Microplastics discovered for the first time in human blood vessels

A multi-institutional research team led by the University of Hull in the United Kingdom conducted a small pilot study and found 15 microplastic particles per gram of human venous tissue, the first evidence of microplastic contamination of human vascular tissues. These results support that these contaminants are transported within tissues, specifically blood vessels, and will allow determining the impacts on vascular health, they reported last Wednesday.
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They detect a ‘rain’ of plastic equivalent to about 3 million bottles annually

The first study of its kind

Until now, no study has examined whether microplastics can infiltrate or cross any biological barriers or examined potential links between exposure to environmental microplastics and coronary artery bypass surgery (CRC) outcomes. The scientists analyzed human saphenous vein tissue (blood vessels in the legs) taken from patients with coronary heart disease who underwent CRC.

“We were surprised to find them,” said Professor Jeanette Rotchell, an environmental toxicologist at the University of Hull, who led the research. “We already know that microplastics are in the blood,” she added. “But it was not clear whether they could cross blood vessels into vascular tissue and this work would suggest that they can do just that,” she stressed.

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Various types of polymers in venous tissues

However, although the size ranges of the microplastics found are similar, the shape characteristics and types of polymers differ from other types of human tissues analyzed to date. Among the polymers found, alkyd resin stands out, which is found in synthetic paints, varnishes and enamels. They also found polyvinyl acetate, an adhesive that is one of the main ingredients in industrial and household glues.

Other of the most found were those derived from nylon and ethylene-vinyl-alcohol, which are used to create flexible packaging materials, with multiple uses that include food packaging. “These first analyzes of human tissue suggest that the distribution of the predominant types of microplastics may be tissue-specific,” Rotchell said. The results of this study were published last Wednesday in PLoS One.

Its implications on human health

Researchers believe that the presence of these microplastics in veins may well play a role in damaging the interior of blood vessels and causing them to become blocked over time. “Failure of saphenous vein grafts has been a long-standing problem after coronary artery bypass surgery. “It is an effective treatment but longevity is limited by the deterioration of the permeability of the veins.” Mentioned Professor Mahmoud Loubani, co-author of the study.

Now, scientists want to identify the impacts on vascular health and whether there is any correlation between environmental exposure to microplastics and CRC outcomes. They will also focus on finding ways to eliminate these microplastics. With RT

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