By Admin 
Microplastics And Cardiovascular Disease: Heart attack cases have increased rapidly in the last few years. Now a new study has increased the concern regarding microplastics. According to research, these very small plastic particles can accumulate in the arteries of the body and increase the risk of heart disease, especially in men. Microplastics are plastic particles whose size can range from one thousandth of a millimeter to five millimeters. Today these particles are present everywhere, such as in food items, water and even in the air. Scientists have already told that these particles can enter the blood and get deposited in the vital organs of the body.
What came out in the new research?
In the research so far, microplastics have been linked to hormonal disturbances, impact on fertility, neurological damage, cancer and heart-related diseases. However, the situation regarding heart disease was not clear whether microplastics directly damage the arteries or are found only along with the disease. According to Changcheng Zhou, a biomedical sciences professor at the University of California, Riverside and author of this study, this study is one of the strongest evidence to date, which shows that microplastics are not only linked to heart disease, but can also directly increase it. He also said that the difference in effect between men and women in the study was surprising, which can help in understanding in future how the safety related mechanisms work differently in the body of both.
On whom was the study done?
In this research, scientists studied such rats, which were genetically prone to atherosclerosis i.e. plaque accumulation in the arteries. Both male and female rats were given a low-fat and low-cholesterol diet, which was similar to the diet of a healthy and fit human being. However, for nine weeks, these mice were given an amount of microplastics based on their weight, which is considered close to the amount humans get from contaminated food and water. During this period, the weight of the rats did not increase nor did their cholesterol level increase, yet their arteries were damaged.
How much effect does it have on men?
The biggest difference in the study was seen between male and female rats. In male rats exposed to microplastics, plaque increased by 63 percent in the main artery leading to the heart, while this increase was found to be more than seven times in another artery leading to the upper part of the chest. At the same time, no such major increase was seen in female rats. Further investigation revealed that microplastics disrupted the behavior and balance of artery cells. Especially endothelial cells, which form the inner layer of blood vessels, were most affected. Now scientists are trying to know why the effect of microplastic is more visible in male rats and whether a similar difference is seen in humans also.
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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
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