Microplastics Detected in Arterial Plaques Linked to Increased Cardiovascular Risk
A recent Italian study has revealed the presence of microplastics in the arterial plaques of a notable percentage of patients undergoing surgery, raising concerns about potential cardiovascular health impacts. Researchers found that microplastics were present in nearly 60% of the samples analyzed, with polyethylene being the most common type detected.
The study, led by professor Raffaele Marfella at the University of Campania, examined 257 patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy – a surgical procedure to remove plaque from arteries. In addition to polyethylene, 12% of the samples also contained PVC (vinyl polychloride). These plastics are commonly found in everyday items like plastic bags, pipes, and bottles. The presence of these particles was confirmed using advanced techniques including pyrolysis coupled with mass spectrometry and stable isotope analysis.
Under electron microscopy, researchers observed the microplastic fragments trapped within macrophages, immune cells found within the fatty plaques. Notably, patients with microplastics present in their arterial deposits exhibited significantly higher levels of certain inflammatory markers.
Following nearly three years of follow-up, the study indicated a substantially increased risk for those exposed to microplastics. Patients whose plaques contained these particles demonstrated a 4.5 times higher risk of stroke, non-fatal heart attack, or death from all causes. previous laboratory research has suggested that microplastic exposure can induce inflammation and oxidative stress in both animal models and miniature organic systems.
However, researchers emphasize the need for caution in interpreting these results.The study is observational and cannot definitively prove a direct causal link between microplastics and cardiovascular events.Other contributing factors, such as smoking and a sedentary lifestyle, were not specifically accounted for in the analysis. Furthermore, the overall decline in cardiovascular disease rates presents a complicating factor.
“The very observation of microplastics in human tissues is a major advance which calls for increased vigilance and in-depth research to understand how to limit our exposure,” stated Professor Philip J. Landrigan, a public health specialist at Boston College.
The findings underscore the urgency of assessing the potential health risks associated with the rapidly increasing production of plastics and the resulting proliferation of microplastics in the environment and within the human body. As Professor Landrigan notes, the issue warrants more then just scientific investigation.
