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Co-exposure of polystyrene microplastics and iron aggravates cognitive decline in aging mice via ferroptosis
Xiu Liu1, Hekai Yang1, Xinzhu Yan2
1The First Clinical College, China Medical University, 77 Puhe Avenue, Shenbei New District, Shenyang 110122, China.
Abstract:
The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of co-exposure of iron and microplastics (MPs) on the cognitive function of aged humans and animals. It was already known that individual iron or MPs exposure can initiate potential neurotoxicity. However, the combined effect of MPs and iron remained to be elucidated. In this study, the toxicity of iron, MPs, co-treatment of MPs & iron, and the underlying mechanisms were evaluated in vivo. Our findings suggest that 5 µm MPs could enter the aging mice brain and accumulate in cortex and hippocampus. In addition, MPs and iron have a good binding ability, therefore, co-exposure of MPs & iron cause significant iron overload and cognitive deficits as compared to control and individual treatments of iron and MPs. Moreover, the lipid peroxidation and inflammation, which are involved in ferroptosis, get significantly elevated by co-exposure of iron and MPs. Taken together, our results provide compelling evidence that co-exposure of iron and MPs could aggravate the cognitive impairment via disturbing brain iron homeostasis and inducing ferroptosis in cognitive-related brain areas, what's more, the results warn that MPs may act as vectors of pollutants (mostly heavy metals) increasing the health burden on body.
Insights
Microplastics (MPs) and iron co-exposure significantly worsen cognitive deficits in aging mice by disrupting brain iron balance and causing ferroptosis. MPs may act as vectors for heavy metals, increasing health risks.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
Background:
- Individual exposure to iron or microplastics (MPs) is known to cause neurotoxicity.
- The combined effects of microplastics and iron on cognitive function were not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of co-exposure to iron and microplastics on the cognitive function of aged animals.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of neurotoxicity in combined exposure scenarios.
Main Methods:
- In vivo evaluation of toxicity from iron, MPs, and their co-exposure in aging mice.
- Assessment of microplastic accumulation in brain regions (cortex, hippocampus).
- Analysis of iron overload, cognitive deficits, lipid peroxidation, and inflammation.
Main Results:
- 5 µm microplastics were found to enter and accumulate in the aging mouse brain.
- Co-exposure of MPs and iron led to significant iron overload and cognitive impairment compared to individual exposures.
- Lipid peroxidation and inflammation, key indicators of ferroptosis, were significantly elevated in co-exposed groups.
Conclusions:
- Co-exposure to iron and microplastics exacerbates cognitive impairment by disrupting brain iron homeostasis and inducing ferroptosis.
- Microplastics can act as carriers for pollutants like heavy metals, posing a significant health risk.
- This study highlights the critical need to consider combined environmental exposures in assessing neurodegenerative risks.
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