Plasticizers impair normal brain function in vertebrates, study finds

Plasticizers, commonly found in products such as PVC, paints, and cosmetics, have been found to have negative effects on normal brain function in vertebrates. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Bayreuth revealed that the plasticizers DEHP and DINP can impair the blood-brain barrier, which protects the brains of vertebrates from toxins in the blood. This discovery raises concerns about the potential risks posed by these plasticizers to adult brain health.

Phthalates, including DEHP and DINP, are widely used as additives in plastic products. However, these plasticizers can leach into the environment and enter the human body through various sources like food, clothing, and dust. While DEHP has been known to have detrimental effects on development and reproduction, DINP has been considered a safer alternative. Despite this, recent studies have shown that both DEHP and DINP can negatively impact the brain function of vertebrates.

To investigate the effects of these plasticizers on the brain, researchers exposed goldfish to environmentally relevant concentrations of DEHP and DINP for one month. They focused on the Mauthner neuron, the largest nerve cell in the hindbrain of fish, which serves as a model for studying brain function. The study revealed that both DEHP and DINP reduced the conduction speed of the Mauthner neuron by 20%, potentially affecting the transmission of signals between nerve cells and impairing normal brain function.

Dr. Peter Machnik, one of the researchers involved in the study, highlighted the significance of these findings, stating that the observed effects of plasticizer exposure on nerve cell function in fish could also be applicable to humans. The study’s results indicate that plasticizers like DEHP and DINP can have a profound impact on crucial brain functions, including signal transmission between nerve cells and visual perception.

The research published in the journal Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety emphasizes the need for further investigation into the potential risks associated with phthalate exposure. Understanding the sensitivity of important brain functions to these plasticizers is crucial for conducting future risk assessments and ensuring the safety of plastic products.

For more information on this study, you can refer to the published article titled “Exposure to phthalate plasticizer compromises normal brain function in an adult vertebrate” in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. The research was conducted by Benedikt Maric, Prof. Dr. Stefan Schuster, and Dr. Peter Machnik from the Department of Animal Physiology at the University of Bayreuth.

This research sheds light on the previously overlooked impact of plasticizers on brain function in vertebrates and underscores the importance of considering these factors in assessing the safety of plastic products. Further studies are needed to explore the full extent of the potential risks posed by phthalates to human health.

Source:
Benedikt Maric et al, Exposure to phthalate plasticizer compromises normal brain function in an adult vertebrate, Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.117187

This article was provided by Bayreuth University.