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Detection of Various Microplastics in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery
Yunxiao Yang1, Enzehua Xie2, Zhiyong Du3
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, China.
Abstract:
Microplastics have been detected in human stool, lungs, and placentas, which have direct exposure to the external environment through various body cavities, including the oral/anal cavity and uterine/vaginal cavity. Crucial data on microplastic exposure in completely enclosed human organs are still lacking. Herein, we used a laser direct infrared chemical imaging system and scanning electron microscopy to investigate whether microplastics exist in the human heart and its surrounding tissues. Microplastic specimens were collected from 15 cardiac surgery patients, including 6 pericardia, 6 epicardial adipose tissues, 11 pericardial adipose tissues, 3 myocardia, 5 left atrial appendages, and 7 pairs of pre- and postoperative venous blood samples. Microplastics were not universally present in all tissue samples, but nine types were found across five types of tissue with the largest measuring 469 μm in diameter. Nine types of microplastics were also detected in pre- and postoperative blood samples with a maximum diameter of 184 μm, and the type and diameter distribution of microplastics in the blood showed alterations following the surgical procedure. Moreover, the presence of poly(methyl methacrylate) in the left atrial appendage, epicardial adipose tissue, and pericardial adipose tissue cannot be attributed to accidental exposure during surgery, providing direct evidence of microplastics in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Further research is needed to examine the impact of surgery on microplastic introduction and the potential effects of microplastics in internal organs on human health.
Insights
Microplastics were found in human heart tissues and blood samples from cardiac surgery patients. This study provides evidence of microplastic presence in enclosed organs, necessitating further health impact research.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Human Health
Background:
- Microplastics are prevalent in the environment and have been detected in various human tissues with external exposure.
- Data on microplastic presence in completely enclosed human organs, such as the heart, remain limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the existence of microplastics in the human heart and surrounding tissues.
- To analyze microplastic presence in blood samples before and after cardiac surgery.
Main Methods:
- Utilized laser direct infrared chemical imaging and scanning electron microscopy.
- Collected tissue and blood samples from 15 cardiac surgery patients.
- Analyzed microplastics in pericardium, epicardial adipose tissue, myocardial tissue, left atrial appendage, and venous blood.
Main Results:
- Microplastics were detected in five types of heart tissues, with nine different types identified.
- The largest microplastic found measured 469 μm in diameter.
- Microplastics were also found in pre- and postoperative blood samples, with alterations observed post-surgery.
- Poly(methyl methacrylate) presence in specific heart tissues suggests non-accidental introduction during surgery.
Conclusions:
- This study provides direct evidence of microplastics in the human heart and associated tissues of cardiac surgery patients.
- The findings highlight the potential for microplastic contamination in internal organs.
- Further research is crucial to understand the surgical impact on microplastic introduction and the health implications of internal organ microplastic exposure.
