We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
The alarming link between environmental microplastics and health hazards with special emphasis on cancer
AI summary Read the abstract
This review describes how microplastics enter the human body through the nose, skin, and mouth, then penetrate cells where they can alter gene expression, fuel inflammation, disrupt hormone signaling, and promote uncontrolled cell growth. Studies have linked microplastic exposure to cancers of the lungs, blood, breast, prostate, and ovaries, though the precise molecular mechanisms still need further investigation.
Microplastic contamination is a burgeoning environmental issue that poses serious threats to animal and human health. Microplastics enter the human body through nasal, dermal, and oral routes to contaminate multiple organs. Studies have advocated the existence of microplastics in human breast milk, sputum, faeces, and blood. Microplastics can find their ways to the sub-cellular moiety via active and passive approaches. At cellular level, microplastics follow clathrin and caveolae-dependent pathways to invade the sub-cellular environment. These environmental contaminants modulate the epigenetic control of gene expression, status of inflammatory mediators, redox homeostasis, cell-cycle proteins, and mimic the endocrine mediators like estrogen and androgen to fuel carcinogenesis. Furthermore, epidemiological studies have suggested potential links between the exposure to microplastics and the onset of various chronic diseases. Microplastics trigger uncontrolled cell proliferation and ensue tissue growth leading to various cancers affecting the lungs, blood, breasts, prostate, and ovaries. Additionally, such contamination can potentially affect sub-cellular signaling and injure multiple organs. In essence, numerous reports have claimed microplastic-induced toxicity and tumorigenesis in human and model animals. Nonetheless, the underlying molecular mechanism is still elusive and warrants further investigations. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of microplastics, covering their sources, chemistry, human exposure routes, toxicity, and carcinogenic potential at the molecular level.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic-induced carcinogenesis: Molecular mechanisms, cellular interactions, and toxicological implications
AI summary Read the abstract
Tiny plastic particles that we breathe, eat, and touch every day are now showing up in our blood, lungs, and other organs, and this review of existing research explains how they might contribute to cancer. Microplastics can trigger cell damage, inflammation, and disrupted signaling in ways linked to tumor growth, and they can also act like tiny rafts that ferry other harmful chemicals and toxins deeper into our bodies. While scientists haven't proven microplastics directly cause cancer in humans yet, the mounting evidence is a strong signal that reducing plastic exposure and pushing for more research should be a public health pri
Microplastics: An Emerging Carcinogen in the Human Body
AI summary Read the abstract
This review paper summarizes existing research on microplastics entering the human body through skin, nose, and mouth, with particles detected in faeces, blood, lungs, and placenta. The reviewed studies report that microplastics disrupt cell functions, inflammation, and other processes linked to toxicity and cancer development.
Micro(nano)plastics pollution and human health: How plastics can induce carcinogenesis to humans?
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how microplastics and nanoplastics enter the human body through food, water, and air, and how they may contribute to cancer development. Common plastic types like polystyrene and PVC, along with toxic chemicals they carry such as PAHs and PCBs, have been linked to DNA damage, oxidative stress, and inflammation, all of which can promote cancer. The paper highlights that while the evidence is growing, more research is needed to understand the full cancer risk from chronic microplastic exposure.
Microscopic menace: exploring the link between microplastics and cancer pathogenesis
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines the growing evidence linking microplastic exposure to cancer development in humans. Microplastics can accumulate in the body and trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, and other biological changes associated with tumor growth. While more clinical research is needed, the review highlights that microplastics should be taken seriously as a potential factor in cancer risk.
Microplastics and human cancer risk: A comprehensive review of environmental, molecular, and nanotoxicological perspectives
AI summary Read the abstract
This review pulls together lab research suggesting tiny plastic particles in our environment could damage cells, cause inflammation, and disrupt processes linked to cancer growth. While these findings raise real concern, scientists still lack direct proof that microplastics cause cancer in humans, so more long-term research is needed before drawing firm conclusions.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.