Luca Saba’s Post

🌟 Exciting Research Alert! 🌟 Did you know that microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) have been discovered in atheromas, the plaques in our carotid arteries, and are linked to cardiovascular events? 🫁🔬 Recent studies suggest that MNPs can trigger oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death in our blood vessels, potentially affecting heart health and endothelial function. 🤯 Research on patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy revealed a significant association between the presence of MNPs in their plaque and a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, or even death. 🚑💥 The detection of polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride in these plaques points to possible sources like food containers and water pipes. 🥤🛢️ These findings emphasize the urgent need for more research on the impact of plastics on both human health and the environment. 🌍🔍 For more details, check out the full article here: Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Atheromas and Cardiovascular Events - New England Journal of Medicine https://lnkd.in/eaUTbuJm. #Microplastics #Nanoplastics #CardiovascularHealth #ResearchUpdate #HealthAndEnvironmentAwareness 🌱🧠

🔬 **New Publication Alert!** 📄 We're excited to share our latest research published in ScienceDirect, titled "Understanding the Significance of Adipose Tissue in the Inflammatory Response to COVID-19." This study sheds light on how abdominal adipose tissue, particularly the subcutaneous compartment, significantly impacts the severity and hospitalization rates of COVID-19. Looking forward to engaging discussions and feedback! #COVID19 #Research #PublicHealth #ScienceDirect #AdiposeTissue #Inflammation

🔬 Check out our new manuscript that has been recently published in the European Journal of Medical Research! 📑 Our study titled "Evaluating biomarkers for contrast-induced nephropathy following coronary interventions: an umbrella review on meta-analyses" delves into the crucial realm of acute kidney injury post-cardiac catheterization. 💡 We conducted an umbrella review, revealing insightful findings. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) emerged as a standout biomarker, demonstrating superior diagnostic performance compared to others. NGAL, along with cystatin-C and urinary kidney injury molecule-1 (uKIM-1), showed promising potential in predicting and assessing CIN. These results shed light on new avenues for improving patient care and outcomes in cardiac interventions. ✅ A big thank you to all the authors who contributed to this important research endeavor! #MedicalResearch #Nephropathy #Biomarkers #MetaAnalysis #AcademicPublishing #UmbrellaReview

Higher polygenic risk score (PRS) was associated with an increased risk for primary open-angle #glaucoma (#POAG) in patients with ocular #hypertension, according to a post-hoc analysis of the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study. Among over 1,000 patients, risk of POAG increased 1.36% with each higher PRS decile, with conversion ranging from 9.52% in the lowest decile to 21.81% in the highest decile, as per a study from researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis; Medical College of Wisconsin; University of Maryland; Devers Memorial Eye Clinic; Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and Creighton University School of Medicine; as well as participating clinics. Comparing the low-risk and high-risk PRS tertiles showed a twofold increase in 20-year POAG risk for patients of European and African ancestries. Primary findings from the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study showed that topical ocular hypotensive medication was effective in delaying or preventing the onset of POAG in patients with elevated intraocular pressure. Academic article -> https://bit.ly/3VnCzE4

"A total of 304 patients were enrolled in the study, and 257 completed a mean (±SD) follow-up of 33.7±6.9 months. Polyethylene was detected in carotid artery plaque of 150 patients (58.4%), with a mean level of 21.7±24.5 μg per milligram of plaque; 31 patients (12.1%) also had measurable amounts of polyvinyl chloride, with a mean level of 5.2±2.4 μg per milligram of plaque." Do you need further evidence? Microplastics and nanoplastics found in human blood and their dangerous / letal effect in this Italian research study just published on The New England Journal of Medicine. More than doubled the risk of heart attack or stroke. #plasticban #health #healthyproducts #healthymaterials #Declare #transparencyrevolution #microplastics #nanoplastics #plastic #humanblood

❤️ Microplastics May Pose A Cardiovascular Risk ❤️ A study published on March 7 in the New England Journal of Medicine found a significant correlation between microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) in carotid artery plaques and an increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, or death. This prospective, multicenter observational study involved 304 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy, with 257 completing the study over an average follow-up of 33.7 months. Through pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and electron microscopy, MNPs (mostly polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride) were identified in the carotid artery plaques of a substantial patient subset. Key findings include: 🔹 58.4% of patients showed polyethylene presence in their carotid plaque, with an average concentration of 21.7 µg/mg of plaque. 🔹 12.1% of patients had detectable levels of polyvinyl chloride, averaging 5.2 µg/mg of plaque. 🔹 Patients with MNPs in their atheroma faced a significantly higher risk (hazard ratio, 4.53; P<0.001) of myocardial infarction, stroke, or death compared to those without MNPs. The study concludes that MNPs within carotid artery plaques are associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events, underscoring a novel potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease linked to environmental pollution. This research aligns with preclinical studies indicating the hazardous effects of MNPs and also amplifies concerns about the health implications of widespread plastic pollution. #CardiovascularHealth #Microplastics #PublicHealth For more information, read below. https://lnkd.in/gVYZfmjn 📧 Need expert medical writing help? For details on our services or a project quote, contact us at https://lnkd.in/eUd9SdiB

