Multimodal detection and analysis of microplastics in human thrombi from multiple anatomically distinct sites

作者：Tingting Wang, Zhiheng Yi, Xiaoqiang Liu, Yuxin Cai, Xianxi Huang, Jingnian Fang, Ronghuai Shen, Weikun Lu, Yingxiu Xiao, Weiduan Zhuang, Shaowei Guo · 发表于：EBioMedicine · 年份：2024 · DOI：10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105118 · 被引用次数：134 · 研究领域：Microplastics and Plastic Pollution、biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties、Marine Biology and Environmental Chemistry

BACKGROUND: Microplastic (MP) pollution has emerged as a significant environmental concern worldwide. While extensive research has focused on their presence in marine organisms and ecosystems, their potential impact on human health, particularly on the circulatory system, remains understudied. This project aimed to identify and quantify the mass concentrations, polymer types, and physical properties of MPs in human thrombi surgically retrieved from both arterial and venous systems at three anatomically distinct sites, namely, cerebral arteries in the brain, coronary arteries in the heart, and deep veins in the lower extremities. Furthermore, this study aimed to investigate the potential association between the levels of MPs and disease severity. METHODS: Thrombus samples were collected from 30 patients who underwent thrombectomy procedures due to ischaemic stroke (IS), myocardial infarction (MI), or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Pyrolysis-gas chromatography mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) was employed to identify and quantify the mass concentrations of the MPs. Laser direct infrared (LDIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to analyse the physical properties of the MPs. Demographic and clinical information were also examined. A rigorous quality control system was used to eliminate potential environmental contamination. FINDINGS: MPs were detected by Py-GC/MS in 80% (24/30) of the thrombi obtained from patients with IS, MI, or DVT, with median concentrati...