We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics’ Impact on the Development of AOM/DSS-Induced Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer in Mice
Summary
Researchers used a mouse model of colitis-associated colorectal cancer and found that chronic polystyrene microplastic exposure (1.48 mg/kg/day for 12 weeks) increased tumor nodule number and promoted cancer development, providing experimental evidence linking microplastic ingestion to colorectal carcinogenesis.
Recently, evidence indicating that microplastics (MPs) have a hazardous effect on human health is accumulating. The potential of MPs having a role in carcinogenesis was suggested. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate MPs' effect on colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) development. The AOM/DSS-induced CAC model was reproduced in two groups of adult male C56BL/6 mice. One of these groups received MPs (5 μm polystyrene microbeads) with drinking water at a dose of 1.48 mg/kg/day throughout the experiment (12 weeks), and the other received water untreated with MPs. In the colons of mice that consumed MPs, there was a higher number of tumor nodules at the macroscopic level, a greater tumor prevalence on histological sections, more pronounced inflammatory infiltration, a higher goblet cell volume fraction, the content of highly sulfated mucins was found in them, and there were more tumors with increased enteroendocrine cell content. We did not find any MP effects on the claudins, mucins, proapoptotic factor Bax, or on the proliferation marker Mki67 gene expression in the medial colon, nor on the serum level of TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 cytokines. Thus, MPs promote the CAC development in mice by exacerbating intestinal local inflammation and damaging the epithelial barrier, and MPs may represent a potential environmental cofactor contributing to CAC risk.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Polystyrene nanoplastics promote colitis-associated cancer by disrupting lipid metabolism and inducing DNA damage
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.
Inflammatory response in the mid colon of ICR mice treated with polystyrene microplastics for two weeks
Researchers found that two weeks of oral polystyrene microplastic exposure in ICR mice induced an inflammatory response specifically in the mid colon, suggesting microplastics may contribute to colonic inflammation.
Influence of Microplastics on Morphological Manifestations of Experimental Acute Colitis
Researchers fed polystyrene microplastics to mice for six weeks and found that healthy mice developed changes in their colon lining, including altered mucus composition and immune cell populations. When mice with experimentally induced colitis also consumed microplastics, their intestinal inflammation was significantly more severe. The study suggests that microplastic exposure may worsen inflammatory bowel conditions.
Polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics aggravates colitis in a mouse model – effects on biodistribution, macrophage polarization, and gut microbiome
Researchers found that polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics aggravated colitis symptoms in a mouse model, increasing gut permeability, inflammatory cytokine levels, and tissue damage compared to controls. The study provides mechanistic evidence linking microplastic exposure to worsening of inflammatory bowel conditions.
Microplastics and Colorectal Cancer: Presence in Human Colorectal Tissues and Associations with Tumor Biology- A Systematic Review
This review of 13 studies found that tiny plastic particles called microplastics are present in human colon tissues, with higher amounts found in cancerous tumors compared to healthy tissue. The research suggests these plastic particles may contribute to colon cancer development by causing inflammation and creating conditions that help tumors grow. While more research is needed to prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship, this highlights growing concerns about how plastic pollution in our environment and food supply might affect human health.