Plasticizers, Micro- and Nanoplastics: exposure across the lifespan and impact on the brain and behavior

In the last century, there has been an exponential rise in petrochemical and plastic production. Ingestion, inhalation or absorption of plastics and plasticizers have been implicated in a variety of adverse health effects ranging from neurodevelopmental to neurodegenerative disorders. Plasticizers are a component of plastics, including micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs), that are used to make plastics more durable and flexible. Plasticizers such as phthalates are found in common household items, medical supplies, and children’s toys. Monomers, such as bisphenol A (BPA), are the building blocks of polymers and can leach out as products degrade. These chemicals are so ubiquitous they are commonly referred to as ‘everywhere chemicals’ and are now routinely detected in human breastmilk, urine, blood, amniotic fluid, and meconium. As such, the ubiquitous presence of these plasticizers in our modern environment indicates that exposure begins in-utero, spans a lifetime, and is cross-generational.Recent studies demonstrate that MNPs and plasticizers can enter the brain and induce neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, protein aggregation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Despite growing evidence in this field, there remains a significant gap in understanding the molecular mechanisms by which plastics and plasticizers affect brain function and behaviour during development, adulthood, and the ageing brain. This Research Topic aims to investigate the impact of exposure to plastics and plasticizers on the brain and across the lifespan. The objective is to compile a collection of original research articles, reviews, methods, perspectives, and opinion articles that will advance our understanding of the biochemical mechanisms which impact brain health. This project seeks to uncover the pathways by which these environmental toxicants affect behavior, mood, cognition, biochemistry and neuropathology, with the ultimate goal to better understand this environmental challenge, uncover potential therapeutic strategies, and contribute to the advancement of health policy. To gather further insights on the impact of MNPs and plasticizers on brain health across the lifespan, we welcome articles focusing on, but not limited to, the following themes:• In vitro studies elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which plastics and plasticizers impact brain cells• In vivo studies performed on animal models• Human studies involving behavioural and cognitive measures, neuroimaging or electrophysiological techniques to examine how exposure to these environmental toxicants can alter brain functions• Studies focusing on the impact of exposure at different life stages: in utero exposure, infancy and childhood exposure, adulthood and older age• Studies exploring potential mitigation strategies• Development of novel techniques to measure and detect MNPs and plasticizers in various organs and biofluids Topic editors: Wah Chin Boon, Sydney Juan, Kristina Vacy, Deborah Dewey Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/85720/plasticizers-micro--and-nanoplastics-exposure-across-the-lifespan-and-impact-on-the-brain-and-behavior