Certain types of microplastics can cause common mental health problems.
what happened?
In a study published in Environment International in March, scientists showed that exposure to polystyrene microplastics caused an anxiety response in mice.
They demonstrated this by activating the HRAS-derived PERK-NF-κB pathway (note the scientific terminology) in microglia. In other words, they elucidated the “molecular mechanism” of the anxiety caused by polystyrene microplastics and identified the cells and their functions. Something that causes an inflammatory response.
“Microplastic” [are] “They are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic, making their effects on human health of particular concern,” the researchers said.
The paper points out that polystyrene is cost-effective and is used in everything from personal care products to food packaging. However, its ubiquity and disposable lifespan contribute to widespread pollution that harms humans and animals. Microplastics can be consumed through food and the air we breathe.
In the study, 8-week-old male mice were given polystyrene microplastics and then spent 10 minutes in a maze. We measured the distribution and accumulation of microplastics in the brain. One week after exposure, scientists collected tissue, blood, and other samples.
They found that the mice’s behavior depended on whether they received a dose of saline, low microplastics, or high microplastics. Mice that ingested microplastics spent significantly more time in the closed arm than in the open arm of the elevated plus maze, and in the periphery of the open field maze rather than the center.
Why is this a concern?
Polystyrene has been shown to irritate the gastrointestinal tract of aquatic organisms, interfere with metabolism, and contain neurotoxic properties. We now know that these chemical reactions are associated with anxiety behavior in mice.
According to this study, anxiety is prevalent in 16% of the world’s population, causing chronic anxiety that manifests as alertness, heightened agitation, and mental disorders.
“Understanding the underlying pathological mechanisms may pave the way for early intervention, thereby reducing the economic burden on society,” the authors write. “Neuroinflammation is increasingly recognized in anxiety-related disorders as a well-established role in chronic mental illness. Triggers of neuroinflammation impair brain function and ultimately impact mental health, leading to depression. Many reports have shown that it can cause symptoms such as illness and anxiety.
Given that ever-present microplastics can alter the body’s ability to regulate inflammation, the authors say that exposure to these “environmental toxicants” could be a “significant contributor to neurological disorders.” be recognized as a risk factor.
What can you do?
Instead of drinking water from single-use plastic bottles, you can reduce your chances of ingesting microplastics by using glass or metal bottles. Much of our drinking water contains microplastics, so scientists are researching different ways to filter toxins.
Also, avoid heating food in the microwave or storing hot food in plastic containers, as microplastics can leach into your meals.
Fatty foods can also be a source of microplastics, so reducing your red meat intake and prioritizing more sustainable foods such as beans and other Mediterranean staples can help. Eating sustainable food also has the added benefit of helping the environment.
You can also use natural products such as vinegar to clean instead of commercially available products that contain chemicals. It is also effective in cleaning mold.
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