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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Microglial phagocytosis of polystyrene microplastics results in immune alteration and apoptosis in vitro and in vivo
ClearPolystyrene 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.
Long-term exposure to polystyrene microplastics reduces macrophages and affects the microbiota–gut–brain axis in mice
Mice that consumed polystyrene microplastics over an extended period showed reduced immune cells called macrophages in their colons and changes in gut bacteria that were linked to altered brain chemistry. This study provides evidence for a gut-brain connection where microplastics may affect brain function indirectly by first disrupting gut health and the immune system.
Neurotoxic effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on memory and microglial activation: Insights from in vivo and in vitro studies
In a mouse study, tiny nanoplastics (30-50 nanometers) that were swallowed reached the brain and caused memory problems by activating the brain's immune cells, called microglia, which triggered inflammation. This is concerning because it shows that nanoplastics small enough to be found in everyday products like cosmetics could cross into the brain and impair cognitive function.
Microplastics cross the murine intestine and induce inflammatory cell death after phagocytosis by human monocytes and neutrophils
Researchers administered polystyrene microplastics orally to mice and then assessed distribution and immune cell interactions in both mice and human cells. Both 1 µm and 10 µm particles crossed the intestinal epithelium and were detected in blood and liver after 10 days, and human monocytes and neutrophils that ingested the particles underwent inflammatory cell death.
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.
Crossing barriers – tracking micro- and nanoplastic pathways into the human brain
Researchers tracked potential pathways by which micro- and nanoplastics may enter the human brain, examining both in vitro cell models and post-mortem brain tissue. They found that human monocytes rapidly internalized polystyrene particles into endocytic vesicles and mitochondria, and detected plastic particles in brain tissue samples, providing evidence that nanoplastics may be capable of crossing brain barriers.
Exposure to Polystyrene Microplastics Promotes the Progression of Cognitive Impairment in Alzheimer’s Disease: Association with Induction of Microglial Pyroptosis
In a mouse study, polystyrene microplastics worsened cognitive decline in an Alzheimer's disease model by triggering a type of inflammatory cell death called pyroptosis in brain immune cells. The microplastics caused brain inflammation that accelerated memory loss and cognitive impairment beyond what Alzheimer's alone caused. This is one of the first studies suggesting that microplastic exposure could make neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's progress faster.
Polystyrene microparticle distribution after ingestion by murine macrophages
Researchers tracked what happens to polystyrene microparticles after they are ingested by mouse immune cells called macrophages. They found that the particles were distributed unevenly during cell division in a cell-type-specific manner, and no active excretion of the microplastics was observed. The study suggests that once immune cells take up microplastic particles, the particles may persist inside cells and accumulate over successive generations of cell division.
Polystyrene microplastics cross the murine intestine and induce inflammatory cell death after phagocytosis by human monocytes and neutrophils
Researchers orally administered 1 μm and 10 μm polystyrene particles to mice for 10 days and found that both sizes crossed the intestinal epithelium and were detected in blood and liver; when phagocytosed by human monocytes and neutrophils, the particles triggered complement-dependent inflammatory cell death.
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.
Polystyrene microplastics induce activation and cell death of neutrophils through strong adherence and engulfment
Researchers found that neutrophils (key immune cells that fight infections) strongly bind to and swallow polystyrene microplastics, mistaking them for bacteria. This triggers inflammation and eventually kills the neutrophils, and the same response was confirmed in both mouse and human immune cells. The findings suggest that microplastics accumulating in the body could weaken immune defenses by destroying these important infection-fighting cells.
Toxicological profiling of polystyrene microplastics in raw 264.7 macrophages: Linking microplastic exposure to immune cell impairment
Researchers exposed immune cells called macrophages to polystyrene microplastics and found that the cells rapidly absorbed the particles within two hours. Higher concentrations caused mitochondrial damage, disrupted cellular recycling processes, and triggered inflammation-related signaling. The study provides evidence that microplastics can impair the function of key immune cells responsible for defending the body against foreign threats.
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.
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.
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.
Microplastics in the bloodstream can induce cerebral thrombosis by causing cell obstruction and lead to neurobehavioral abnormalities
Researchers discovered that microplastics in the bloodstream can cause blood clots in the brain by getting swallowed by immune cells that then block tiny blood vessels. These blockages reduced blood flow and caused neurological problems in mice. This reveals a new way microplastics may harm the brain, not by crossing into brain tissue directly, but by disrupting blood circulation.
Polystyrene nanoplastics dysregulate lipid metabolism in murine macrophages in vitro
Researchers investigated the effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on immune cell metabolism and found that macrophages exposed to nanoplastics transformed into lipid-laden foam cells. The study suggests that nanoplastic exposure dysregulates lipid metabolism in immune cells, with implications for understanding how these particles may interact with the immune system at the cellular level.
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.
Microplastics and Their Effect on Neuroglia: A Narrative Review
This narrative review examines how microplastics — entering the body through inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact — may accumulate in neuroglial cells of the brain, raising concern about their role in neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative disease progression.
Cerebral to SystemicRepresentations of Alzheimer’sPathogenesis Stimulated by Polystyrene Nanoplastics
Researchers exposed both wild-type and APP/PS1 Alzheimer's model mice to environmental levels of polystyrene nanoplastics and measured Alzheimer's-like pathology progression. Nanoplastics exacerbated cognitive decline, microglial activation, and hippocampal neuronal death, particularly in the Alzheimer's model, with systemic inflammatory effects suggesting plastic particles may accelerate neurodegeneration.
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.
Microglial clearance of Alzheimer's amyloid-beta obstructed by nanoplastics
Researchers found that polystyrene nanoplastics interfere with the brain's ability to clear amyloid-beta, the protein that builds up in Alzheimer's disease. The nanoplastics accelerated amyloid clumping and drained the energy of brain immune cells that normally clean up these harmful proteins. This study suggests that nanoplastic exposure could worsen or contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease.
Polystyrene microplastics induce an immunometabolic active state in macrophages
Researchers found that polystyrene microplastics taken up by macrophages — immune cells lining the gut and lungs — triggered a metabolic shift toward an inflammatory state. This finding suggests microplastics reaching human tissues may alter immune function in ways that could contribute to inflammation-related diseases.
Polystyrene microplastics induce an immunometabolic active state in macrophages
Researchers investigated how macrophages, the immune cells that act as first-line defense in the gut and lungs, respond metabolically to polystyrene microplastic particles. The study found that phagocytosis of microplastics induced an immunometabolic active state in macrophages, suggesting that microplastic exposure may alter immune cell metabolism in ways relevant to understanding potential health effects.