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Microplastics Linked to Increased Atherosclerosis in Male Mice

11/19/2025

Summary

Story summary

University of California, Riverside researchers report that microplastics may accelerate atherosclerosis in male mice.
Male mice exposed to microplastics developed 63% more plaque in the aortic root and 624% more in the brachiocephalic artery than female mice.
The researchers reported that microplastics disrupt endothelial cells and initiate inflammation and plaque formation.
Future studies will explore the molecular mechanisms and sex differences in response to microplastics.

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Story summary

University of California, Riverside researchers report that microplastics may accelerate atherosclerosis in male mice.
Male mice exposed to microplastics developed 63% more plaque in the aortic root and 624% more in the brachiocephalic artery than female mice.
The researchers reported that microplastics disrupt endothelial cells and initiate inflammation and plaque formation.
Future studies will explore the molecular mechanisms and sex differences in response to microplastics.