Plastics and Human Health: Towards Reliable Clinical Flow Cytometric Detection of Micro- and Nanoplastics in Peripheral Blood Samples from Patients with Cardiovascular Disease.

Abstract

Plastics are considered indispensable owing to their low cost, wide range of use, and ease of production. Wear and tear, and disposal of plastic products, however, cause the release of micro- and nano plastic particles (MNPs) into the environment. MNPs enter the human body and accumulate in nearly every organ. Thus far, 59 different types of plastic polymers have been detected in the human body. Based on these recent findings, a clinical test detecting MNPs in human peripheral blood samples by flow cytometry is pertinent. We review exposure to, and translocation of MNPs in the human body, their possible health implications on the cardiovascular system, the immune reaction, and the detection possibilities of MNPs in the human peripheral blood samples using flow cytometry.
Human exposure to MNPs is through ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact. Recently, MNPs were observed in human peripheral blood samples and in atheromatic plaques, possibly playing a role in the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE). The main pathophysiological effects of MNPs studied are inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis. Effects on the cardiovascular system have thus far been poorly studied. The most prominent leukocytes reviewed which show adverse effects of MNPs, are macrophages, T lymphocytes and neutrophils. Flow cytometry using Nile Red staining of MNPs seems promising, although the optimal experimental setting has yet to be found. A future flow cytometric protocol, considering Nile Red and CD marking of specific leukocytes could potentially lead to early prediction of cardiovascular risks, resulting in higher quality patient care and health.

Date of Award	12 Feb 2025
Original language	English
Supervisor	Jikke van Wijnen (Supervisor), Mathie P.G. Leers (Co-assessor), Ines Santos (Co-assessor) & Angelique Lansu (Examiner)