First, because the methodology requires chemical digestion, it is unclear where in the liver MPs are deposited. For instance, it is indeterminate if MPs are deposited intracellularly, in Kupffer cells, endothelium or hepatocytes/cholangiocytes. In the present study histopathological assessments of the liver tissue will be performed to determine the presence of the MPs.
* Furthermore, the study will assess various polymer types of MP in cirrhotic liver tissue including commonly observed plastic polymers PS (polystyrene), PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PC (polycarbonate), and PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate).
* Therefore, potential cellular sites of deposition in the liver will be assessed. If the MPs were in the systemic circulation, without any liver parenchymal residues, such particles should also be identified in spleen and kidney samples.
* histopathology and electron microscopy of the liver tissue which should clarify the specific accumulation sites.