Cardiovascular effects of micro/nanoplastic particles: A recent publication in the New England Journal of Medicine (March 7, 2024, Vol. 390, No. 1) has found patients with carotid artery plaque in which micro/nanoplastic particles were detected had a higher risk of a composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, or death. https://lnkd.in/emQZqxyc This is of concern for cardiovascular and stroke risks. In addition, nano/microplastics can also deposit a variety of chemicals (phthalates etc.) systemically following their deposition and translocation in humans. This finding is not surprising considering our knowledge of the in vivo fate and deposition of nanoscale particles. https://lnkd.in/eA57Kx5b https://lnkd.in/ePcf3QeN

📚 Thrilled to announce the publication of our latest literature review article! 📝 Titled "Extracellular vesicles: the key to unlocking mechanisms of age-related vascular disease?", this piece explores the intricate relationship between aging and the development of two prevalent pathologies: vascular calcification and amyloidosis. As we age, our bodies face challenges, and two of the most prevalent are vascular calcification and amyloidosis. These conditions involve the accumulation of toxic aggregates in the vessel extracellular matrix (ECM), impacting ECM integrity and driving vascular stiffening. What's intriguing is the commonality in the genesis of these pathologies, particularly their reliance on a nucleus to mediate their formation. In the article, we delve into emerging evidence suggesting that changes in ECM composition associated with cellular senescence, along with the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), play pivotal roles in the development of both calcification and amyloidosis. Understanding these mechanisms opens new avenues for therapeutic intervention. 🔍 Dive deeper into the abstract of our article here: https://lnkd.in/d5iNSQEX I'm passionate about advancing our understanding of age-related pathologies, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this important field. Special thanks to the amazing Meredith Whitehead, PhD and Cathy Shanahan! Many thanks also to the British Heart Foundation and the King's College London for such a beautiful experience - will never forget ❤️ 💊 Now, as Associate Clinical Trial Manager at Medpace, I am glad for the opportunity it was given to me to use my scientific knowledge helping in the discovery of new therapeutics which could increase life quality and expectancy of several patients - incredibly stimulating! I'm eager to hear your thoughts and insights on this topic! Feel free to share your comments below or connect with me directly. Let's continue pushing the boundaries of knowledge together. 💬 #AgingResearch #VascularCalcification #Amyloidosis #AcademicPublication

I am excited to announce the release of the latest scientific paper I had the privilege to contribute to, in collaboration with esteemed researchers from the University of East Anglia Medical School, under the guidance of Prof. Vass Vassiliou. 📄 Title: "Cost effectiveness analysis of drug coated balloon only angioplasty for de novo coronary artery disease" 🔗 Explore the full publication here: https://lnkd.in/eU45iQVs #uea #healtheconomics #cardiovasculardisease

Inflammation and thrombosis, reunited at last! Last November, Rory R Koenen, PhD, FESC delivered his inaugural lecture following his appointment as a professor in 2023 at the Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM). The chair he holds is "Biochemistry of Vascular Inflammation and Thrombosis," and Rory's research can be best described as the quest to understand the role of inflammatory processes in the development of thrombosis. He does not limit himself to the well-known arterial and venous thrombosis, but also examines micro thrombosis, as Koenen believes that small clots are much more inflammation-related than large blood clots. Therefore, his inaugural speech was titled: "Inflammation and thrombosis, reunited at last!" According to Rory Koenen, in the diagnosis and treatment of thrombosis, traditionally, only one system in the body is considered: the blood. Thrombosis has been viewed for a century as a blood obstruction. However, the other common factor in various forms of thrombosis, namely inflammatory processes, has been largely overlooked. "Inflammation and clotting are much more intertwined than we think. In diagnostics, much more attention should be given to specific biomarkers of inflammation and what they can teach us about the thrombotic patient," says Rory. He hopes that in the future, partly through his research, physicians will not rely solely on the classical method when dealing with conditions like thrombosis. Instead, he envisions exploring new avenues by also examining inflammatory markers in the diagnostic process. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eK-5ucDR #research #maastricht #maastrichtuniversity #inflammation #thrombosis