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Microplastics and gut dysbiosis: links to cancer inflammation
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This review summarizes existing research on how tiny plastic particles called microplastics may disrupt gut bacteria and the gut's protective lining. The studies suggest these changes are linked to inflammation and may be connected to cancer progression and weaker responses to cancer treatments, though more research in humans is needed.
To review the link between microplastic (MP) exposure, gut dysbiosis, inflammation, cancer progression, and anticancer therapy resistance. Relevant literature was searched in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using keywords related to microplastics, gut microbiota, inflammation, and cancer. Evidence suggests that MPs disrupt gut microbiota and intestinal barrier integrity, promoting oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune dysregulation. These alterations may contribute to cancer progression and reduced response to chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors. MP-induced gut dysbiosis may contribute to cancer-associated inflammation and therapeutic resistance. Further studies are needed to establish its clinical relevance in humans.
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This review examines how microplastics may disrupt the gut microbiome and immune system in ways that could promote cancer development. Evidence from recent studies suggests microplastics can cause chronic inflammation, alter the balance of gut bacteria, and trigger molecular pathways linked to several cancer types including lung, liver, breast, and colon cancer. While more human research is needed, the review highlights a concerning connection between microplastic exposure, gut health, and cancer risk.
Microplastics and nanoplastics as potential ecological oncogenic co-drivers: rewiring host–microbe interactions in cancer
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This review paper summarizes existing research proposing that tiny plastic particles called microplastics and nanoplastics may disrupt the gut lining, immune responses, and gut bacteria in ways that could contribute to cancer development. The authors note this is a conceptual framework based on lab and biomarker evidence, with direct human data still limited.
Microplastics: an often-overlooked issue in the transition from chronic inflammation to cancer
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This review explores how microplastics that accumulate in the human body may trigger long-lasting inflammation, which is a known driver of cancer development. The authors describe how microplastics can disrupt the gut microbiome, activate immune responses, and alter signaling pathways in ways that could promote tumor growth over time.
Dietary Intake of Micro- and Nanoplastics: Potential Adverse GI Effects on Microbiome, Inflammation, and Neoplasia
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Tiny plastic particles from our food and packaging are showing up in human stool and even colon tissue, and this review pulls together research suggesting they may disrupt gut bacteria, weaken the gut's protective lining, and trigger inflammation—effects that have been loosely linked to conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. It's important to note this is a summary of existing lab and early clinical studies, not new proof that plastics cause these diseases in people—scientists say we still need larger human studies to confirm the connection and figure out if cutting plastic exposure actually improves gut health.
Impact of micro- and nanoplastics on gastrointestinal diseases: Recent advances
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This review summarizes how micro- and nanoplastics can harm the digestive system by causing oxidative stress, inflammation, cell death, and disruption of gut bacteria. These connected pathways can damage the intestinal lining and may contribute to conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. The findings highlight the importance of understanding how everyday plastic exposure through food and water could affect gut health over time.
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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.