A new study has found a worrying link between certain chemicals called phthalates and poor heart health in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
The research was published in the journal Renal Failure and led by Dr. Gewenhan Chen from Xiamen University in China.
Phthalates are man-made chemicals used in many everyday items like plastic containers, food packaging, personal care products, and even medical equipment. Because they are so common, almost everyone is exposed to them to some degree.
However, people with CKD may be especially vulnerable because they often need regular medical treatments that may increase their exposure to these chemicals.
In this study, researchers analyzed data from over 2,200 people with CKD who participated in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2003 and 2018. The team wanted to see if there was a connection between phthalate exposure and the chances of having heart problems.
They found that people with CKD who had higher levels of phthalates in their bodies were more likely to report having cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, stroke, or heart failure. This link remained strong across different models used by the researchers to test the data.
The team also performed a deeper analysis to understand how phthalates might cause harm. They used a technique called network toxicology, which looks at how chemicals affect the body at the genetic level. They found that three specific genes—PPARG, CASP9, and CTSS—may play key roles in how phthalates can damage both the kidneys and the heart.
The authors of the study said that since phthalate exposure is almost unavoidable and CKD patients may face higher exposure due to their medical environment, even small increases in risk are important. In other words, the problem could be even bigger than it looks, especially for people who are already sick and more vulnerable.
This research highlights the need for more awareness and better safety measures to reduce phthalate exposure, especially in hospitals and clinics. For example, switching to phthalate-free medical supplies could be one step toward protecting kidney patients from further harm.
In summary, the study shows that common chemicals in the environment may silently contribute to serious health problems in people with kidney disease.
It also calls for more research and stronger policies to reduce chemical exposure in this high-risk group. Protecting people with CKD from harmful chemicals may help lower their risk of heart disease and improve their overall health.
If you care about kidney health, please read studies about how to protect your kidneys from diabetes, and drinking coffee could help reduce risk of kidney injury.
For more information about kidney health, please see recent studies about foods that may prevent recurrence of kidney stones, and eating nuts linked to lower risk of chronic kidney disease and death.
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