Polystyrene Micro- and Nanoplastic Exposure Triggers an Activation and Stress Response in Human Astrocytes.

ABSTRACT: Recent evidence indicates the presence of micro- and nanoplastics in the human brain, with higher accumulation observed in patients with dementia. However, their mechanistic effects on the human brain at the cellular level remain underexplored. Astrocytes play a crucial role in repairing neurons following injury. The dysfunction of these cells can lead to chronic inflammation, a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we investigated the cytotoxic responses of primary human astrocytes exposed to polystyrene particles of two representative sizes, 25 nm and 1 µm, at concentrations of 1 µg/mL and 5 µg/mL for 48 h. Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy revealed the accumulation of particles of both sizes within the cytoplasm. Functional assays revealed reduced cell viability and elevate

SUBMITTER: Kiran S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12692081 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature