A study in mice reveals that immune cells in the brain 'engulf' microplastics, forming clumps that can cause brain clots. The findings, published in the journal Science Advances, highlight how microplastics can indirectly damage the brain by disrupting blood flow, rather than directly infiltrating brain tissue cells.

Ethel Eljarrat - microplásticos EN
Ethel Eljarrat
Director of the Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Studies (IDAEA-CSIC)
The study published in the journal Science Advances is a breakthrough in the knowledge of the impact of microplastics on human health. There are already several studies that show that living beings are exposed to these new ubiquitous pollutants by different routes, such as inhalation or ingestion. However, there is still a lack of scientific evidence to determine the impact of such exposure. This now published study evaluates the possible impact of the presence of microplastics on immune cells in the brain, where they obstruct blood flow and induce cerebral coagulation. Thus, once in the brain, they can alter brain function and may cause neurodegeneration.
According to the results obtained, the authors consider it urgent to increase research in this area. For my part, I would add that future studies should also focus on the possible effects that may be caused by chemical additives associated with these microplastics. According to the results of previous studies by our research group, we know that several of the chemical additives used as flame retardants or plasticizers are capable of crossing the hematoencephalic membrane and reaching the brain. And several of these compounds are known to produce neurotoxic effects, so it is necessary not only to limit future research on the possible physical effects that the presence of microplastics can cause in the brain, but also to focus on the chemical effects of the additives associated with microplastics.
- Research article
- Peer reviewed
- Animals
Huang et al.
- Research article
- Peer reviewed
- Animals