Researchers recognize the human gastrointestinal tract as a significant repository for microplastics and nanoplastics. A collaborative study, led by the University of Vienna, the Medical University of Vienna, and CBmed GmbH in Graz, explores the impact of micro- and nanoplastic particles (MBPs) on cancer cells within the gastrointestinal tract.
The study, titled "Microplastics role in cell migration and distribution during cancer cell division" published in the journal Chemosphere, reveals prolonged MNP presence during cell division with preliminary evidence suggesting plastic particles may promote tumor metastasis.
Microplastics and Nanoplastics' Impact on Cancer Cells
Apart from breathing, ingestion is a key pathway for MNPs in the body. Verena Pichler and Lukas Kenner delve into the interactions between MNPs and colon cancer cells, with weekly plastic particles, weighing up to 5 grams, entering the gastrointestinal tract.
They revealed MNP entry points, and deposition locations, and observed direct effects in lysosomes, the cell's "stomach." Unlike biological debris, MNPs resisted degradation due to their unique chemical composition. Factors determined their persistence through cell division, potentially increasing cancer cell migration and promoting tumor metastasis, warranting further investigation in a subsequent study.
The modified behavior of colorectal cancer cells, particularly in terms of cell migration, is primarily attributed to their interaction with plastic particles smaller than one micrometer, commonly referred to as nanoplastics. These particles, occurring at a frequency 10 to 100 times higher than microplastics, demonstrate an increased level of harm.
Pichler underscores the consistency of these findings with the study's results, indicating that the smaller the plastic particles, the greater their detrimental impact on cell behavior. Kenner further highlights the study's affirmation of recent discoveries indicating that MNPs can indeed influence cell behavior, potentially contributing to the progression of diseases.
As plastic particles pervade the environment and humans experience persistent exposure to even the tiniest particles, Kenner stresses the urgent need for additional research to understand the long-term effects.
Pichler expresses concern about the anticipated chronic toxicity of MNPs, given their high uptake and prolonged retention in tissues and cells, meeting two of the three toxicology criteria used to classify substances as concerning under the EU Chemicals Regulation ("REACH").
Nanoplastics in Arteries: Unraveling the Cardiovascular Risk Connection
A separate study identified minute nanoplastics in the arteries of individuals, linking their presence to an increased vulnerability to heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes. The groundbreaking study, featured in The New England Journal of Medicine, establishes a novel association between these deteriorated plastic particles and cardiovascular ailments.
The investigation focused on patients with carotid artery stenosis, a condition marked by plaque hindering normal blood flow, revealing plastic particles predominantly in the plaque of 150 patients.
Subsequent monitoring disclosed a 20% occurrence of cardiovascular events among those with plastic particles, in contrast to 7.5% among those without. While the study suggests a connection, it falls short of demonstrating causation, necessitating additional ethical research.
As the first of its kind, the research examined a significant number of donors in detail, tracking patients' health over an extended period. The observational study emphasizes the necessity for future randomized, controlled trials to establish the causal relationship between plastic particles and cardiovascular health.
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