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Formation of metal-microplastic complexes in lung adenocarcinoma is associated with increased risk of cancer progression
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Researchers identified 34 different types of microplastics in lung tumor tissue from patients with lung adenocarcinoma, with polyvinyl chloride being the most prevalent in tumors. They found that metals like aluminum and calcium formed complexes with the microplastics in tumor tissue, and these metal-microplastic complexes were associated with changes in gene activity linked to cancer progression. The study suggests that microplastics in lung tissue may interact with metals in ways that could influence tumor behavior.
Metal-microplastic complexes (m-MPs) represent an emerging environmental health concern. However their presence and pathological implications in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remain underexplored. This study employed a multimodal approach to characterize m-MPs in 15 LUAD patients, integrating several techniques, including laser direct infrared imaging (LDIR), pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GCMS), inductively coupled plasma analysis (ICP), and Sequencing at the transcriptome level. Totally, 34 distinct microplastic types were identified in lung tissues, with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) predominant in tumor tissues. Notably, the levels of aluminum (Al) and calcium (Ca) exhibited strong positive correlations with microplastics (MPs) content in tumors (p < 0.05). In this study, a novel approach was applied to assess the influences of m-MPs on tumor, through which we found that m-MPs accumulation could activate pro-tumorigenic pathways, leading to reduced overall survival (HR=1.59, p = 0.002) and disease-specific survival (HR=1.64, p = 0.01). Moreover, SYNE1 and RORA genes were identified as diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers for the assessment of m-MPs exposure in LUAD. Our findings revealed that m-MPs have the capacity for promoting metal ion deposition and oncogenic signaling, thereby involved in LUAD progression. This work also provides evidence using human tissue to demonstrate the association of m-MPs with lung cancer outcomes and advocate the development and application of therapeutic strategies targeting m-MPs.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in Human Thoracic Tissues: Increased Burden in Patients with Lung Malignancy
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Scientists looked at lung and chest tissue from 50 people having surgery for suspected lung cancer and found tiny plastic particles (microplastics) in nearly two-thirds of them. People with confirmed lung cancer were more likely to have these particles in their tissue, and in higher amounts, than those with non-cancerous conditions, though this study can't prove the plastics actually cause cancer. It's an early but important clue that the plastic particles we breathe in every day may be building up in our lungs and could be linked to cancer risk, something researchers say needs more investigation.
Deposition of microplastics associated with bioaccumulation of heavy metals in human lungs of smokers: Implications of adsorption and mobilization of metals via microplastics
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Researchers compared lung tissue from smokers and non-smokers and found that smokers accumulated more microplastics alongside elevated levels of heavy metals in lung tissue, suggesting that tobacco smoke enhances chelation of heavy metals to airborne microplastics, increasing lung bioaccumulation.
Microplastics Exposure Impact on Lung Cancer—Literature Review
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This review examines the relationship between micro- and nanoplastic exposure and lung cancer development, summarizing evidence that these particles can enter the respiratory system through inhaled air, contaminated food, and other pathways. Researchers found that microplastics may promote inflammatory and oxidative processes in lung tissue that are associated with cancer progression. The study suggests that chronic microplastic exposure warrants consideration as a potential contributing factor in lung cancer research.
Microplastic Accumulation in the Human Lung: Distinct Signatures in Lung Cancer vs Normal Tissue
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Scientists found tiny plastic particles (from things like packaging and bottles) in all the lung tissue samples they studied, both cancerous and healthy. Cancer samples tended to have more plastic bits, especially smaller fiber-shaped pieces made of common plastics like polypropylene and PET, but this was a small study, so it can't yet prove plastics cause cancer, just that they're worth investigating further. Bottom line: this adds to growing evidence that microplastics are showing up in our bodies, and researchers want to know if they're contributing to lung disease.
Identification and analysis of microplastics in peritumoral and tumor tissues of colorectal cancer
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Researchers examined tumor and surrounding tissue from colorectal cancer patients and found a diverse range of microplastics, including PVC and polyethylene, with tumor tissues containing a greater variety and higher distribution of microplastics than adjacent healthy tissue. A protein called clathrin that helps cells absorb materials was highly active in the cancer tissue, suggesting it may facilitate microplastic uptake and pointing to a potential link between microplastic exposure and colorectal cancer development.
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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.