撰文丨王聪 编辑丨王多鱼 排版丨水成文 最近几十年来，随着塑料制品的广泛使用，环境中的 纳米 塑料/纳米塑料 （ NMP） 变得无处不在。更重要的是，越来越多的研究显示，这些纳米塑料/微塑料会 通过饮用水、食物甚至呼吸的空气进入人类，并在人体内积累，科学家们已经在 肺 、 肾脏 、 肝脏 、 生殖系统 ，甚至是 大脑 中发现了纳米 塑料/微塑料的存 在。 这些纳米 塑料/微塑料 是否对人体有害？ 科学家们正在努力揭示它们对人体健康的影响。 近日， 美国罗德岛大学的研究人员在 Environmental Research Communications 期刊发表了题为： Short-term exposure to polystyrene microplastics alters cognition, immune, and metabolic markers in an apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype and sex-dependent manner 的研究论文。 该研究显示， 聚苯乙纳米塑料/微塑料 （PS-NMP） 能够在大脑中积累并导致认知能力下降，甚至引发 阿尔茨海默病 ...

Core Viewpoint - The study conducted by researchers at the University of Rhode Island indicates that microplastics and nanoplastics, which are prevalent in the environment, can accumulate in the brain and potentially lead to cognitive decline and symptoms similar to Alzheimer's disease, particularly in individuals carrying genetic risk factors like the APOE4 gene [1][5]. Group 1: Research Findings - Microplastics can penetrate various human body systems, including the brain, and may cross the blood-brain barrier, which typically protects the brain from harmful substances [1][2]. - The study involved genetically modified mice carrying the APOE4 gene, which is a significant risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, showing that these mice are approximately 3.5 times more likely to develop the disease compared to those with the APOE3 gene variant [1][2]. - The research demonstrated that exposure to microplastics led to behavioral changes in mice, such as increased exploration in open areas and impaired recognition of new objects, indicating cognitive decline [3][4]. Group 2: Implications and Future Research - The findings raise concerns about the widespread exposure to microplastics as environmental toxins and highlight the need for further research into their health impacts [5]. - The study encourages stricter regulations on microplastics, with the U.S. House of Representatives proposing the Microplastics Safety Act to investigate the effects of microplastics on human health, particularly in vulnerable populations [5]. - The researcher emphasizes the necessity for increased funding and research on the health impacts of microplastics, noting that observed trends in mice align with real-world observations [5].