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Nanoplastics Shape Adaptive Anticancer Immunity in the Colon in Mice
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In a mouse study, researchers found that orally administered polyethylene nanoplastics disrupted the intestinal immune environment in ways that could favor tumor growth in the colon. The nanoplastics altered immune cell populations and promoted an immunosuppressive environment around colorectal tumors. The study suggests that nanoplastic exposure may influence how the immune system responds to abnormal cell growth in the gut.
The impact of nanoplastics (NPs) on human health is still not well understood, and more research is needed to better understand the risks associated with these particles. In this study, we found that oral administration of polyethylene (PE) NPs in a mice model significantly disrupted the intestinal microenvironment, which shapes adaptive immune response and favors the established in situ colorectal tumor growth. Using single-cell RNA sequencing technology, we show that NPs triggered colon IL-1β-producing macrophages by inducing lysosome damage, leading to colonic Treg and Th17 differentiation associated with T cell exhaustion, which creates a colon environment that favors the tumor initiation and progress. A similar effect is also observed in polystyrene NPs. Our result provides insight into the potential link between NPs ingestion and colon tumorigenesis, and the urgency of addressing plastic pollution worldwide.
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Effects of microplastics on the colorectal tumor immune microenvironment and immunotherapy resistance via JAK–STAT–microbiota perturbation.
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Scientists found that microplastics—tiny plastic particles now common in our environment—can build up in colorectal (colon) tumors and make cancer immunotherapy less effective, based on studies in mice. The plastics seem to weaken the immune system's ability to find and attack cancer cells, partly by disrupting gut bacteria and blocking key immune signals. While this research was done in animals rather than people, it raises concerning questions about whether everyday plastic exposure could affect cancer treatment outcomes in humans.
Polystyrene nanoplastics promote colorectal tumorigenesis via gut microbiota-metabolite-Th17 cell axis
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In mice with chemically induced colorectal cancer, long-term feeding of polystyrene nanoplastics damaged the gut lining and altered gut bacteria, reducing a protective bacterium and its byproduct, propionic acid. This weakened an immune response linked to tumor fighting and increased tumor growth. Researchers also found microplastics in colorectal cancer patients' tissue and blood samples.
Effects induced by polyethylene microplastics oral exposure on colon mucin release, inflammation, gut microflora composition and metabolism in mice
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Researchers fed mice polyethylene microplastics for 30 days and found that even low doses reduced protective mucus in the colon, altered inflammation markers, and shifted the composition of gut bacteria. The microplastics increased the ratio of Bacteroides to Firmicutes bacteria and affected metabolic pathways in the gut microbiome. The study suggests that oral microplastic exposure may disrupt intestinal health by modifying the gut microbial community and its metabolism.
Oral exposure to polyethylene microplastics alters gut morphology, immune response, and microbiota composition in mice
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Researchers fed mice polyethylene microplastics of two sizes commonly found in human stool for six weeks and examined the effects on gut health. The study found that microplastic exposure altered gut structure, disrupted immune cell function, changed gene expression related to inflammation and gut barrier integrity, and shifted the composition of gut bacteria. Mice exposed to both sizes simultaneously showed the most severe effects, suggesting that real-world exposure to mixed microplastic sizes may compound the damage.
Polystyrene nanoplastics promote colitis-associated cancer by disrupting lipid metabolism and inducing DNA damage
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In a mouse study, polystyrene nanoplastics accelerated the development of colon cancer linked to inflammatory bowel disease by disrupting fat metabolism and causing DNA damage in intestinal cells. The nanoplastics also altered gut bacteria and increased intestinal inflammation, suggesting that plastic particle exposure could worsen outcomes for people already at risk for colon cancer.
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