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Nanoplastics and Neurodegeneration in ALS
Andrew Eisen1, Erik P Pioro1, Stephen A Goutman2
1Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6S 1Z3, Canada.
Brain Sciences
|May 25, 2024
Summary
Micro/nano plastic particles (MNPLs) can cause organ toxicity and breach the blood-brain barrier, potentially contributing to neurodegenerative diseases like ALS. Exposure begins in infancy, posing risks during critical neurodevelopmental periods.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
Background:
- Global plastic production exceeds one million tons annually, raising significant environmental and health concerns.
- Micro/nano plastic particles (MNPLs) are pervasive, found in human tissues, including breast milk, and can enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact.
- Weathered MNPLs can cross the blood-brain barrier, inducing neurotoxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential link between micro/nano plastic particle (MNPL) exposure and neurodegenerative diseases, specifically amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
- To explore the mechanisms of MNPL neurotoxicity, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitter dysfunction.
- To assess the risk of MNPLs as an unrecognized factor in ALS pathogenesis, particularly concerning early-life exposure.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on MNPL toxicity, neuroinflammation, and ALS pathogenesis.
- Analysis of MNPLs' ability to induce cellular and tissue damage, including blood-brain barrier penetration.
- Examination of the impact of MNPLs on gut microbiome and the gut-brain axis.
Main Results:
- MNPLs induce neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and glutamate/GABA neurotransmitter imbalance in the brain.
- Gut microbiome dysbiosis and a dysfunctional gut-brain axis are associated with MNPL ingestion, recognized as potential ALS triggers.
- Early-life exposure to MNPLs via breast milk, substitutes, and toys poses a risk during crucial neurodevelopment.
Conclusions:
- MNPL neurotoxicity, characterized by inflammation and hyperexcitability, presents a potential risk factor for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
- The gut-brain axis disruption caused by MNPLs may contribute to ALS pathogenesis.
- Considering MNPLs as an unrecognized risk factor for ALS and related neurodegenerative diseases is crucial, especially given early-life exposure vulnerabilities.
