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5d ago

Microplastics Found in Arterial Plaque Linked to Altered Gene Activity

Preliminary research shows significant microplastic buildup in carotid artery plaque and its potential association with cardiovascular risks, though causality remains unproven.

Image
Microplastics have been detected in the blood vessels of the neck
Nanoplastic particles from carotid-artery plaque, with a measurement key at the bottom in nanometers.

Overview

  • A University of New Mexico study found microplastics at significantly higher levels in carotid artery plaque compared to healthy arteries.
  • Plaque in asymptomatic individuals contained 16 times more microplastics, while symptomatic plaque had 51 times more, suggesting a correlation with cardiovascular risks.
  • Cells in microplastic-rich plaque showed altered gene activity, possibly impacting plaque stability and inflammation regulation.
  • The study, presented at the American Heart Association’s Vascular Discovery 2025, builds on prior Italian research linking microplastics in plaque to higher cardiovascular events.
  • Researchers emphasize the findings are preliminary and do not establish a direct causal link between microplastics and stroke or heart attack risk.