New research reveals that microplastics can penetrate the brain through the nasal passages, prompting urgent questions about their impact on human health and the environment. Study: Microplastics in the Olfactory Bulb of the Human Brain. Image Credit: MattL_Images / Shutterstock In a recent study published in the JAMA Network Open , a group of researchers investigated the presence and characteristics of microplastics (MP) in the human olfactory bulb (OB), providing insight into potential pathways for microplastic translocation to the brain.
Background MP pollution is a growing environmental concern, with MPs found in various human organs, including the lungs, placenta, intestines, semen, liver, and bloodstream. Although the blood-brain barrier (BBB) typically limits MP access to the brain, studies suggest that MPs can impair the BBB and lead to neurotoxic effects. The olfactory pathway, where neurons transmit sensory information to the brain, is another potential route for MPs to reach brain tissue.
Further research is essential to understand how MPs reach the brain and their possible long-term impacts on neurological health. About the study Between February 2023 and May 2024, bilateral OBs were collected from 15 adult individuals during routine coroner autopsies. The individuals were long-term residents of São Paulo with no prior neurosurgical interventions.
Information about their occupations and underlying diseases was gathered through questionnaires, and autopsy reports.