Microplastics May Affect Brain Development, New Research Suggests

Study Suggests Microplastics May Influence Brain Cell Development

Helsinki: Microplastic particles can reach the brain and may influence the development of nerve cells, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Eastern Finland.

Global plastic production continues to increase annually, with large quantities gradually breaking down into microscopic particles known as microplastics. These particles can enter the human body through food, drinking water, and air.

Previous studies have indicated that microplastics are capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, which serves as the brain’s protective defence against harmful substances circulating in the bloodstream. However, their effects on healthy nerve cells have not been fully understood.

In the latest study, researchers examined the impact of polystyrene microplastic particles measuring 50, 100, and 250 nanometres on living nerve cells obtained from mouse embryos.

The findings showed that the smallest particles, measuring 50 nanometres, caused abnormal growth of neuronal branches without leading to cell death. Researchers observed changes in the pattern of cellular development and identified the activation of genes associated with neuronal growth.

Veronika Gurova, a researcher involved in the study, said that particle size plays a significant role alongside concentration in determining biological effects, noting that very small particles can alter neuronal behaviour.

Genetic analysis also revealed increased activity in genes linked to calcium-dependent growth of neuronal branches in cells exposed to the smallest particles.

The researchers indicated that microplastics may reach the brain and affect developmental processes even at low levels of exposure. While short-term exposure did not result in direct damage or obvious functional impairment, the long-term effects remain unclear.

The study’s authors called for additional research to better understand the mechanisms involved and to assess the potential implications of long-term exposure to microplastic particles on brain health.