Early-life exposure to polypropylene nanoplastics induces neurodevelopmental toxicity in mice and human iPSC-derived cerebral organoids.

ABSTRACT: Nanoplastics (NPs) are emerging environmental pollutants that pose growing concerns due to their potential health risks. However, the effects of inhaled NP exposure during pregnancy on fetal brain development remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the impact of maternal exposure to polypropylene nanoplastics (PP-NPs) on fetal brain development and neurobehavioral outcomes in a mouse model and further explored its mechanism in human cerebral organoids. Maternal exposure to PP-NPs significantly impaired neuronal differentiation and proliferation in the fetal cortex. Neurobehavioral assessments revealed significant deficits in offspring following maternal exposure, including impaired spatial memory, reduced motor coordination, and heightened anxiety-like behavior. Furthermor

SUBMITTER: Huang F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12210689 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature