Image data related to publication "Size-dependent plastic exposure disrupts macrophage function and tissue-specific metabolism"

Under diet-induced obesity, microplastics exacerbates hepatic lipid accumulation, while nanoplastics impair systemic glucose metabolism. Although the blood-brain barrier limits microplastic infiltration, a small fraction of ingested nanoplastics reaches the brain, where it is taken up by microglia, the brain-resident macrophages. However, we observe no signs of neuroinflammation or behavioral deficits.

These findings demonstrate that chronic MNP exposure disrupts macrophage function in a size-dependent manner, with distinct consequences for liver and systemic metabolism, while the brain remains largely protected. Understanding tissue-specific vulnerabilities to MNPs is crucial for assessing their long-term health impact.