A study from Uppsala University in Sweden has discovered a link between microplastics and animals. Multiple sclerosis (MS).
The study, published in the journal Environment International, found that exposure to two common environmental pollutants, PFAS and PCBs, can increase the risk of autoimmune diseases.
Known as the “forever chemicals,” PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are found in some common household products such as nonstick cookware, textiles, and cleaning products. They are also found in: drinking water According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, it has spread across the United States.
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According to the National Institute of Environmental Health, PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) are toxic industrial chemicals that were once widely used in electrical equipment until they were banned decades ago.
The new study results were based on blood samples from 1,800 Swedes, including about 900 recently diagnosed with MS, according to a university press release.
The first phase of the study included 14 tests. PFAS contaminants Three substances appear when PCBs are broken down in the body. These were then investigated for their association with the probability of diagnosis.
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“We’ve seen some of it individual substances“Substances such as PFOS and two hydroxylated PCBs were associated with increased odds of MS,” study lead author Kim Kurtima said in a statement. “People with the highest concentrations of PFOS and PCBs were approximately twice as likely to be diagnosed with MS compared to those with the lowest concentrations.”
Researchers then looked at the combined effects of these substances and found that mixtures were also associated with increased risk.
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Fellow researcher Aina Byvard pointed out that risk assessments should consider not only individual exposure but also chemical mixtures, as people are usually exposed to multiple substances at the same time.
The final stage of the study will examine the relationship between genetics, chemical exposure, and the probability of an MS diagnosis, and will examine the relationship between genetics, chemical exposure, and the probability of an MS diagnosis. genetic mutation It actually reduces your MS risk.
However, individuals who carry the gene and have high exposure to PFOS — A unique class of chemicals in the PFAS family — Risk of MS increased “unexpectedly”.
“This shows that there is a complex interaction between genetics and environmental exposures related to the probability of MS,” Kurtima said.
“Therefore, we believe it is important to understand how environmental pollutants interact with genetic factors, as this may provide new knowledge about the development of MS and may also be relevant to the development of MS.” other diseases. ”
Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Mark Siegel commented on these findings in an interview with Fox News Digital.
“MS is a complex disease with some autoimmunity and some post-inflammatory properties,” said Professor Siegel, who was not involved in the study. ”Epstein-Barr virus infection The risk of MS increases significantly. ”
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“There is good reason to believe that environmental factors, including microplastics, play a role. This important study shows correlation, but not causation. In other words, it does not prove that microplastics caused multiple sclerosis.”
The researchers acknowledged some limitations to the study, including that chemical exposure was measured only once, at the time of blood collection. This means it may not accurately represent participants’ long-term or past exposure levels. MS development.
Fox News Digital reached out to several industry groups and manufacturers for comment on the potential link between PFAS chemicals and multiple sclerosis.
Several companies have issued public statements, including the American Chemistry Council, which states on its website that “manufacturers and many users of PFAS today have implemented a variety of practices and technologies to minimize their environmental emissions.”
In April 2024, the EPA enacted new federal regulations that place mandatory limits on certain PFAS chemicals in drinking water with the goal of reducing exposure. The agency also aims to fund testing and treatment efforts.
According to the Mayo Clinic, multiple sclerosis is a disease that leads to the destruction of the protective membranes that surround nerve fibers.
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The immune system’s attack on these nerve sheaths can cause numbness, weakness, and difficulty walking and moving. changes in vision Symptoms such as this can occur and can lead to permanent damage.
According to a Mayo Clinic report, there is currently no cure for MS, but treatments are available to manage symptoms and modify the course of the disease.
