Neurotoxicity of Microplastic Particles in the Human Brain: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Neuroscience
• Toxicology

Background:

• Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly prevalent environmental contaminants.
• Concerns are rising regarding their potential impact on human health, particularly the nervous system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the literature on the neurotoxic effects of microplastics (MPs) on the brain.
• To synthesize current evidence on molecular, cellular, and clinical impacts.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines.
• Searches conducted in PubMed and Web of Science using keywords: microplastics, human brain, health, and neurotoxicity.
• Risk of bias assessed using the Revised Risk of Bias Tool for Randomized Trials.

Main Results:

• Eleven studies were included, revealing diverse effects of MPs at molecular, cellular, and clinical levels.
• Key toxic effects include oxidative stress, energy disruption, neuroinflammation, altered biochemical pathways, and cell death.
• Observed impacts on the human body range from molecular changes to clinical manifestations.

Conclusions:

• Microplastics represent a significant global health concern with potential neurotoxic effects.
• MPs can reach the nervous system, potentially causing behavioral and cognitive changes.
• Current evidence is insufficient to determine long-term outcomes; further clinical studies are required to elucidate mechanisms.