Neurotoxicity and Mechanisms of Microplastics and Nanoplastics Exposure in Terrestrial Mammals

Yuji Huang, Kailin Xu, Boxuan Liang, Yizhou Zhong, Maoyong Song, Zhenlie Huang

Prog Chem ›› 2025, Vol. 37 ›› Issue (1) : 76-88.

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Prog Chem ›› 2025, Vol. 37 ›› Issue (1) : 76-88. DOI: 10.7536/PC240709
Microplastics Special Issue

Neurotoxicity and Mechanisms of Microplastics and Nanoplastics Exposure in Terrestrial Mammals

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Abstract

Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) pollution has become a serious environmental issue. MNPs can enter the human body through inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact, raising significant concerns about their potential risks to the nervous system. This paper reviews the studies on the neurotoxic effects of MNPs in terrestrial mammals, focusing on their possible toxic mechanisms. Studies have shown that MNPs can cause damage to the nervous system by inducing oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Additionally, the impact of MNPs on the gut-brain axis is considered a crucial mechanism leading to neurotoxicity. Despite current progress, there are still insufficient data and incomplete understanding of the neurotoxic mechanisms involved. Future research should enhance epidemiological studies on MNP exposure, develop more suitable experimental models, investigate the health effects of different types of MNPs, explore their mechanisms in greater depth, and comprehensively assess various influencing factors. These efforts will provide essential insights for a more thorough understanding of the impact of MNPs on human health.

Contents

1 Introduction

2 Human exposure to MNPs

2.1 Routes of human exposure to MNPs

2.2 Detection of MNPs in human tissues and organs

3 Neurotoxic effects of MNPs

3.1 Cognitive impairment

3.2 Behavioral abnormalities

3.3 Neurodevelopmental toxicity

3.4 Alterations in brain structure

3.5 Combined neurotoxic effects of MNPs and other environmental pollutants

4 Mechanisms of toxicity

4.1 Oxidative stress

4.2 Neuroinflammation

4.3 Mitochondrial dysfunction

4.4 Synaptic function and neurotransmitter balance

4.5 Gut-brain axis mechanism

5 Conclusion and outlook

Key words

microplastics and nanoplastics / nervous system / mammals / toxic mechanisms

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Yuji Huang , Kailin Xu , Boxuan Liang , et al . Neurotoxicity and Mechanisms of Microplastics and Nanoplastics Exposure in Terrestrial Mammals[J]. Progress in Chemistry. 2025, 37(1): 76-88 https://doi.org/10.7536/PC240709

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Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China(82273656)
National Natural Science Foundation of China(82304177)
National Natural Science Foundation of China(22241604)
National Natural Science Foundation of China(82073519)
Guangdong Province University Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program projects(S202312121124)
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