Microplastic Particles and Neural Diseases: Mechanistic Links Between Environmental Exposure and Nervous System Dysfunction

Abstract

Microplastic particles are widespread environmental contaminants with increasing concern for human neural health. Although direct causal links between microplastic exposure and specific neural diseases remain unproven, experimental evidence suggests that microplastics and nanoplastics may affect the nervous system through multiple interconnected pathways. After ingestion or inhalation, particles may interact with epithelial barriers, immune cells, vascular systems, and the gut microbiota, leading to systemic inflammation and barrier dysfunction that can influence neural homeostasis. At the cellular level, proposed mechanisms include oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, blood–brain barrier disruption, impaired proteostasis, altered neurotransmission, and synaptic dysfunction. These processes overlap with pathological features of neurodevelopmental disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cognitive or neuropsychiatric dysfunction. However, current studies are limited by inconsistent particle characterization, simplified exposure models, unrealistic doses, and limited human evidence. Future research should use standardized, disease-oriented, and physiologically relevant models to clarify whether microplastics contribute meaningfully to neural disease vulnerability or progression.