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The hidden poison - microplastic : Inflammatory catalyst of cancer development

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL PLANT SCIENCES 2024
Naveen Kumar, Alok Shukla, Anil Kumar, Ashok Kumar Pachar, Harman, Neetu Sharda, Neetu Sharda, Sonal Yadav, Sonal Yadav, Mridul Lamba, Arbind Acharya

Summary

This review discusses how microplastics act as inflammatory agents within biological tissues, summarizing evidence that ingested and inhaled microplastics can trigger oxidative stress, immune responses, and chronic inflammation in humans and animals.

Microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in diameter, have become a growing concern due to their widespread presence in various ecosystems and their potential health impacts, particularly their role in inducing inflammation and contributing to cancer development. This paper explores the mechanisms through which microplastics trigger inflammatory responses in biological systems, leading to oxidative stress, cellular damage, and disruptions in cellular signaling pathways. These processes not only sustain chronic inflammation but also create a microenvironment conducive to tumor initiation and progression. The paper further discusses the global prevalence of microplastic pollution, the specific inflammatory pathways activated by microplastics, and the resulting implications for various types of cancer, including gastrointestinal, lung, liver, skin, and breast cancers. The study highlights the urgent need for standardized research methodologies, long-term studies, and effective remediation strategies to mitigate the health risks posed by microplastic exposure.

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