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Microplastics release from infusion sets during intravenous infusion induces cardiovascular toxicity
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Researchers found that standard medical IV infusion sets release microplastics into patients' bloodstreams during treatment, with acidic or hypertonic drugs and higher temperatures increasing plastic particle release. Experiments showed these released microplastics triggered inflammation, disrupted blood vessel formation, and caused heart defects in zebrafish, raising serious concerns about an overlooked route of microplastic exposure in hospital care.
Plastic products are extensively utilized in the medical sector, with the global annual usage of single-use plastic infusion sets surpassing one million units. However, mounting evidence indicates that these infusion sets may release microplastic particles during intravenous administration, which could potentially accumulate in the cardiovascular system. In this study, by simulating specific clinical infusion conditions, including acidic, alkaline drugs and hypertonic infusions under different temperatures, we observed that irritating drugs and elevated temperatures significantly increased microplastic release. We collected the released microplastics (C-MPs) and exposed them to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and transgenic zebrafish models. The results revealed that C-MPs could be internalized by cells, subsequently leads to a maximum increase in ROS production of approximately 12-fold, activating NLRP3 inflammasomes, and inhibiting angiogenesis. Transgenic zebrafish experiments further confirmed that C-MPs accumulation led to a significant decrease in survival rates, accompanied by distinct cardiovascular malformations, such as cardiac dilation, pericardial edema, abnormal angiogenesis and profound oxidative damage. In summary, our findings indicate the existence of potential health risks to the cardiovascular system from microplastics released by medical devices, thereby emphasizing the necessity to address the impact of infusion conditions.
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Researchers measured the micro and nanoplastics released from brand-new disposable PVC infusion tubes used in hospitals, finding that each tube carries nearly 1,000 microplastic particles before any fluid even passes through. When infusion fluids were run through the tubes, they picked up additional particles, with the amount increasing at higher temperatures and longer durations. This means patients receiving IV fluids may be exposed to PVC plastic particles that enter directly into their bloodstream.
Factors affecting micro(nano)plastic release during intravenous therapy: Direct blood exposure.
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This study systematically evaluated factors affecting micro(nano)plastic (MNP) release from medical infusion products during intravenous therapy. Results indicated that MNPs are released into IV fluid at measurable levels, potentially delivering plastic particles directly into the bloodstream of patients.
Is intravenous infusion an unrecognized route for internal microplastic human exposure? A general assessment
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This study discovered that microplastics are present in intravenous (IV) infusion products used in hospitals, identifying a previously unrecognized route of microplastic exposure that bypasses the body's natural barriers. Standard IV filters removed some but not all of the plastic particles. This finding is important because IV-delivered microplastics go directly into the bloodstream, potentially posing a greater risk than microplastics that are eaten or inhaled.
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Researchers examined 16 batches of intravenous (IV) fluids packaged in polypropylene plastic bottles and found microplastic and nanoplastic particles in all of them, with concentrations reaching up to 10 million particles per milliliter. This is the first study to confirm that patients receiving IV infusions are being directly exposed to microplastics entering their bloodstream, though whether this causes harm remains to be studied.
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