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Long-term exposure to nanoplastics alters molecular and functional traits related to the carcinogenic process
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Researchers exposed cells to polystyrene nanoplastics for six months and found that long-term exposure activated multiple molecular markers associated with cancer development, including enhanced cell migration, invasion potential, and ability to grow independently. The study suggests that chronic nanoplastic exposure may pose a carcinogenic risk, though further research is needed to confirm these findings in living organisms.
Micro/nanoplastics (MNPLs) are considered emergent pollutants widely spread over all environmental compartments. Although their potential biological effects are being intensively evaluated, many doubts remain about their potential health effects in humans. One of the most underdeveloped fields is the determination of the potential tumorigenic risk of MNPLs exposure. To shed light on this topic, we have designed a wide battery of different hallmarks of cancer applied to prone-to-transformed progress MEF cells exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPLs) in the long term (6 months). Interestingly, most of the evaluated hallmarks of cancer are exacerbated after exposure, independently if they are associated with an early tumoral phenotype (changes in stress-related genes, or microRNA deregulation), advanced tumoral phenotype (growing independently of anchorage ability, and migration capacity), or an aggressive tumoral phenotype (invasion potential, changes in pluripotency markers, and ability to grow to form tumorspheres). This set of obtained data constitutes a relevant warning on the potential carcinogenic risk associated with long-term exposures to MNPLs, specifically that induced by the PSNPLs evaluated in this study.
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Chronic Exposure to Nanoplastics Alters Stem Cell Type-Specific Mechanisms, Promoting Cancer Development
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Researchers investigated the long-term effects of PET and polystyrene nanoplastics on mammary stem cells and found that chronic exposure enhanced self-renewal capacity and altered three-dimensional organization without impairing normal differentiation. Both types of nanoplastics significantly increased cell invasiveness and anchorage-independent growth through distinct molecular mechanisms, indicating a shift toward more aggressive cellular behavior. The study suggests that prolonged nanoplastic exposure may contribute to early pre-cancerous changes in stem cells.
Nanoplastics as a Potential Environmental Health Factor: From Molecular Interaction to Altered Cellular Function and Human Diseases
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This review examined how nanoplastics — particularly polystyrene — interact with cells at the molecular level, potentially causing lasting changes that could contribute to developmental problems and degenerative disease. The study highlights growing concerns about nanoplastics as an emerging environmental health risk given their widespread presence in food, water, and air.
Long-term low-dose exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics induces morphological and transcriptional reprogramming to enhance metastatic potential of colorectal cancer cells
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Researchers exposed colorectal cancer cells to low doses of 20-nanometer polystyrene nanoplastics over an extended period and found that the cells underwent significant morphological and genetic changes that enhanced their ability to migrate and metastasize. The nanoplastic-treated cells showed increased markers for cancer stem cell properties and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Zebrafish models confirmed that nanoplastic exposure accelerated the spread of colorectal cancer cells, suggesting nanoplastics may contribute to cancer progression.
Nanoplastics Enhance Transmembrane Transport and Uptake of Carcinogens: Transcriptional Changes and the Effects of Weathering
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Researchers generated nanoplastics from four common consumer plastics and found that these tiny particles can absorb cancer-linked chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons at concentrations far exceeding what dissolves in water alone. When tested on a lab model of the human intestinal lining, the chemical-loaded nanoplastics significantly increased the transport of carcinogens into and across cells, while also triggering stress responses at the genetic level. The findings suggest that nanoplastics could act as delivery vehicles that increase human exposure to harmful chemicals in the environment.
Long-Term Effects of Polystyrene Nanoplastics in Human Intestinal Caco-2 Cells
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Researchers exposed human intestinal cells to polystyrene nanoplastics over an extended period to simulate chronic dietary exposure. They found that long-term exposure at low concentrations caused subtle but persistent changes in cell function, including altered gene expression and increased oxidative stress markers. The study highlights that the health effects of nanoplastics may build up gradually over time, underscoring the importance of studying chronic rather than just short-term exposure.
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