We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Polystyrene nanoplastics enhance thrombosis through adsorption of plasma proteins
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that polystyrene nanoplastics can enter the bloodstream and increase the risk of blood clots by adsorbing key clotting proteins, particularly coagulation factor XII and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. This protein-adsorption mechanism was confirmed through multiple analytical approaches. The discovery of this thrombosis-promoting pathway is concerning because it suggests that nanoplastic exposure could increase cardiovascular risks like stroke and heart attack.
Plastic products offer remarkable convenience for modern life. However, growing concerns are emerging regarding the potential health hazards posed by nanoplastics, which formed as plastics break down. Currently, the biological effects and mechanisms induced by nanoplastics are largely underexplored. In this study, we report that polystyrene nanoplastics can enter the bloodstream and enhance thrombus formation. Our findings show that polystyrene nanoplastics adsorb plasma proteins, particularly coagulation factor XII and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, play a key role in this process, as demonstrated by proteomics, bioinformatic analyses, and molecular dynamics simulations. The adsorption of these proteins by nanoplastics is an essential factor in thrombosis enhancement. This newly uncovered pathway of protein adsorption leading to enhanced thrombosis provides new insights into the biological effects of nanoplastics, which may inform future safety and environmental risk assessment of plastics.
More Papers Like This
Interaction of polystyrene nanoplastics with human fibrinogen
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that polystyrene nanoplastics with different surface modifications disrupted the structure of human fibrinogen, a key blood clotting protein, in a dose-dependent manner. The study suggests that nanoplastics entering the bloodstream could interfere with protein function, raising concerns about the potential biological consequences of nanoplastic exposure in humans.
PB1065 Microvesicles Display Opposite Coagulolytic Balances According to Their Cellular Origin and Activation Status
AI summary Read the abstract
Polystyrene microplastics activated human vascular endothelial cells, upregulating inflammation markers ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, and promoted larger and denser blood clot formation when added to whole blood perfused over collagen at concentrations found in human plasma. These results raise concern that microplastics circulating in human blood could increase the risk of thrombosis and cardiovascular events.
Interaction of nanoplastics with platelets: activation and fibrin clot formation
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found that tiny plastic particles (nanoplastics), similar to those already detected in human blood, can quickly latch onto blood platelets, the cells responsible for clotting, and switch them into an "activated" state within minutes. This activation caused blood to form denser, thicker clots than normal, suggesting that everyday plastic exposure could potentially raise the risk of unwanted blood clots and cardiovascular problems. This was a lab study using blood samples, so more research is needed to confirm these effects happen in the body over time.
Circulating Microplastics as Acute Triggers of Platelet Activation and Coagulation: Implications for Cardiovascular Risk
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed human platelets to nanoplastics and found direct activation of platelet aggregation and coagulation pathways at environmentally relevant concentrations. The results suggest that circulating microplastics and nanoplastics could act as acute triggers of thrombosis, with implications for cardiovascular disease risk.
Nanoplastic-induced vascular endothelial injury and coagulation dysfunction in mice
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed mice to polystyrene nanoplastics with different surface modifications and found that the particles caused structural damage to vascular endothelial cells and triggered inflammatory responses. The nanoplastics also disrupted blood coagulation function in the mice. The study suggests that nanoplastic exposure may pose risks to cardiovascular health due to the particles' ability to travel through the bloodstream and damage blood vessel linings.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.