Projects & Grants
| Detection of Plastic and Iron Particles in Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaques and Their Clinical Significance - An Exploratory Pilot Study | |
|---|---|
| Project Id | SGS08/LF/2026 |
| Main solver | MUDr. Terézia Hrobáková |
| Period | 1/2026 - 12/2026 |
| Provider | Specifický VŠ výzkum |
| State | solved |
| Anotation | Pollutants, particularly plastic particles and metal aerosols present in the atmosphere, represent significant contaminants capable of penetrating the human body and accumulating in tissues. Recent studies document their presence in human tissues, including atherosclerotic plaques, where they may modulate inflammatory and degenerative processes. The most frequently detected types of microplastics are polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide 66 (PA66), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), and polypropylene (PP). Histopathologically, PE and PVC particles were localized among macrophages and near ruptured plaque areas, and were accompanied by increased expression of inflammatory markers IL-6, IL-1B and TNF-a, along with lower collagen content, which suggests an elevated risk of plaque instability and subsequent ischemic events. PA66 and PET particles were primarily detected in the walls of atherosclerotic arteries and likely accumulate at sites of endothelial damage. Clinically, the presence of PE and PVC in carotid plaques has also been associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and cardiovascular mortality. The study aims to detect plastic and metal particles in carotid atherosclerotic plaques, including their inflammatory response, and to determine whether the amount and type of particles differ in plaques from symptomatic and asymptomatic stenosis. The results may contribute to clarifying the role of environmental factors in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and ischemic events. |
| Total Costs | 254 000 CZK |
