Cholesterol Treatment Shows Promise in Removing 'Forever Chemicals' and Microplastics
A blood-filtering treatment designed to remove cholesterol has shown potential in early studies to also reduce levels of persistent 'forever chemicals' (PFAS) and microplastics in the bloodstream. Researchers are exploring this unexpected finding for new ways to remove these pollutants.
Key takeaways
- A cholesterol-filtering treatment has shown potential in removing persistent 'forever chemicals' (PFAS) and microplastics from blood.
- The apheresis procedure, used for cardiovascular disease, unexpectedly reduced PFAS levels by up to 75.8% in some measurements.
- PFAS bind to blood proteins and may travel with lipoproteins, which are targeted by the filtration process.
- The findings are early, but offer hope for new methods to clear these environmental pollutants from the human body.
What Happened
A medical procedure, therapeutic apheresis, traditionally used to remove excess fats and lipoproteins linked to cardiovascular disease, has demonstrated an unexpected ability to also reduce levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and microplastics in human blood. Early studies indicate that these pollutants, often referred to as 'forever chemicals,' may be trapped by the filters designed for cholesterol removal.
The treatment involves drawing blood, filtering targeted substances, and returning the blood to the patient. Researchers in Germany observed significant reductions in certain PFAS levels after patients underwent this procedure. While the evidence for microplastic removal is less definitive, some findings suggest these particles may also be retained by the filters.
The substances removed by the apheresis machine were found in the discarded fluid, indicating they had successfully left the bloodstream.
Key Facts
- Therapeutic apheresis, a treatment for severe cardiovascular disease, has been found to reduce levels of PFAS and microplastics in blood.
- PFAS are persistent synthetic chemicals found in many consumer products, often called 'forever chemicals' due to their longevity in the body.
- Studies measured drops in specific PFAS compounds, with reductions up to 25% in one set of measurements and up to 75.8% in another, though the latter involved different methods and a smaller sample size.
- PFAS can bind to blood proteins and may travel with lipoproteins, which are targeted by the apheresis treatment.
- The study involved patients undergoing double filtration plasmapheresis, where blood plasma is filtered to remove substances like lipoproteins.
Background
PFAS are widely used in products such as non-stick cookware, waterproof textiles, and food packaging. Exposure occurs through contaminated water, food, consumer products, and household dust. These chemicals can remain in the environment and the human body for many years.
Microplastics enter the body through ingestion and inhalation, with studies finding them in human blood, placenta, lung tissue, and the brain.
Long-term exposure to certain PFAS has been linked to elevated cholesterol levels, immune and hormonal changes, and some cancers, though risks depend on the specific compound, dose, and duration of exposure.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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