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Microplastics and nanoplastics increase major adverse cardiac events in patients with myocardial infarction
Yun Zhang1, Qianhui Gao1, Qiang Gao1
1Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China.
Abstract:
Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) have implicated in cardiovascular disease in preclinical studies. Our objective is to investigate the relationship between MNPs in the coronary arteries and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients with myocardial infarction (MI).We conducted a prospective observational study involving patients undergoing coronary angiography for MI. Coronary blood samples were analyzed for the presence of MNPs using pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A total of 142 patients were enrolled, with 110 completing a 31.5-month follow-up. Among them, 48 (43.6 %) had detectable polystyrene, 79 (71.8 %) had polyethylene, 105 (95.4 %) had polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and 68 (61.8 %) had polyamide 66 in their coronary blood. PVC concentration was higher in patients who experienced MACE. Furthermore, PVC levels were positively associated with proinflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α), and associated with higher odds of MACE (OR: 1.090, 95 %CI: 1.032-1.1523, P = 0.002). Notably, for each 10-unit increase in PVC, there was a 1.374-fold increase in the risk of MACE (OR=2.374, 95 %CI: 1.366-4.128, P = 0.002). Additionally, we collected blood and thrombus samples from an additional 21 MI patients, finding that PVC levels in coronary thrombi were positively correlated with inflammatory markers and monocyte/macrophage infiltration.
Insights
Microplastics like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) were found in coronary arteries of heart attack patients. Higher PVC levels correlated with increased risk of major adverse cardiac events and inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Toxicology
Background:
- Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are emerging environmental contaminants.
- Preclinical studies suggest MNPs may contribute to cardiovascular disease.
- The presence and impact of MNPs in human coronary arteries remain under-investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between MNPs in coronary arteries and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients with myocardial infarction (MI).
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study of 142 MI patients undergoing coronary angiography.
- Analysis of coronary blood samples for MNPs using pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
- 31.5-month follow-up to assess MACE incidence.
Main Results:
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) was detected in 95.4% of patients.
- Higher PVC concentration was observed in patients who experienced MACE.
- PVC levels positively correlated with proinflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, TNF-α).
- PVC was associated with increased odds of MACE (OR: 1.090) and a 1.374-fold increased risk per 10-unit increase.
- PVC in coronary thrombi correlated with inflammation and monocyte/macrophage infiltration.
Conclusions:
- MNPs, particularly PVC, are present in human coronary arteries of MI patients.
- PVC presence and concentration are linked to increased MACE risk and systemic inflammation.
- These findings suggest a potential role for MNPs in cardiovascular disease pathogenesis.
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