Emerging cardiovascular risks of micro- and nanoplastics: toxic effects and mechanistic pathways - PubMed
3 hours ago
- #environmental health
- #microplastics
- #cardiovascular diseases
- Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are emerging environmental contaminants posing risks to cardiovascular health.
- MNPs are linked to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as atherosclerosis, cardiac fibrosis, and myocardial infarction.
- MNPs have been found in atherosclerotic plaques and myocardial tissues of patients.
- Exposure routes include oral ingestion, inhalation, dermal contact, and medical procedures.
- MNPs accumulate in blood, blood vessels, and cardiac tissues, causing oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation.
- Mechanisms include endothelial dysfunction, cardiac damage, vascular smooth muscle cell changes, and macrophage foam cell formation.
- The cardiovascular risks and mechanisms of MNPs remain understudied, necessitating further research for risk assessment and prevention.