Microplastics may be more harmful to men

Findings from a new study reveal that microplastics may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke in men, but surprisingly, not in women.

In lab experiments, male and female mice ingested microplastics in doses comparable to those of humans. After nine weeks, atherosclerosis—the buildup of plaque- increased 63% in the aortas of the male mice, the heart’s primary artery. However, the female mice were spared any significant spike in plaque buildup.

The study’s author, Professor Changcheng Zhou, said, “The surprising sex-specific effect, harming males but not females, could help researchers uncover protective factors or mechanisms that differ between men and women.”

Researchers also discovered that the behavior and balance of several cell types were negatively impacted by the microplastics, which can create arterial inflammation.

Scientists are now studying why male mice are more susceptible to artery damage and if this seemingly sex specific atherosclerosis is present in humans, as well.

Is there anything men can do? Says Dr. Zhou, “There are currently no effective ways to remove microplastics from the body, so minimizing exposure and maintaining overall cardiovascular health, through diet, exercise, and managing risk factors, remains essential.”

You can learn more about this study in The Independent:
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/microplastics-heart-disease-m...