The study investigated the cardiovascular effects of daily exposure to plastic products by simulating the oral heat exposure mode of disposable plastic takeout containers (DPTC) commonly used in society. Questionnaires were used to randomly choose 3179 people in order to examine any possible correlation between the frequency of plastic exposure and the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Additionally, Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats consumed leachate from DPTC exposed to boiling water for 1 minute，5 minutes and 15 minutes respectively, over three months. After intervention, fecal samples were taken for microbiota and metabolomics analysis, and rat cardiac tissue was studied by staining and electron microscopy. Serum parameters were tested to analyze cardiovascular system changes. The population-based plastic exposure questionnaire data revealed that high-frequency exposure to plastics is significantly associated with an increased risk of congestive heart failure, with an odds ratio of 1.13 (95 % CI: 1.03-1.24). Rat fecal analysis revealed that β diversity and composition of gut microbiota in experimental groups were changed. Inflammatory cell infiltration, mitochondrial swelling, and serum indicators of oxidative stress and inflammation were significantly elevated in the myocardium, without temporal differences observed. The study shows plastic exposure as a significant CVD risk factor regardless of duration. It leads to changes in myocardial tissue, gut microbiota, and metabolites, all closely tied to CVD.
Keywords: Cardiovascular system; Gut microbiota; Leaching liquor; Metabolism; Plastic products.
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