Impact of Microplastic Particle Exposure on Endothelial Dysfunction and Early Atherosclerotic Changes in Urban Adults

Abstract

Background: Microplastics are widespread environmental contaminants, but their relationship with endothelial dysfunction and subclinical arterial changes in humans remains uncertain. Objective: To examine the association of microplastic concentration with serum sICAM-1, ADMA, and mean cIMT among urban adults. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study included 88 adults aged 30–50 years from the industrial and urban core of Punjab, Pakistan, between August 2025 and January 2026. Blood microplastics were quantified using micro-Raman spectroscopy combined with pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Serum sICAM-1 and ADMA were measured using ELISA, and cat was assessed using B-mode ultrasonography. Median-defined groups were compared using Welch’s t-tests, and continuous associations were evaluated using Pearson correlations. Results: Microplastics were detected in all participants, with a mean concentration of 2.45 ± 0.81 particles/mL. Compared with the lower-concentration group, the higher-concentration group had greater sICAM-1 (mean difference: 74.9 ng/mL; 95% CI: 58.7–91.1), ADMA (0.21 µmol/L; 95% CI: 0.16–0.26), and mean cIMT (0.13 mm; 95% CI: 0.10–0.16); all p<0.001. Microplastic concentration correlated positively with sICAM-1 (r=0.684), ADMA (r=0.592), and cIMT (r=0.615); all p<0.001. Conclusion: Higher blood microplastic concentrations were associated with endothelial dysfunction markers and greater cIMT. Longitudinal studies are required to establish temporality and clinical significance.