Papers

61,005 results
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Article Tier 2

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.

2025 Science Advances 85 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2024 Environmental Disease 8 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2025 NeuroToxicology 21 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2026
Review Tier 2

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.

2025 Preprints.org
Systematic Review Tier 1

Abstract TP089: Micro and Nano plastics in Cerebrovascular Health: A systematic Review of Current Evidence and Research Directions

This systematic review examines emerging evidence linking micro- and nanoplastics to cerebrovascular health problems. Studies found plastic particles in human brain blood vessels and arterial plaques, with evidence suggesting they may promote inflammation and oxidative stress that could contribute to stroke risk.

2026 Stroke
Article Tier 2

Micro- and Nanoplastics in the Brain: A Scoping Review Protocol on Their Presence, Neurotoxic Effects, and Implications for Human Health

This scoping review protocol outlines a systematic approach to mapping scientific evidence on the presence of micro- and nanoplastics in the brain, their neurotoxic effects, and potential implications for human health. The review will chart findings from both human studies and experimental models to identify key mechanisms, affected brain regions, and knowledge gaps in this emerging field.

2026 OSF Preprints (OSF Preprints)
Article Tier 2

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.

2026 Toxicology
Article Tier 2

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.

2026 3 Biotech
Article Tier 2

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.

2024 International Journal of Science and Healthcare Research 2 citations
Article Tier 2

Micro- and Nanoplastics in the Brain: A Scoping Review Protocol on Their Presence, Neurotoxic Effects, and Implications for Human Health

This scoping review protocol maps scientific evidence on the presence of micro- and nanoplastics in the brain, their neurotoxic effects, and implications for human health, drawing from both human studies and experimental models. The protocol follows JBI methodology to systematically chart available evidence.

2025 Open Science Framework
Article Tier 2

Evidence, Mechanisms, and Clinical Implications of Microplastics and Nanoplastics As Emerging Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Narrative Review

This review examines growing evidence that micro- and nanoplastics may contribute to cardiovascular health risks, with researchers having found these particles in human artery plaques and blood clots. Evidence indicates that the particles can enter the bloodstream, trigger inflammation, damage blood vessel walls, and potentially increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. While the evidence is not yet conclusive, the study highlights an emerging area of concern that warrants further investigation into how everyday plastic exposure may affect heart and blood vessel health.

2025 Cureus 2 citations
Article Tier 2

Microplastics block blood flow in the brain, mouse study reveals

A mouse study using real-time imaging found that cells stuffed with microplastics can form clumps that block blood flow in the brain, affecting the animals' ability to move. This research raises concerns about potential neurological effects of microplastic accumulation in the bodies of mammals.

RePEc: Research Papers in Economics
Systematic Review Tier 1

Micro- and Nanoplastics as a Potential Risk Factor for Stroke: A Systematic Review

This systematic review assessed the potential link between micro- and nanoplastics and stroke risk. It found that plastic particles have been detected in human blood vessels and arterial plaques, and may contribute to inflammation and blood vessel damage — factors that could increase the risk of stroke.

2026 Journal of Xenobiotics
Article Tier 2

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.

2025 Environmental Science Nano 29 citations
Article Tier 2

Exploring Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment with Focus on Small-Vessel Disease of White Matter and Micro/nanoplastics

Researchers propose a pathology classification framework for vascular causes of cognitive impairment and highlight the recent discovery of micro/nanoplastics in human brain tissue as a factor that may reshape understanding of vascular dementia by linking plastic accumulation to cerebrovascular damage.

2025 American Journal Of Pathology 2 citations
Article Tier 2

The Urgent Need to Assess and Prevent the Deposits of Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Our Brain

This peer-reviewed commentary argues for urgent research into the deposition of microplastics and nanoplastics in the human brain, calling for standardized methods and more investigation into potential neurological consequences.

2025 Discovery Medicine
Article Tier 2

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.

2025 Ageing research reviews
Article Tier 2

Nano/micro-plastic, an invisible threat getting into the brain

This editorial highlights growing evidence that nano- and microplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier through the bloodstream and nasal passages, triggering neuroinflammation and potentially contributing to brain disorders. The authors call for urgent multidisciplinary research to understand the pathways by which these plastic particles reach the brain and what long-term neurological damage they may cause.

2024 Chemosphere 56 citations
Article Tier 2

Pathways, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Strategies of Neurotoxicity Induced by Micro- and Nanoplastics

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.

2025 Brain Sciences
Article Tier 2

Overall effects of microplastics on brain

This review synthesizes research on how micro- and nanoplastics affect the brain, finding evidence that these particles can cross critical biological barriers including the blood-brain barrier and placenta to reach the central nervous system. Researchers found that once in the brain, microplastics may trigger oxidative stress, inflammation, and disruption of neurotransmitter systems. The study suggests that microplastic exposure represents an emerging concern for neurological health, though more research is needed to fully characterize the risks.

2025 Frontiers in Toxicology 1 citations
Article Tier 2

An overview of research on the association between microplastics and central nervous system disorders

This review explores the growing body of evidence linking microplastic exposure to central nervous system disorders. Researchers found that microplastics can enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption, then accumulate in neural tissues where they trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal damage. The study aims to provide a scientific foundation for assessing the public health risks of microplastic exposure on brain health.

2025 Frontiers in Public Health 2 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2024 Toxicology 52 citations
Article Tier 2

Transport of microplastics in the body and interaction with biological barriers, and controlling of microplastics pollution

This review summarizes how microplastics enter the human body through food, water, and air, and what happens when they encounter the body's protective barriers like the gut lining, skin, and blood-brain barrier. Smaller microplastics can cross these barriers and accumulate in organs, potentially causing inflammation and other harmful effects. The review also covers emerging methods for removing microplastics from the environment to reduce human exposure.

2023 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 78 citations