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https:\/\/microplastics.springeropen.com\/articles\/10.1186\/s43591-021-00024-w<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Using electron microscopy, the researchers found that polyethylene (PE) particles accumulate in the brain at concentrations of 1.43 mg\/g after one week of exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Zaheer et al. hypothesized that the particles were digested in the stomach, deposited in the intestine, and that only the smallest PE fragments passed into the brain and accumulated there. The researchers found that particle exposure induced an increase in compulsive and repetitive behaviors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To investigate further ASD-related changes, the scientists analyzed gut microbiota, dopamine transporter signaling, metabolite levels, glucose metabolism, and gene expression in the brain by applying a broad spectrum of methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also here, they reported \u00abthe induction of ASD-like traits in response to microplastic exposure\u00bb and \u00abdemonstrated a link between environmental pollution during the prenatal and early postnatal periods and the development of ASD, as a consequence of complex interactions between risk factors.\u00bb genetic and non-genetic risk. Previous studies have reported that exposure to endocrine disruptors can lead to autistic features and that prenatal androgen exposure can alter brain development, making men more susceptible to ASDs. Exposure to toxic metals such as lead, mercury, and aluminum has also been linked to ASDs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n https:\/\/microplastics.springeropen.com\/articles\/10.1186\/s43591-021-00024-w<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n