Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement. It is characterized by a variety of symptoms, including tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. As the disease progresses, individuals may also experience non-motor symptoms such as cognitive changes, mood disorders, and sleep disturbances. The primary cause of Parkinson’s disease is the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regulating movement and emotional responses. The loss of these neurons leads to the characteristic motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. While the exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is not fully understood, it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

A recent study published in the journal Science Advances identified a potential link between nanoplastic contaminants and the development and progression of Parkinson’s disease. Utilizing mice models, researchers found that anionic nanoplastics can exacerbate the formation and spreading of α-synuclein protein fibrils, which are linked to the development of Parkinson’s disease.

The researchers observed that anionic polystyrene nanoplastics cause cell leakage and potentially damage the blood-brain barrier in mammals. They also found that polystyrene plastic contamination circulated in the blood of most adults tested, with concentrations ranging from about 1 to more than 4 μg/ml in about a quarter of the blood samples analyzed from healthy participants.

The study highlights growing concerns about the impact of plastic pollution on human health. Microplastics, defined as particles less than 5 mm in diameter, are increasingly present in water and food, and single-use polystyrene products are largely responsible for widespread plastic pollution. The negative impact of plastic pollution on the environment is well known, but this research shows that it can also have serious consequences for human health.

It is important for individuals to take steps to reduce plastic pollution as it directly impacts the environment and human health. Policy makers should consider addressing the issue at a systemic level, implementing regulations to limit the production and use of single-use plastics. Furthermore, more research is needed to deepen our understanding of the link between nanoplastics and neurodegenerative diseases, guiding the development of informed policies and promoting a collective commitment to safeguard both environmental and human well-being.

Journal References

• Liu, Z., et al. (2023). Anionic nanoplastic contaminants promote α-synuclein fibrillation and exacerbate Parkinson’s disease-related pathology. Science Advances, 9(47), eadi8716. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adi8716
• Carbery, M., et al. (2018). Trophic transfer of microplastics and mixed contaminants in the marine food web and implications for human health. Environmental International, 115, 400-409. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.03.023
• Schnurr, R. E. J., et al. (2018). Reducing marine pollution from single-use plastics (SUPs): A review. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 137, 157-171. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.10.001