Routine exposure to microplastics may accelerate atherosclerosis, the artery-narrowing condition leading to heart attacks and strokes. This effect was observed in male mice but not females, suggesting sex-specific cardiovascular impacts, said a study from the University of California, Riverside found that
Microplastics, tiny fragments from plastics in packaging, fabrics, and consumer products, are pervasive — present in food, water, air, and even inside human tissues. Human clinical studies detected microplastics in arterial plaques and linked higher levels to greater cardiovascular risk.
Animal Study Shows Microplastics Intensify Artery Plaque Formation
In a controlled study, male LDLR-deficient mice exposed daily to realistic microplastic doses showed 63% more plaque in the aortic root and 624% more in the brachiocephalic artery compared to controls. Female mice did not show these effects.
Microplastics Disrupt Artery-Lining Endothelial Cells
Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed microplastics altered vascular cell types involved in atherosclerosis, especially endothelial cells that regulate inflammation and circulation. Dysfunction in these cells initiates plaque formation and vascular inflammation.
Microplastics Activate Harmful Genes Linked to Plaque Growth
Fluorescent microplastics accumulated in arterial plaques and activated pro-atherogenic gene pathways in both mouse and human endothelial cells, indicating similar biological responses across species.
Urgent Need to Understand Sex Differences and Mechanisms
Researchers aim to explore why males are more susceptible and how different microplastic types affect vascular health. As global microplastic pollution rises, understanding these mechanisms is critical for cardiovascular health interventions.
Q&A Section
Q: What cardiovascular effect do microplastics have?
A: They accelerate artery plaque buildup and impair endothelial cells, increasing heart disease risk.
Q: Why are males more affected than females?
A: Protective factors like estrogen may reduce risk in females; mechanisms are still under study.
Q: How do microplastics enter arteries?
A: Microplastics circulate in the bloodstream and accumulate in arterial plaques, disrupting cell function.
Q: Are traditional risks like obesity responsible for this damage?
A: No, mice remained lean with unchanged cholesterol levels, indicating microplastics act independently of these factors.
FAQ
What are microplastics?
Tiny plastic particles released from consumer products found widespread in the environment and human tissues.
How do microplastics affect artery cells?
They disrupt gene activity and cell function in the endothelium, leading to inflammation and plaque formation.
Is there direct human evidence linking microplastics to heart disease?
Microplastics have been found in human artery plaques and associated with higher cardiovascular risk.
What can be done to reduce microplastic exposure?
Limit plastic use in food and water containers, avoid single-use plastics, and reduce highly processed foods.
This pioneering research provides compelling evidence that microplastics directly contribute to cardiovascular disease development, especially in males. It highlights the critical need for further studies on sex-specific effects and the biological mechanisms of plastic particle toxicity in the vascular system. Preventing exposure alongside traditional health strategies remains essential to protect heart health amidst rising global microplastic pollution.
