Plastic traces were discovered in the brains of 54 individuals in the United States. However, specialists indicate that not enough information exists regarding their impact on health or the prevalence of microplastics within the brain.
A recent study has revealed that micro- and nanoplastics detected in human brains and livers have risen from 2016 to 2024.
The study, published in Nature Medicine, Discovered that brain tissues taken from human corpses in 2016 had significantly greater amounts of plastic particles compared to the liver and kidney samples.
Micro and nanoplastics are minuscule — usually measuring about 200 nanometers in length, and far smaller than a human cell.
A study conducted on corpses from 2024 revealed significantly greater levels in both brain and liver tissues when contrasted with those from 2016.
"Our hypothesis suggests that much of this plastic does not come from recent pollution but rather consists of degraded remnants from long ago. This underscores the necessity for broader approaches involving both environmental policies and public health concerns," said study author Marcus Garcia from the University of New Mexico, US, as reported by Pawonation.com.
Nonetheless, there is currently "no substantial proof indicating any health impacts [of nanoplastics on the brain]," stated Oliver Jones, a specialist in biological chemistry from the University of Melbourne, Australia, who did not participate in the research.
The researchers tested just 52 samples altogether. This limited data isn’t sufficient to draw strong conclusions about the presence of microplastics specifically in New Mexico, much less on a global scale, according to Jones.
Researchers are unsure about the detrimental effects of microplastics on brain health.
Plastics inundate our planet — found in households, the very air we inhale, the meals we consume, and the containers we use for drinking.
Microplastics are bits of broken-down plastic. Most often, the Plastics get into our bodies via consumption or breathing. They have been seen in human tissues for many years, however, their impact on health is only now starting to be recorded.
Some findings suggest that the buildup of microplastics, particularly within vital organs such as the liver, may disrupt typical physiological processes.
The data from the research also revealed that microplastics accumulated more extensively in the brains of 12 individuals suffering from dementia.
The authors, however, state that this connection is merely correlational and does not establish that microplastics lead to dementia. Further investigation is required to determine whether, or in what manner, the buildup of microplastics in the brain adversely affects health—similarly to the way studies are exploring their impact on the rest of the body.
"Conclusive proof connecting the buildup of microplastics to particular human illnesses or health effects remains absent," Garcia stated.
Confirming a cause-and-effect link [with dementia] would necessitate thorough investigation to determine whether or how microplastics play a role in the onset or advancement of neurodegenerative disorders.
Research might exaggerate the buildup of microplastics.
Jones likewise advised being careful when drawing conclusions from the findings of the research.
He mentioned that it's not feasible to generalize the findings from this limited study to the global population. The research might also have overstated the quantity of microplastics found in the brain tissues of the deceased individuals.
Jones further mentioned that the primary analytical technique utilized for measuring plastics tends to produce inaccurate outcomes since “fats [a major component of the brain] yield the same compounds as polyethylene [the principal type of plastic reportedly found],” and raised doubts about potential plastic contamination originating either from the lab or during the initial autopsy process.
" Plastic pollution can be found virtually anywhere. ", how can we ensure that any detected particles truly indicate that plastics are crossing membranes within the human body, rather than being mere contaminants?" Jones asked.
In what ways can microplastics enter or exit the brain?
The researchers suggest that their study introduces new queries regarding the possible effects of microplastics on brain health and whether these particles can be eliminated.
"The primary question revolves around comprehending the processes responsible for microplastic buildup in the brain — how these particles infiltrate and which biological pathways they follow," explained Garcia.
Scientists have not yet determined whether our bodies can naturally eliminate microplastics from the brain and other organs. Additionally, it remains uncertain if there are processes that could aid in breaking down these microplastics within the body.
"Definitely, additional research would be required to determine whether this is feasible at all. It remains unclear if microplastics or any other particulates could remain in the brain or if they might be expelled by the body. Once again, further investigation would be necessary to explore this," stated Jones.
Edited by: Matthew Ward Agius
Primary source:
Accumulation of Microplastics in Deceased Human Brains, Nature Medicine, February 2025 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03453-1
Author: Fred Schwaller
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