Carcinogenesis, Teratogenesis & Mutagenesis ›› 2023, Vol. 35 ›› Issue (5): 360-365,373.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-616x.2023.05.006

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Qualitative and quantitative analysis of microplastics in human tophi

HUANG Yubin1, Lü Quanwei2   

  1. 1. No.153, Changping Road, Longhu Distirict, Shantou 515057;
    2. Shantou Academy of Medical Sciences, Shantou 515031, Guangdong, China
  • Received:2023-08-21 Revised:2023-09-19 Published:2023-10-13

Abstract: OBJECTIVE:This study aimed at detecting whether microplastics existed in human tophi; and then qualitatively and quantitatively analyzing the detected microplastics; identifying compositions of tophi,exploring possible roles of microplastic accumulation in tophi formation in the joints,and then providing new ideas for the treatment of gout. METHODS: Samples of gouty tophus from 5 male patients (serum uric acid>500 μmol/L) were included for analysis,and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) was used to detect 10 types of microplastics that might exist in tophi. RESULTS: More than or equal to 1 type of microplastic was detected in the tophi of 4 patients,and a total of 4 different types of microplastics (polystyrene,polyethylene,polyvinyl chloride,polyadiohexylenediamine) were identified. The results demonstrate that polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene (PE) had the highest detection rate,with average contents of 20.300 and 115.157 mg/kg,respectively. CONCLUSION: Microplastics can be detected in human tophi,which may be involved in and may play a certain role in the formation of human tophi.

Key words: microplastic, tophus, gout, health risks

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