Pathogenesis Evolution of Atherosclerosis Induced by Novel Turbid-toxin Microplastics from Perspective of "Body Fluids and Blood Stasis Mixing"
10.13422/j.cnki.syfjx.20260414
- VernacularTitle:“汁沫与血相抟”视角下新型浊毒微塑料致动脉粥样硬化的病机动态演变
- Author:
He GUO
1
;
Ying YANG
2
;
Yi ZHENG
1
;
Zhichao CHEN
1
;
Huan ZHANG
1
;
Ying ZHANG
1
Author Information
1. Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine（TCM）， Shenyang 110847， China
2. Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of TCM，Shenyang 110032， China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
microplastics;
atherosclerosis;
body fluids and blood stasis mixing;
integrative Chinese-Western medicine
- From:
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae
2026;32(13):253-260
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
From the theoretical perspective of "body fluids and blood stasis mixing"， environmental microplastics （MPs） are conceptualized as a "novel turbid-toxin". This study aims to elucidate the complete pathogenic pathway through which MPs act as a key driving force （the "crucible" of pathogenesis） in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis （AS）. By tracing the classical theories in the Chapter The Occurrence of All Diseases of Miraculous Pivot （Ling Shu）， this paper clarifies the core connotations of "body fluids"-it not only refers to endogenous pathological fluids and lipid turbidity but also provides a theoretical basis for incorporating "exogenous turbid fluids"， thereby laying a logical foundation for conceptualizing MPs as a "novel turbid-toxin". Meanwhile， the implications of "blood" （encompassing both blood quality abnormalities and blood stasis） and the dynamic process of "mixing" are elucidated. Drawing upon modern toxicological evidence， this paper demonstrates the high homology between MPs and "exogenous turbid-fluids" from three aspects： Morphology， toxicity， and invasion routes. The micro/nano-scale particle morphology of MPs enables mobility within the bloodstream. The multiple exposure pathways of MPs correspond to the traditional Chinese medicine understanding of pathogens invading through the mouth， nose， and skin. The characteristics of accumulating in vivo while inducing oxidative stress and inflammatory responses of MPs fully embody the pathogenic features-adhesion， binding， and vessel damage-of "turbid-toxin". On this basis， the dynamic pathogenesis of MP-induced AS is systematically interpreted. Initially， MPs with the "turbid-toxin" nature impair nutrient-defense harmony and cause endothelial dysfunction. Subsequently， as the core of "mixing"， they interact with blood lipids and immune cells， generating heat and phlegm to form a major pathological hub of chronic inflammation. Ultimately， this process drives the coalescence of phlegm， stasis， and turbid-toxin into tangible plaques， evolving from stable lesions to vulnerable masses and accumulations. By integrating classical pathogenic model with contemporary environmental medicine， this study establishes an analytical framework that bridges macro-theory and micro-mechanisms for understanding the cardiovascular risks of MPs through an integrative Chinese-Western medicine lens.
