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To Waste or Not to Waste: Questioning Potential Health Risks of Micro- and Nanoplastics with a Focus on Their Ingestion and Potential Carcinogenicity
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Researchers reviewed how micro- and nanoplastics ingested through food travel through the gut, disrupt the microbiome, trigger inflammation, and may act as carriers for toxic chemicals — a 'Trojan Horse' effect — potentially raising cancer risk. The authors call for a rethinking of consumer culture alongside further scientific investigation.
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are recognized as emerging contaminants, especially in food, with unknown health significance. MNPs passing through the gastrointestinal tract have been brought in context with disruption of the gut microbiome. Several molecular mechanisms have been described to facilitate tissue uptake of MNPs, which then are involved in local inflammatory and immune responses. Furthermore, MNPs can act as potential transporters ("vectors") of contaminants and as chemosensitizers for toxic substances ("Trojan Horse effect"). In this review, we summarize current multidisciplinary knowledge of ingested MNPs and their potential adverse health effects. We discuss new insights into analytical and molecular modeling tools to help us better understand the local deposition and uptake of MNPs that might drive carcinogenic signaling. We present bioethical insights to basically re-consider the "culture of consumerism." Finally, we map out prominent research questions in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.
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Microplastics and nanoplastics: Characterizing potential health perturbations and mechanistic evidence
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Tiny plastic particles called microplastics and nanoplastics are everywhere, in our food, water, and air, and this review pulls together existing research on how they might harm our bodies. Scientists found these particles can damage cells, trigger inflammation, disrupt gut bacteria, and may even raise cancer risk, though more research is still needed to fully confirm these links in humans. The takeaway: reducing plastic exposure in daily life is a reasonable precaution while researchers work to better understand the risks.
Impact of Micro-nanoplastics on Gut and Immune Function
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This review examined how micro- and nanoplastics disrupt gut microbiota and immune function across aquatic and terrestrial vertebrates, with implications for human health. Because the gut microbiome governs immune regulation and metabolic health, microplastic-induced dysbiosis represents a plausible mechanism by which plastic ingestion could drive systemic inflammation and disease beyond the GI tract.
Invisible invaders: unveiling the carcinogenic threat of microplastics and nanoplastics in colorectal cancer-a systematic review
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This systematic review examines the potential link between microplastics and nanoplastics and colorectal cancer. The research highlights how these tiny particles may contribute to cancer development through mechanisms like chronic inflammation and cellular damage in the gut. While more studies are needed, the findings raise important questions about the long-term consequences of ingesting plastic particles.
Micro‐ and nanoplastics in gastrointestinal disorders: Mapping the translational gap between exposure, biomonitoring, and pathogenic mechanisms
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Tiny plastic particles from our food, air, and water may be doing more than just passing through our bodies, this review of existing research suggests they can irritate the gut lining, trigger inflammation, and throw off the balance of healthy gut bacteria. While scientists haven't yet nailed down exactly how much exposure causes harm or the precise mechanisms involved, the evidence so far suggests these ever-present plastic particles could be a hidden contributor to digestive health problems, making it a research area worth watching.
Microplastics and nanoplastics as potential ecological oncogenic co-drivers: rewiring host–microbe interactions in cancer
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This review paper summarizes existing research proposing that tiny plastic particles called microplastics and nanoplastics may disrupt the gut lining, immune responses, and gut bacteria in ways that could contribute to cancer development. The authors note this is a conceptual framework based on lab and biomarker evidence, with direct human data still limited.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.