Microplastics in our blood: a growing threat to brain health

Microplastics are found everywhere. However, little is known about the effects of the particles on the health of the organism. A new study shows that microplastics can disrupt blood circulation, causing neurological abnormalities.

Microplastics are tiny fragments of plastic with a size of five millimeters or smaller. They have been found in some of the toughest conditions on Earth, from the summit of Mount Everest to the bottom of the Mariana Trench, and even in spider webs and baby diapers.

The explanation is simple: for more than a hundred years, people have been making plastic in constantly growing amounts. Plastic does not readily break down in the environment; rather, it disintegrates into small and smaller parts. These small pieces move via air and water, penetrating food chains and ending up in human organs. It is not clear what the long-term consequences of microplastics on human health are.

New research connects microplastics to brain dysfunction

A team of Chinese researchers has found evidence that microplastics can cause brain dysfunction and neurological damage.

Scientists have long known that tiny microplastic particles can cross the blood-brain barrier and become trapped in brain tissue. But the exact mechanisms of the damage they might inflict have remained a mystery—until now.

The study

Scientists, in their research, introduced microplastic particles into the bloodstream of the test subject. Using advanced imaging technology, they captured 3D live images of brain cells.

The researchers noticed the occurrence of microplastics in the blood for the first time two hours after exposure. Three hours later, the particles were engulfed by blood cells inside the blood vessels of the brain. This suggests that immune cells, or phagocytes, can engulf microplastic particles.

When phagocytes packed with microplastics accumulate in the blood vessels of the brain, they begin to clog them. Such vascular blockages can impair blood flow, particularly in small blood vessels where blood circulation is already impaired.

Impaired circulation of blood to the brain has significant consequences, including behavioral modifications, loss of mobility, memory loss, and malfunctioning motor coordination.

Also, the study found that higher amounts of microplastics resulted in larger vascular occlusions and larger neurological damages.

Source: SciendeAdvanced