The Impact of Microplastics and Nanoplastics on Liver Health and Cardiovascular Diseases in India

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the presence and impact of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics in patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. These plastics, common pollutants found in the environment and some medical products, may accumulate in organs such as the liver, kidneys, and intestines, potentially contributing to liver inflammation, disease progression, and complications. The study aims to compare MPs in patients with cirrhosis to those without liver disease and to understand their effects on liver fibrosis, portal hypertension, cardiovascular, and metabolic functions. The study involves assessing liver tissue samples from patients with cirrhosis who are undergoing elective surgery or liver transplantation. Researchers will analyze the types, sizes, and locations of MPs deposited in the liver, using histopathology and electron microscopy. They will also identify different polymer types of MPs and evaluate plastic exposure through patient history including diet, medications, and medical procedures. Participants will undergo tissue sampling during their surgical procedures or biopsies. The study will include detailed assessments of liver tissue to detect and characterize MPs, as well as blood tests to measure micronanoplastics. Researchers will monitor clinical features such as complications of cirrhosis and collect detailed patient histories. The primary outcome is the analysis of MPs in liver tissue, comparing cirrhosis patients to controls. The study will continue through enrollment and elective endoscopy visits for exposure assessment.

Microplastics, Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension