We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Virgin and Aged Microplastics Induce Type-specific Inflammatory Responses on Vascular Cells
Summary
Both virgin and UV-aged polystyrene and polyethylene microplastics triggered inflammatory responses in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells in vitro, with different polymer types and aging states producing distinct patterns of cellular damage. The results suggest that microplastics ingested or inhaled by people may contribute to vascular inflammation and worsen cardiovascular disease — a significant human health concern.
Abstract Microplastics (MPs) are recognized as a major environmental problem due to their ubiquitous presence in ecosystems and bioaccumulation in food chains. Not only humans are continuously exposed to these pollutants through ingestion and inhalation, but recent findings suggest they may trigger vascular inflammation and potentially worsen the clinical conditions of cardiovascular patients. Here we combine headspace analysis by needle trap microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and biological assays to evaluate the effects of polystyrene, high- and low-density polyethylene MPs on phenotype, metabolic activity, and pro-inflammatory status of Human Coronary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells (HCASMCs). Virgin and artificially aged MPs (4 weeks at 40 °C and 750 W/m 2 simulated solar irradiation) were comparatively tested at 1 mg/mL to simulate a realistic exposure scenario. Our results clearly show the activation of oxidative stress and inflammatory processes when HCASMCs were cultured with aged polymers, with significant overexpression of IL-6 and TNF-α. In addition, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including pentane, acrolein, propanal, and hexanal as the main components, were released into the headspace. Type-specific VOC response profiles were induced on vascular cells from different MPs.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Type-specific inflammatory responses of vascular cells activated by interaction with virgin and aged microplastics
Researchers exposed human blood vessel wall cells to both new and sun-aged microplastics made of polystyrene and polyethylene. The aged microplastics triggered significantly more oxidative stress and inflammation, increasing levels of key inflammatory markers like IL-6 and TNF-alpha. Since most microplastics in the real world are weathered, these results suggest that actual human exposure may pose a greater risk to cardiovascular health than lab studies using fresh plastics indicate.
Virgin and photo-degraded microplastics induce the activation of human vascular smooth muscle cells
Lab tests showed that common microplastics from food packaging (polyethylene and polystyrene) can activate human blood vessel smooth muscle cells in ways linked to atherosclerosis and vascular calcification. Photo-degraded microplastics -- the weathered kind found in the real environment -- triggered even stronger inflammatory responses, suggesting that environmental plastic pollution could contribute to cardiovascular disease.
Influence of the polymer type on the impact of microplastic particles
Researchers compared the cellular effects of polystyrene, polyethylene, PVC, and PLA microparticles on murine macrophages and epithelial cells, assessing uptake and cytotoxicity. All polymer types were ingested by macrophages, but the degree of cytotoxicity varied by polymer composition.
From Environment to Endothelium: The Role of Microplastics in Vascular Aging
This review examines how microplastics may contribute to vascular aging and cardiovascular problems. Evidence indicates that once microplastics enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact, they can reach blood vessels and trigger oxidative stress, inflammation, and damage to the cells lining blood vessel walls. The findings suggest that chronic microplastic exposure could be an underappreciated factor in the development of age-related cardiovascular issues.
Enhancement of biological effects of oxidised nano- and microplastics in human professional phagocytes
Researchers studied how virgin and environmentally aged polystyrene nano- and microplastics affect human immune cells (monocytes and macrophages). The study found that oxidized particles, which simulate environmental aging, caused significantly greater DNA damage and oxidative stress than virgin particles, suggesting that weathered plastics in the environment may pose higher health risks.