Identification of translational microRNA biomarker candidates for nano-polystyrene induced brain injury using next-generation sequencing

The exposure to nano-plastics affects mammalian neurotoxic hazard characterization remains to be determined. Our aim was to investigate the neurotoxicity of nano-plastics in rodents. Animals were randomly divided into two groups: a control group and 50 mg/kg body weight PS NPs treatment groups. Before treatment, animals were fasted overnight. PS NPs were suspended into waters, vigorously stirred. The PS NPs via oral gavage once per day and for 6 months. The mice were treated with water in control group. We found that exposure to PS NPs caused cognitive decline. PS NPs exposure influenced the prefrontal cortex cells with more pathological alteration with increasing dosage. High-throughput RNA sequencing was conducted to explore miRNA expression in prefrontal cortex. Twenty-nine differentially expressed miRNAs were detected, including 12 upregulated and 17 downregulated miRNAs. This finding provided a reference for further studies on the development mechanisms of ncRNA during cognitive dysfunction. Overall design: Mice exposure PS NPs for half year and identified of translational microRNA