We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles increase risk of cardiovascular diseases by inducing endothelium dysfunction and inflammation
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that injecting mice with nanoparticles made from PLGA — a biodegradable plastic widely used in medicine — caused significant narrowing of a major artery by promoting inflammation and abnormal smooth muscle cell growth. The findings raise concerns that biodegradable plastics are not necessarily safe for the cardiovascular system.
Biodegradable polymers are expected to be an alternative to plastics. Because of its high biocompatibility, poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is widely used in medicine. It has been reported that micro-nano plastics can be accumulated in the circulatory system and cause tissue injury. With the increasing environmental exposure of degradable polymer nanoparticles (NPs), the impact of this risk factor on cardiovascular disease deserves attention. Thus, we aim to study the harmful effect of PLGA NPs on the process of vascular stenosis which is a typical pathological feature of cardiovascular diseases. We establish a mouse vascular stenosis model with intravenously injecting of PLGA NPs for 2 weeks. This model leads to a significant narrowing of the left common carotid artery which is characterized by the increasing intima area and focal stenosis. We observe that PLGA NPs accelerate stenosis progression by inducing inflammation and impairing vascular function. It promotes the proliferation of smooth muscle cells and causes abnormal collagen distribution. The combination of wall shear stress and PLGA NPs uptake speed up endothelial cell damage, decrease endothelial permeability and cell migration capacity. Our results suggest that PLGA NPs may pose a risk in cardiovascular stenosis which inspire us to concern the biodegradable polymeric materials in our living especially the clinic applications.
More Papers Like This
Micro and Nano-plastic particles: What are they and do they effect cardiovascular health?
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines the cardiovascular health effects of micro- and nanoplastics, summarizing evidence that these particles have been detected in human tissues including arterial plaques and may promote endothelial dysfunction and inflammation. The authors call for further clinical and epidemiological research into cardiac risk.
Micro- and nanoplastics as emerging cardiovascular risk factors: a new atherogenic player?
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes existing research on tiny plastic particles called microplastics and nanoplastics, which are found in food, water, and human tissue. It reports that these particles may contribute to clogged, hardened arteries by causing cell stress, inflammation, and blood vessel problems, though current evidence does not prove they cause heart disease in people.
Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Cardiovascular Disease: An Emerging Cardiovascular Risk Factor
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed mounting experimental and early clinical evidence that microplastics and nanoplastics cross epithelial barriers, accumulate in arterial plaques, cardiac tissue, and thrombi, and trigger oxidative stress and coagulation dysregulation, framing these particles as an emerging cardiovascular risk factor that warrants integration into disease prevention frameworks.
Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Cardiovascular Disease
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes existing research on tiny plastic particles called microplastics and nanoplastics and their possible links to heart and blood vessel disease. It covers how these particles may enter the bloodstream, studies finding plastic particles in human artery plaques, and possible biological effects like inflammation and blood vessel damage reported in human, animal and lab studies.
Emerging cardiovascular risks of micro- and nanoplastics: toxic effects and mechanistic pathways
AI summary Read the abstract
Tiny plastic particles called micro- and nanoplastics are getting into our bodies through food, air, and skin contact, and researchers have found them building up in people's hearts and blood vessels. This review of existing studies shows these plastic bits may contribute to heart disease by causing inflammation and damaging cells in the cardiovascular system. While more research is needed, this suggests that plastic pollution isn't just an environmental problem—it could be directly harming our heart health.
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.