Microplastic particles in human blood and their association with coagulation markers

Abstract Recent studies have indicated potential health risks associated with microplastics (MPs) exposure, including alterations in blood coagulation homeostasis. This cross-sectional study aimed to quantitatively examine MPs in human blood and assess their association with coagulation markers. We...

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Main Authors: Dong-Wook Lee, Jaehak Jung, Seul-ah Park, Yunjeong Lee, Juyang Kim, Changwoo Han, Hwan-Cheol Kim, Joon Hee Lee, Yun-Chul Hong
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2024-12-01
Series:Scientific Reports
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-81931-9
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author Dong-Wook Lee
Jaehak Jung
Seul-ah Park
Yunjeong Lee
Juyang Kim
Changwoo Han
Hwan-Cheol Kim
Joon Hee Lee
Yun-Chul Hong
author_facet Dong-Wook Lee
Jaehak Jung
Seul-ah Park
Yunjeong Lee
Juyang Kim
Changwoo Han
Hwan-Cheol Kim
Joon Hee Lee
Yun-Chul Hong
author_sort Dong-Wook Lee
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Recent studies have indicated potential health risks associated with microplastics (MPs) exposure, including alterations in blood coagulation homeostasis. This cross-sectional study aimed to quantitatively examine MPs in human blood and assess their association with coagulation markers. We recruited 36 healthy adults, collected whole blood samples, and analyzed MPs using Fourier-transform infrared (µ-FTIR) spectroscopy. Lifestyle factors related to MP exposure were assessed, such as the use of plastic food containers. Coagulation and inflammatory markers in blood samples were analyzed, including C-reactive protein, prothrombin time, activated partial prothrombin time (aPTT), antithrombin III, platelet count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and fibrinogen. MPs were detected in 88.9% of the participants, with a mean concentration of 4.2 MPs/mL. The predominant types of plastics identified were polystyrene and polypropylene. MPs were significantly higher in participants with a greater use of plastic food containers. A high MP load in the blood (≥ 3 MPs/mL) was significantly correlated with increased aPTT, C-reactive protein, and fibrinogen. We identified MPs in human blood, their association with specific lifestyle factors, and significant alterations in coagulation markers. This underscores the need for strategies to reduce human exposure to MPs, particularly in relation to blood coagulation and potential cardiovascular risks.
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spelling doaj-art-ea5310d38cc3403c90f00f6643decfad2025-08-20T02:31:04ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222024-12-0114111010.1038/s41598-024-81931-9Microplastic particles in human blood and their association with coagulation markersDong-Wook Lee0Jaehak Jung1Seul-ah Park2Yunjeong Lee3Juyang Kim4Changwoo Han5Hwan-Cheol Kim6Joon Hee Lee7Yun-Chul Hong8Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Inha University Hospital, Inha UniversityKorea Institute of Analytical Science and TechnologyKorea Institute of Analytical Science and TechnologyKorea Institute of Analytical Science and TechnologyKorea Institute of Analytical Science and TechnologyDepartment of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungnam UniversityDepartment of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Inha University Hospital, Inha UniversityDepartment of Laboratory Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang HospitalDepartment of Human Systems Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul National UniversityAbstract Recent studies have indicated potential health risks associated with microplastics (MPs) exposure, including alterations in blood coagulation homeostasis. This cross-sectional study aimed to quantitatively examine MPs in human blood and assess their association with coagulation markers. We recruited 36 healthy adults, collected whole blood samples, and analyzed MPs using Fourier-transform infrared (µ-FTIR) spectroscopy. Lifestyle factors related to MP exposure were assessed, such as the use of plastic food containers. Coagulation and inflammatory markers in blood samples were analyzed, including C-reactive protein, prothrombin time, activated partial prothrombin time (aPTT), antithrombin III, platelet count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and fibrinogen. MPs were detected in 88.9% of the participants, with a mean concentration of 4.2 MPs/mL. The predominant types of plastics identified were polystyrene and polypropylene. MPs were significantly higher in participants with a greater use of plastic food containers. A high MP load in the blood (≥ 3 MPs/mL) was significantly correlated with increased aPTT, C-reactive protein, and fibrinogen. We identified MPs in human blood, their association with specific lifestyle factors, and significant alterations in coagulation markers. This underscores the need for strategies to reduce human exposure to MPs, particularly in relation to blood coagulation and potential cardiovascular risks.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-81931-9MicroplasticsHuman whole bloodBlood coagulationFourier-transform infrared spectroscopyInflammation markersLifestyle factors
spellingShingle Dong-Wook Lee
Jaehak Jung
Seul-ah Park
Yunjeong Lee
Juyang Kim
Changwoo Han
Hwan-Cheol Kim
Joon Hee Lee
Yun-Chul Hong
Microplastic particles in human blood and their association with coagulation markers
Scientific Reports
Microplastics
Human whole blood
Blood coagulation
Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy
Inflammation markers
Lifestyle factors
title Microplastic particles in human blood and their association with coagulation markers
title_full Microplastic particles in human blood and their association with coagulation markers
title_fullStr Microplastic particles in human blood and their association with coagulation markers
title_full_unstemmed Microplastic particles in human blood and their association with coagulation markers
title_short Microplastic particles in human blood and their association with coagulation markers
title_sort microplastic particles in human blood and their association with coagulation markers
topic Microplastics
Human whole blood
Blood coagulation
Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy
Inflammation markers
Lifestyle factors
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-81931-9
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