigation into potential neurotoxic effects.
Exposure to microplastics/ nanoplastics induces responses of microglia and astrocytes: roles of oxidative stress and autophagy
This study investigated how microplastic and nanoplastic exposure affects glial cells including microglia and astrocytes in the central nervous system, which are essential for neurological immune defense and homeostasis. Exposure triggered reactive responses in both cell types, raising concern that plastic particle accumulation in the brain could contribute to neuroinflammation.
Polystyrene Nano- and Microplastic Particles Induce an Inflammatory Gene Expression Profile in Rat Neural Stem Cell-Derived Astrocytes In Vitro
Researchers exposed brain cells derived from rat neural stem cells to polystyrene nano- and microplastics and found that astrocytes -- the most abundant brain support cells -- were the most affected, showing reduced survival and widespread changes in gene activity. The activated genes were involved in brain inflammation and immune responses, while genes for fat metabolism were turned down. These findings suggest that plastic particles reaching the brain could trigger inflammation that may contribute to neurological problems.
A review of the neurobehavioural, physiological, and reproductive toxicity of microplastics in fishes
This review summarizes how microplastics cause a range of harmful effects in fish, including behavioral changes, brain and immune system damage, oxidative stress, and reproductive disruption through interference with hormone signaling. These findings are relevant to human health because many of the same biological pathways affected in fish also exist in humans, and people consume fish that have accumulated microplastics.
Toxicity induced via ingestion of naturally-aged polystyrene microplastics by a small-sized terrestrial bird and its potential role as vectors for the dispersion of these pollutants
Researchers exposed Japanese quail to naturally aged polystyrene microplastics to evaluate health effects from ingestion. The study found significant body weight reduction, increased oxidative damage in the liver, brain, intestine, and gizzard, and evidence that birds can transport microplastics to new environments through excretion. These findings suggest that even small terrestrial birds may serve as vectors for microplastic dispersal.
Exposure to microplastics/ nanoplastics induces responses of microglia and astrocytes: roles of oxidative stress and autophagy
This study examined how microplastic and nanoplastic exposure affects glial cells in the central nervous system, specifically investigating responses of microglia and astrocytes, which are the brain's primary immune and support cells. Results showed that micro- and nanoplastic exposure triggered inflammatory-type responses in these cells, raising concern for neurological effects.
Microplastics/nanoplastics and neurological health: An overview of neurological defects and mechanisms
This review summarizes evidence that micro and nanoplastics can harm the nervous system, causing developmental abnormalities, brain cell death, neurological inflammation, and potentially contributing to neurodegenerative diseases. Animal studies show that these tiny plastics can cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in brain tissue, where they trigger oxidative stress and disrupt normal brain function. While direct evidence in humans is still limited, the findings suggest that chronic microplastic exposure could be a risk factor for neurological health problems.
Polystyrene microplastics up-regulates liver glutamine and glutamate synthesis and promotes autophagy-dependent ferroptosis and apoptosis in the cerebellum through the liver-brain axis
Researchers exposed chickens to polystyrene microplastics and found that the particles caused liver metabolic disorders, increasing glutamine and glutamate synthesis. These abnormal liver metabolites then traveled to the brain through the liver-brain axis, promoting autophagy-dependent cell death in the cerebellum. The study reveals a concerning pathway by which microplastic-induced liver damage could lead to neurological harm.
Toxicological Research on Nano and Microplastics in Environmental Pollution: Current Advances and Future Directions
This review summarizes existing research on how nano- and microplastics from our massive global plastic production enter aquatic environments, absorb harmful chemicals, and move through food chains into living organisms. Studies show these particles can cause brain damage, disrupt metabolism, trigger inflammation, and produce harmful oxidative stress in aquatic species, with microplastics even detected in commercial fish that people eat.
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.
The plastic brain: neurotoxicity of micro- and nanoplastics
This review examines the emerging evidence that micro- and nanoplastics can reach the brain in both aquatic animals and mammals, potentially causing neurotoxic effects. Researchers found that exposure to these particles induces oxidative stress, inhibits key enzymes involved in nerve signaling, and alters neurotransmitter levels, which may contribute to behavioral changes. The study highlights that systematic research comparing different particle types, sizes, and exposure conditions is urgently needed to understand the neurological risks.
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.
Elucidating the Neurotoxicopathological Impact of Micro and Nanoplastics: Mechanistic Insights Into Oxidative Stress-mediated Neurodegeneration and Implications for Public Health in a Plastic Pervasive Era
Researchers reviewed the growing evidence linking micro- and nanoplastic exposure to neurodegenerative diseases, identifying oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, DNA damage, and protein misfolding as key mechanisms of harm to the brain. The review highlights critical knowledge gaps — especially around chronic low-dose exposure — and calls for better detection tools and public health policies to address the emerging neurological threat from plastic pollution.
ROS-dependent degeneration of human neurons induced by environmentally relevant levels of micro- and nanoplastics of diverse shapes and forms
Scientists exposed human brain cells to micro- and nanoplastics at levels similar to what people encounter in the real world, and found they caused oxidative stress (a type of cell damage) and neurodegeneration -- the death of nerve cells. The damage was worse when the plastics carried bacterial biofilms, which they often do in the environment. This suggests that even small amounts of inhaled plastic particles could pose a risk to brain health.
Micro- and Nano-plastics may affect the central regulation of reproduction: insights from in vitro and in vivo studies on GnRH neurons.
This review examined how micro- and nanoplastics may interfere with the central nervous system regulation of reproduction, compiling evidence from animal studies. The analysis suggests that plastic particle exposure could disrupt hormonal signaling pathways that control reproductive function.
Neuromuscular, retinal, and reproductive impact of low-dose polystyrene microplastics on Drosophila
Researchers found that even low doses of polystyrene microplastics impaired neuromuscular signaling, altered retinal function, and reduced reproductive rates in fruit flies, with gene expression changes in key signaling pathways underlying these effects.
The effects of micro- and nanoplastics on the central nervous system: A new threat to humanity?
This review summarizes growing evidence that micro- and nanoplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier and damage the central nervous system through inflammation, oxidative stress, and disruption of brain chemicals. The authors note that microplastic exposure has been linked to memory and behavior changes in animals and may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's, though direct human evidence is still limited.
Neurotoxic potential of polystyrene nanoplastics in primary cells originating from mouse brain
Researchers exposed three types of primary mouse brain cells to 100 nm polystyrene nanoplastics and found that neurons underwent apoptosis while astrocytes survived but developed reactive astrocytosis with elevated inflammatory markers, suggesting that neuronal vulnerability to nanoplastic accumulation may be amplified by astrocyte-driven neuroinflammation.
Sub-chronic exposure of Oreochromis niloticus to environmentally relevant concentrations of smaller microplastics: Accumulation and toxico-physiological responses
Researchers exposed Nile tilapia to low, environmentally relevant concentrations of polystyrene microplastics for 14 days and found the particles accumulated in multiple organs including the brain, liver, and reproductive tissues. The fish showed changes in blood chemistry, increased stress hormones, and signs of liver and kidney dysfunction. These results suggest that even realistic levels of microplastic pollution can cause measurable physiological harm in fish.
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.