PVC nanoplastics impair cardiac function via lysosomal and mitochondrial dysfunction

Abstract

Micro

and nanoplastics (MNPs) are emerging environmental pollutants that pose a significant threat to human health, with traces found in cardiac tissues. While previous studies have indicated that MNPs can cantribute to cardiac dysfunction, there is limited systematic investigation into how MNPs exposure affects various organelles. This study focuses on polyvinyl chloride nanoparticles (PVC NPs), one of the most common and persistent plastic pollutants in the environment. Our findings reveal that PVC NPs engage in organelle-specific interactions, predominantly accumulating in the lysosomes and mitochondria of cardiomyocytes. This targeted accumulation results in substantial disruptions to lysosomal autophagic flux and mitochondrial energy metabolism. These results offer new insights into the organelle-specific mechanisms behind PVC NP-induced cardiotoxicity, highlighting the distinct risks associated with this widespread environmental contaminant.