Microplastic Exposure and the of Parkinson’s Disease

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) are small particles or fragments of plastic that have leaked into the environment and ecosystems in recent decades. Numerous animal studies have suggested that an organism’s exposure to microplastics may evoke responses from the body that are similar to the pathogenesis of human diseases. In particular, a collection of evidence has suggested that microplastics exposure may mimic Parkinson’s disease pathology (decreased dopaminergic neurons and interrupted motor function). Parkinson’s disease is an often progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease that is defined by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the brain; this degeneration leads to decreased motor function and abnormal motor movements. Studies have indicated that, upon entering the body, microplastics may trigger oxidative stress, organ inflammation, neurotoxicity, and transgenerational effects. Parkinson’s disease diagnoses are predicted to greatly increase in upcoming generations while microplastics continue to enter the environment at growing rates, inciting a point of concern for the human population and other organisms. In this review, the possible effects of organisms’ exposure to microplastics are explored through the review of animal studies and the comparison of these findings to the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease. By understanding the ways in which MPs affect the body and contribute to PD and other neurodegenerative disorders, the danger that MPs pose toward living organisms can be recognized, necessitate further research, and encourage preventative measures against the leakage of MPs into the environment.

Uptake and Cellular Effects of Polymethylmethacrylate on Human Cell Lines

“…The aim of this study was to visualize the uptake of PMMA by human cell lines. With the emerging research linking the uptake of microplastics to neurodegenerative disorders, we also investigated whether PMMA particles will alter CREB-mediated signaling as a possible mechanism behind it [20].…”

Presence of MNPs in Water Environment-pathways of Degradation and Impact on Organisms

“…Research into the potential dangers of micro-and nanoplastics to the human body gained prominence after 2019, when food packaging made of plastics began to be used on a large scale in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic [10][11][12][13]. Studies from researchers around the world suggest that plastic particles may result in, for example, increased inflammation or an increased chance of developing neurodegradative diseases [14,15]. Given that this problem potentially concerns each of us, it is important to raise human awareness of this issue.…”

From oceans to dinner plates: The impact of microplastics on human health

“…Additionally, microplastics can generate oxidative stress, which is a condition that can damage cells and DNA. This can lead to a number of health problems, including neurodegenerative diseases and reproductive problems [ 29 , 30 ]. These health effects are typically exacerbated by the chemical additives, such as polychlorinated biphenyls and phthalate esters, added to microplastics during production.…”