Did you know that the ubiquitous nanoplastic pollution around us is actually related to Parkinson's disease?A recent study has forced us to revisit this problem that we face every day.
In this era of rapid technological change, plastic has become an indispensable part of our lives. However, with the massive use and disposal of plastics, they have also become a major source of environmental pollution. This plastic waste can be broken down into tiny particles, which are what we call microplastics. Once these microplastics enter the environment, they enter our food and water sources through various pathways.
What's even more surprising is that these microplastics can also be further broken down into nanoplastics. These nanoplastic particles are so small that they can easily enter our cells and even affect our nervous system. A recent study found a strong link between these nanoplastics and Parkinson's disease.
In their research, scientists have found that nanoplastics can bind to a substance called synuclein, which often occurs in abnormal aggregations in the brains of people with Parkinson's disease. This binding can promote the aggregation of synuclein, forming what we often call "protein fibers", which is one of the main pathological hallmarks of Parkinson's disease.
What's even more surprising is that these nanoplastics can also enter neurons through a pathway called endocytosis, triggering an inflammatory response in cells that can damage our nervous system. This damage can lead to the occurrence and progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease.
This study sheds light on the link between environmental pollution and neurological diseases. It also reminds us that we need to pay more attention to environmental protection and reduce the use and disposal of plastics. Only in this way can we protect our homes and protect our health.
In this era of rapid technological change, we need to study and understand the impact of nanoplastic pollution on the environment and human health more deeply. Only in this way can we take effective measures to reduce the use and emissions of nanoplastics and protect our ecological environment and health. Let's take action together to make a difference for our planet and our future!
*：zhiyong liu et al. anionic nanoplastic contaminants promote parkinson’s disease–associated α-synuclein aggregation.sci. adv.9,eadi8716(2023)