Researchers have discovered microplastics in a range of environments, from food and water to air and certain parts of the human body. However, investigations into internal organs that aren't directly exposed to the external environment have been limited. In a preliminary study involving individuals who underwent heart surgery, scientists from ACS' Environmental Science & Technology have now reported the presence of microplastics in various heart tissues. Additionally, their findings suggest an unexpected introduction of microplastics during the surgical procedures.

Figure 1. Microplastics in Cardiac Tissues.

Figure 1 shows microplastics in cardiac tissues. Microplastics, which are plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters, have been shown to enter the human body through openings such as the mouth and nose. Yet, organs and tissues enclosed within the body lack comprehensive research regarding their potential exposure to and effects from microplastics. To explore whether these particles can enter the cardiovascular system indirectly or directly, Kun Hua, Xiubin Yang, and their team embarked on a pilot study.

During this experiment, the researchers gathered heart tissue samples from 15 individuals undergoing cardiac surgeries. They also collected blood specimens before and after the operations from half of the participants. Utilizing laser direct infrared imaging, the team analyzed the samples and identified plastic particles ranging from 20 to 500 micrometers in width. These particles were composed of eight plastic types, including polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, and poly(methyl methacrylate). Most tissue samples contained numerous individual microplastic fragments, with varying quantities and materials among participants. Plastic particles were also present in all blood samples. However, the size of the particles decreased after surgery, and a greater diversity of plastic types was identified.

Despite the study's limited sample size, the researchers argue that they have presented initial evidence of diverse microplastics accumulating and persisting within the heart and its inner tissues. They emphasize that this study sheds light on an overlooked pathway of microplastics exposure through invasive medical procedures, which provide direct access to internal tissues and the bloodstream. Further investigations are necessary to fully comprehend the impact of microplastics on the cardiovascular system and their implications for individuals after heart surgery, the scientists conclude.

The authors acknowledge support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Beijing Natural Science Foundation.

Source: American Chemical Society

Cite this article:

Hana M (2023), Human Cardiac Tissues, Both Pre- and Post-Surgery, Contain Traces of Microplastics, AnaTechmaz, pp.493