Detection and Proinflammatory Effects of BTEX within the Human Atherosclerotic Plaque.

ABSTRACT: Blood levels of the pollutants benzene, toluene, xylene (i.e., the sum of ortho-, meta-, and para-xylene isomers), and ethylbenzene (BTEX) are associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Here, we tested the hypothesis that BTEX accumulate in human atherosclerotic plaque, promoting local proinflammatory responses within atheroma tissues. To this aim, we retrospectively analyzed carotid plaque samples from 147 individuals from a cohort of people with asymptomatic carotid stenosis undergoing carotid endarterectomy. In atheroma specimens, we quantified BTEX and 1,4-benzoquinone, a benzene metabolite, through flame ionization detector gas chromatography and by high-performance liquid chromatograph

SUBMITTER: Marfella R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12750534 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature