A study finds a link between plastics, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular diseases

Summary: Various ill-effects of environmental pollution are known. Many of these environmental toxins are the result of human activity and industrialization. There has been a considerable increase in plastic use in the last century. Plastics are now everywhere. They are used to produce various essential daily use items, pack foods, and much more. A new study shows that plastic may even promote high cholesterol and contribute to cardiovascular conditions. They found that a chemical called dicyclohexyl phthalate, or DCHP, which is often added to plastics to increase their strength and durability, can promote gut cholesterol absorption. In addition, it promotes protein production, which plays a vital role in cholesterol transportation. Thus, prolonged exposure to DCHP may ultimately contribute to higher atherosclerosis risk and cardiovascular diseases.

The sudden rise of metabolic disorders, heart diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders has perplexed the scientific world. Experts are finding it hard to pinpoint the cause of such a significant rise in these diseases.

Few things are relatively easy to guess, like the higher prevalence of these disorders is not related to genetic changes, as the human genome has not changed much in the last 50 or even 100 years. 

So, what is the cause of increasing cholesterol levels, despite its reduced dietary intake? It is evident that the reasons are multiple. Undoubtedly, it has lots to do with altered lifestyles and exposure to environmental toxins- as these things have changed considerably in the last century.

High cholesterol causes atherosclerosis or plaque formation in arteries, leading to heart attack and stroke. However, many people who have high cholesterol are on a low-fat diet and avoid foods high in cholesterol. However, their body continues to produce cholesterol from other nutrients.

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Yes, cholesterol is vital for optimal health. Cholesterol is an essential element in the cell wall. It is needed to produce hormones, including sex hormones, it is also suitable for brain health. Thus, the body can readily make it. Its normal level is essential for survival. However, its dysregulation and increased levels may cause significant damage in the long run.

It is now evident that wrong lifestyle choices and environmental toxins are causing dysregulation in the body’s cholesterol production. However, the question remains, what toxins? Humans are exposed to numerous toxins like pesticides, heavy metals, preservatives, colorants, plastics. Perhaps, all these toxins contribute to dysregulated cholesterol production.

It means that science needs to understand how various toxins affect cholesterol production by the body. This may eventually help reduce exposure to some of the more toxic chemicals or find ways to manage dysregulation caused by these substances.

A new study identified the underlying mechanism of how plastics increase cholesterol and cardiovascular conditions

In the first of its kind of study, researchers could identify how frequent exposure to various plastics might be causing high cholesterol in many1,2.

The especially focused on the role of a chemical called dicyclohexyl phthalate, or DCHP. It is added to various plastics to increase their strength and make them durable.

Researchers exposed the lab rats to high levels of this chemical. They found that DCHP increased the production of a specific protein in the gut, essential for cholesterol transportation. It means that exposure to this chemical considerably increases the gut’s ability to absorb cholesterol and transport it.

It is the first study of this kind. It is relevant because DCHP is in common use. Moreover, it is classified as one of the highly safe chemicals to date. Moreover, what is good is that this research could identify the exact underlying mechanism of action. 

The implications of such a finding are many. First, it is pretty likely that many other chemicals and plastics may have a similar kind of impact on the body. This also highlights that most synthetically chemicals are not as inert as often believed.

Although science has always thought that the high use of plastics is not good for health, it may cause many ill effects, like some plastics having estrogenic properties and others increasing cancer risks. However, this is the first study to identify a link between high cholesterol and plastic.

References

1. Sui Y, Meng Z, Chen J, et al. Effects of Dicyclohexyl Phthalate Exposure on PXR Activation and Lipid Homeostasis in Mice. Environ Health Perspect. 2021;129(12):127001. doi:10.1289/EHP9262
2. Halden RU. Plastics and Health Risks. Annual Review of Public Health. 2010;31(1):179-194. doi:10.1146/annurev.publhealth.012809.103714