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A multi-omics signature of microplastic exposure and its clinical, metabolic, and microbial correlates in colorectal cancer
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Scientists found tiny plastic particles (from common plastics like PVC and polyethylene) built up more in colon tumors and the tissue around them than in blood samples from cancer patients. These plastic particles were linked to changes in blood chemistry and gut bacteria, suggesting microplastics might interact with the body's metabolism in ways connected to colorectal cancer. This is early evidence, not proof of cause and effect, but it highlights why reducing plastic exposure and further research into this link matter for gut health.
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging environmental contaminants with potential human health implications, yet their distribution and biological effects in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unclear. Here, we investigate the presence of MPs in blood, tumor, and peri-tumor tissues from CRC patients using a multi-omics approach. We find that MPs, particularly polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene (PE), are more abundant in tumor and peri-tumor tissues than in blood. Tissue-specific MPs were associated with clinical traits, serum metabolites, and gut microbes. Functional analysis suggested MP-related alterations in microbial pathways involving carbohydrate metabolism, fatty acid degradation, and bile acid biosynthesis. Our findings provide the first integrative evidence suggesting potential links between MPs exposure to metabolic and microbial dysregulation in CRC patients.
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Microplastics and colorectal cancer: presence in human colorectal tissues and associations with tumor biology
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This review of 13 studies found that microplastics, tiny plastic particles from everyday sources like packaging and synthetic fabrics, show up in higher amounts in colorectal cancer tumors than in surrounding healthy tissue. Higher microplastic levels were linked to more aggressive tumors, more inflammation, and disrupted gut barrier function, suggesting these particles may help create conditions that favor cancer growth. While this doesn't prove microplastics cause colorectal cancer, it's a strong signal that reducing plastic exposure could matter for gut health, and larger studies are needed to confirm the connection.
Microplastics and Colorectal Cancer: Presence in Human Colorectal Tissues and Associations with Tumor Biology- A Systematic Review
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This review of 13 studies found that tiny plastic particles called microplastics are present in human colon tissues, with higher amounts found in cancerous tumors compared to healthy tissue. The research suggests these plastic particles may contribute to colon cancer development by causing inflammation and creating conditions that help tumors grow. While more research is needed to prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship, this highlights growing concerns about how plastic pollution in our environment and food supply might affect human health.
The clinical relevance of microplastic exposure on colorectal cancer: A systematic review
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This systematic review of four studies found that microplastic accumulation in colorectal cancer tissue (25.9-32.2 particles/g) was significantly higher than in healthy controls, with polyamide, polycarbonate, and polypropylene as the most common polymers detected. While a causal relationship has not been established, the evidence points to microplastics as a potential environmental factor in colorectal cancer development.
Microplastics and the Rising Tide of Early‐Onset Colorectal Cancer: Exploring the Environmental Gut Connection
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This paper explores the potential connection between microplastic exposure and the rising rates of early-onset colorectal cancer. The study discusses how microplastics may interact with the gut environment, suggesting that further research is needed to understand whether environmental microplastic contamination could be contributing to this emerging health trend.
IDDF2026-ABS-0347 Uncovering potential pro-carcinogenic effects of microplastics in colonic polyps and their association with gut dysbiosis and intestinal permeability dysfunction
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Researchers found higher levels of microplastics (tiny plastic particles from packaging, containers, and other everyday products) in colon polyps—growths that can sometimes turn into cancer—compared to healthy colon tissue. These microplastics were linked to an imbalanced gut microbiome and weakened connections between intestinal cells, both of which could make it easier for harmful changes to take hold. While this doesn't prove microplastics cause colon cancer, it adds to growing evidence that reducing plastic exposure may be worth taking seriously for gut health.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.