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Microplastics and cancer progression: A comparative study of 2D and 3D gastric cancer models using ISO Compliant protocols
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Researchers developed standardized methods based on ISO protocols to test how microplastic exposure affects gastric cancer cells in both traditional flat cell cultures and three-dimensional tumor models. They found that polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics increased cancer cell growth in both model types, though the particles did not directly penetrate the 3D tumor structures. The study suggests that microplastic exposure may promote cancer cell proliferation, warranting further investigation.
• Standardized methods developed for microplastic toxicity assessment on gastric cancer • Microplastic exposure increased cancer cell growth in 2D and 3D models • No direct penetration of microplastics into 3D cancer spheroids observed • Potential cancer-promoting effects of polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics Microplastics have emerged as a significant global environmental concern, yet the absence of standardized protocols for assessing their toxicity remains a challenge. To address this gap, we applied the ISO 10993-5:2009 and ISO 10993-12:2012 standards for the first time to evaluate the effects of microplastics on cancer progression. Our study utilized both two-dimensional and three-dimensional models of gastric cancer to investigate the potential role of microplastics in promoting cancer growth. The MTT assay results revealed that the highest concentrations of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) and polypropylene microplastics (PP-MPs) enhanced the proliferation of gastric cancer cells at both 24 and 72 hours. After 24 hours, AGS cells treated with PE-MPs and PP-MPs exhibited increased viability, reaching 116.08% ± 15.55 and 118.78% ± 13.96, respectively; however, this increase was not statistically significant. In contrast, after 72 hours, AGS cells showed significantly enhanced growth, with viability reaching 122.37% ± 9.28 for PE-MPs and 131.51% ± 3.05 for PP-MPs (p < 0.001). In the three-dimensional model, live/dead staining results after seven days indicated that spheroids exposed to microplastics demonstrated greater cell survival compared to the control group. The percentage area growth of spheroids was 7.93% ± 1.5 for the control, 13.93% ± 4.85 for PE-MPs, and 19.59% ± 1.61 for PP-MPs, with the increase in PP-MPs being statistically significant (p < 0.05). Additionally, microplastics did not penetrate the three-dimensional gastric cancer within seven days. This research highlights the potential impact of microplastics on cancer development and introduces a novel methodological approach.
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Micro- and nanoplastics in gastric cancer: A narrative review
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This review summarizes existing lab research on tiny plastic particles and stomach cancer. Studies in cell and 3D tissue models suggest these particles may trigger cell damage, inflammation, and altered signaling linked to cancer growth, and may interact with the bacteria H. pylori, but a direct cause of stomach cancer in humans has not been established.
Characterization of Microplastics in Human Gastric Cancer and Control Tissues and Analysis of Associated Genetic Features
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Researchers detected and characterized microplastics in human gastric cancer tissue and adjacent healthy tissue, finding significantly higher microplastic concentrations in cancer tissue, and used transcriptome sequencing to explore potential molecular mechanisms linking microplastic exposure to gastric cancer development.
Molecular mechanism of microplastic intake promoting gastric epithelial cell carcinogenesis.
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Researchers examined gastric tissue from stomach cancer patients and healthy controls, finding microplastics in both. In lab and mouse experiments, exposure to polystyrene plastic particles increased cell activity, migration and markers linked to cancer-like changes in stomach cells, while reducing a protein called SDHA. The study suggests a possible link between plastic exposure and stomach cell changes, but further research is needed.
Micro[nano]plastic particles and cancer: challenges and opportunities for epidemiology studies.
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This review paper summarizes existing research on tiny plastic particles found in human organs and tumors, including lung, stomach, and breast cancer tissue. It notes that lab and animal studies suggest these particles might affect processes linked to cancer, but says human population studies on this link remain scarce due to measurement challenges.
Interaction of Polystyrene Nanoplastics and Helicobacter pylori Modulates Gastric Cancer Cellular Functions and Metastasis
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Researchers examined whether polystyrene nanoplastics and Helicobacter pylori bacteria can jointly enter gastric cancer cells and influence cancer progression. The study found that combined exposure to nanoplastics and H. pylori modulated cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, and metastasis in gastric cancer cells, suggesting that nanoplastic contamination may interact with bacterial infections to affect cancer-related cellular processes.
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