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Micro- and Nanoplastics as a Potential Risk Factor for Stroke: A Systematic Review.
Jakub Kufel1, Miłosz Korbaś2, Julita Janiec2
1Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland.
Journal of Xenobiotics
|February 20, 2026
Summary
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are found in human blood vessels and stroke clots. MNP presence in plaques increases cardiovascular event risk, suggesting they may be a novel stroke risk factor.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Neurology
- Cardiovascular Science
Background:
- Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) pollution is a growing global health concern.
- Evidence shows MNPs in the human body, but their role in cerebrovascular diseases is unclear.
- Stroke remains a leading cause of death and disability worldwide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the presence of MNPs in the vascular system.
- To assess the association between MNPs and stroke risk and progression.
- To explore potential biological mechanisms linking MNPs to cerebrovascular events.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review following PRISMA 2020 guidelines.
- Searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase for studies published in the last 10 years.
- Included 5 studies (2 human observational, 3 animal in vivo) and assessed methodological quality.
Main Results:
- MNPs, especially polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride, were detected in human carotid atherosclerotic plaques and stroke thrombi.
- MNP presence in plaques correlated with a 4.5-fold increased risk of major cardiovascular events and death.
- Animal studies indicated MNP exposure can cause microembolization, blood-brain barrier disruption, and worsen ischemic injury.
Conclusions:
- MNPs accumulate in the cardiovascular system and are associated with adverse clinical outcomes, including stroke.
- While MNP burden may reflect cumulative exposure, they may represent a novel, modifiable stroke risk factor.
- Further standardized research is needed to confirm a causal relationship between MNPs and stroke.
Keywords:
cardiovascular riskcerebrovascular diseaseenvironmental pollutionmicroplasticsnanoplasticsstrokeMore Related Videos
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