Nano polystyrene induced changes in anxiety and learning behaviour are mediated through oxidative stress and gene disturbance in mouse brain regions

Neurotoxicology. 2023 Oct 19:S0161-813X(23)00135-3. doi: 10.1016/j.neuro.2023.10.009. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTIt is widely reported now that nanoplastic particles have potential neurotoxic effects and may disturb central nervous system (CNS) function. However, the mechanism behind these toxic effects still needs to be elucidated. In the current study, we investigated the effects of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) on changes in learning, memory, and anxiety-related behavior in mice based on some selected biochemical, molecular, and histopathological changes in three important brain regions (Cortex, Hypothalamus, and Hippocampus). Male mice were orally administered daily with two doses of 50nm PS-NPs (0.2mg/ml and 1mg/ml) for 8 weeks. We observed decreased expression of neurotransmitter-related genes (VAChT, GAD, and SYP) in the cortex, hypothalamus, and hippocampus areas of the mouse brain. Other biochemical variables including, antioxidant enzymes, biomarkers for oxidative stress, and acetylcholinesterase activity showed significant alterations in all three brain regions. Molecular and neurochemical data thus suggest significant neurobehavioral changes following sub-chronic exposure to PS-NPs which may lead to enhanced anxiety-related and spatial learning and memory-related impairments by affecting limbic areas of the brain.PMID:37865141 | DOI:10.1016/j.neuro.2023.10.009

Source: Neurotoxicology - October 21, 2023 Category: Neurology Authors: Anju Sharma Manjyot Kaur Kirti Sharma Suresh Kumar Bunkar Placheril John Pradeep Bhatnagar Source Type: research