Abstract: TH-PO1020
First Detection of Microplastics Fragments in Human Urine and Kidney Tissues
Session Information
- CKD Epidemiology, Risk Factors, Prevention - I
November 02, 2023 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Pennsylvania Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: CKD (Non-Dialysis)
- 2301 CKD (Non-Dialysis): Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Prevention
Authors
- Massardo, Sara, Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry Department, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
- La Porta, Edoardo, UOC Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
- Verrina, Enrico E., UOC Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
- Lugani, Francesca, UOC Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
- Alberti, Stefano, Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry Department, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
- Caboni, Claudia, Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry Department, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
- Santostefano, Matteo, PM_TEN Srl, Genova, Italy
- Verzola, Daniela, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
- Esposito, Pasquale, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
- Zaza, Gianluigi, Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
- Artini, Cristina, Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry Department, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
Background
Microplastics (MPs) are small plastic particles (< 5 mm) continuously released into the environment, contaminating natural habitats. Humans are constantly exposed to this kind of pollution: studies proved the presence of MPs in their lungs, liver, placenta, blood, and breast milk. To date, risks related to the uptake of plastic fragments are not well clarified, but their correlation with emerging diseases of unknown etiology cannot be a priori excluded. Due to an epidemic of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) that steadily increases over the decades and emerging new diseases worldwide as CKD of uncertain etiology (CKDu), the presence of MPs in human urines and kidney was investigated, to clarify their contribute to kidney damage.
Methods
MicroRaman spectroscopy is a technique of election for MPs detection in different matrices, thanks to its high sensitivity towards different polymers and its high spatial resolution. Urine samples from healthy individuals and kidney tissues from nephrectomies were collected, digested in a KOH 10% solution, and filtered. Particles retained on the surface of the filters were analysed with a Renishaw System 2000 Raman imaging microscope (633 nm laser source). The collected spectra were investigated, to determine the nature of the detected particles.
Results
This study revealed the presence of different polymer fragments in both urines and kidneys (polyethylene, polystyrene, and styrene-isoprene gum, Figure 1), as well as pigments residuals (e.g., hematite, Cu-phthalocyanine (blue), and cerulean blue).
Conclusion
This study revealed for the first time the presence of microfragments of materials of anthropogenic origin (polymers, pigments, and inorganic particles) in human kidney and urine. The current investigation laid the foundations for further studies on the mechanisms of renal clearance and deposition of these particles, and on their possible role in promoting kidney damage.
| Sample;total n | Positive samples;total particles | Particle Material | ||||
| Cu-phthalocyanine blue | Hematite | Polyethylene | Polystyrene | Other | ||
| Urine;10 | 7;9 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Kidney;10 | 7;17 | 4 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
Polymer fragments detected in the samples.