Bioaccumulation of Microplastics in Decedent Human Brains - Dr. Matthew Campen, PhD

Описание: Dr. Matthew Campen, PhD from the University of New Mexico presented recent research on the bioaccumulation of microplastics in human brains. His work, published in Nature Medicine, revealed that microplastics are present in various human tissues, with notably higher concentrations found in the brains of individuals with documented dementia. Campen’s team developed new methods using pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry to detect and quantify micro- and nanoplastics, overcoming previous technological limitations. Their findings show increasing levels of plastics in liver, kidney, and especially brain samples over time, with dementia cases exhibiting five to eight times higher concentrations. While the study establishes an association between microplastics and dementia, it does not prove causality—reduced blood-brain barrier integrity in dementia may contribute to increased plastic uptake. Controlled mouse studies demonstrated that orally administered microplastics can reach the liver, kidney, and brain, with preliminary data suggesting genetic factors may influence susceptibility. Campen emphasized the need for further research, multidisciplinary collaboration, and improved detection methods, including cerebrospinal fluid analysis, to better understand the health impacts and environmental presence of nano- and microplastics. The research remains preliminary, with many questions about exposure, accumulation, and long-term effects. Health Watch USA(sm) Oct. 15, 2025. (AI Assisted Summary)