Abstract：
Microplastics (MPs) are recognized as a major environmental problem due to their ubiquitous presence in ecosystems and bioaccumulation in food chains. Not only humans are continuously exposed to these pollutants through ingestion and inhalation, but recent findings suggest they may trigger vascular inflammation and potentially worsen the clinical conditions of cardiovascular patients. Here we combine headspace analysis by needle trap microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-NTME-GC-MS) and biological assays to evaluate the effects of polystyrene, high- and low-density polyethylene MPs on phenotype, metabolic activity, and pro-inflammatory status of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells (VSMCs) the most prominent cells in vascular walls. Virgin and artificially aged MPs (4 weeks at 40 °C and 750 W/m2 simulated solar irradiation) were comparatively tested at 1 mg/mL to simulate a realistic exposure scenario. Our results clearly show the activation of oxidative stress and inflammatory processes when VSMCs were cultured with aged polymers, with significant overexpression of IL-6 and TNF-α. In addition, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including pentane, acrolein, propanal, and hexanal as the main components, were released by VSMCs into the headspace. Type-specific VOC response profiles were induced on vascular cells from different MPs.
摘要：
微塑料（MPs）由于其在生态系统中的普遍存在和食物链中的生物积累而被认为是主要的环境问题。不仅人类通过摄入和吸入不断接触这些污染物，但是最近的研究结果表明，它们可能会引发血管炎症，并可能使心血管患者的临床状况恶化。在这里，我们通过针阱微萃取-气相色谱-质谱（HS-NTME-GC-MS）和生物测定结合顶空分析来评估聚苯乙烯的作用，高和低密度聚乙烯MPs的表型，代谢活动，血管平滑肌细胞（VSMC）是血管壁中最突出的细胞。在1mg/mL下对新鲜和人工老化的MP（在40°C和750W/m2模拟太阳照射下4周）进行了比较测试，以模拟现实的暴露情况。我们的结果清楚地表明，当VSMC与老化的聚合物一起培养时，氧化应激和炎症过程的激活。IL-6和TNF-α显著过表达。此外,挥发性有机化合物（VOCs），包括戊烷,丙烯醛,丙醛,以己醛为主要成分，被VSMC释放到顶部空间。在来自不同MPs的血管细胞上诱导类型特异性VOC应答谱。
