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Microplastics role in cell migration and distribution during cancer cell division
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Researchers exposed human colorectal cancer cells to polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics and found the particles persisted inside cells without being eliminated, were passed from parent to daughter cells during division, and significantly increased cell migration -- a key step in cancer spreading. These findings suggest microplastics could act as hidden promoters of tumor progression in the gut, where plastic exposure through food is highest.
Amidst the global plastic pollution crisis, the gastrointestinal tract serves as the primary entry point for daily exposure to micro- and nanoplastics. We investigated the complex dynamics between polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics (PS-MNPs) and four distinct human colorectal cancer cell lines (HT29, HCT116, SW480, and SW620). Our findings revealed a significant size- and concentration dependent uptake of 0.25, 1, and 10 μm PS-MNPs across all cell lines, with HCT116 cells exhibiting the highest uptake rates. During cell division, particles were distributed between mother and daughter cells. Interestingly, we observed no signs of elimination from the cells. Short-term exposure to 0.25 μm particles significantly amplified cell migration, potentially leading to pro-metastatic effects. Particles demonstrated high persistence in 2D and 3D cultures, and accumulation in non-proliferating parts of spheroids, without interfering with cell proliferation or division. Our study unveils the disturbing fact of the persistence and bioaccumulation of MNPs in colorectal cancer cell lines, key toxicological traits under REACH (Regulation concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals). Our observations underscore the potential of MNPs as hidden catalysts for tumor progression, particularly through enhancing cell migration and possibly fueling metastasis - a finding that sheds light on a significant and previously underexplored area of concern.
More Papers Like This
Multi-omics analysis and experiments reveal an association between polystyrene microplastics exposure and colorectal cancer progression.
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Scientists found that tiny plastic particles called polystyrene microplastics, commonly found in packaging and everyday plastics, may help colorectal cancer cells grow, spread, and survive in lab and animal studies. This suggests microplastic exposure could play a role in worsening colon cancer, though more research is needed to confirm this happens in humans.
A multi-omics signature of microplastic exposure and its clinical, metabolic, and microbial correlates in colorectal cancer
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Scientists found tiny plastic particles (from common plastics like PVC and polyethylene) built up more in colon tumors and the tissue around them than in blood samples from cancer patients. These plastic particles were linked to changes in blood chemistry and gut bacteria, suggesting microplastics might interact with the body's metabolism in ways connected to colorectal cancer. This is early evidence, not proof of cause and effect, but it highlights why reducing plastic exposure and further research into this link matter for gut health.
Detection and quantification of microplastics in various types of human tumor tissues
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Researchers detected microplastics in 43% of tumor samples across lung, gastric, colorectal, cervical, and pancreatic cancers, with polystyrene, PVC, and polyethylene being the types found. In pancreatic tumors, microplastic presence was associated with fewer immune cells that fight cancer and more immune cells linked to tumor progression, suggesting microplastics may create conditions that help tumors evade the immune system.
Microplastic-induced carcinogenesis: Molecular mechanisms, cellular interactions, and toxicological implications
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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
Effects of microplastics on chemo-resistance and tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer
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For the first time, researchers confirmed the presence of microplastics in human colorectal cancer tissue and showed in animal models that microplastics increased cancer rates and made tumors more resistant to chemotherapy drugs. The study found that microplastics trigger a cell survival mechanism called autophagy that helps cancer cells resist treatment, suggesting plastic pollution could complicate cancer outcomes.
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