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An emerging role of microplastics in the etiology of lung ground glass nodules
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This study proposes a mechanistic link between microplastic inhalation and the development of pulmonary ground glass nodules, reviewing evidence that inhaled microplastics may trigger inflammatory and fibrotic processes in lung tissue.
Abstract Pulmonary ground glass nodules (GGNs) have been increasingly identified in past decades and is becoming an important clinical dilemma in oncology. Meanwhile, humans persistently inhale microplastics which are dominant in the air. However, the retention of “non-self” microplastics in human lung and its correlation with pulmonary GGNs remains elusive. In this study, we firstly demonstrated the presence of microfibers and microplastics in human lung, with higher detection rates in GGNs in comparison to those in normal tissue. Moreover, both types and colors of microfibers in tumor were richer than those in normal tissues. Intriguingly, high risk of microfibers exposure predisposes the formation of pulmonary GGN. Further, increased roughness surface was observed in microfibers isolated in human lung, indicating the possible link of surface roughness to the formation of pulmonary GGN. Collectively, our findings reveal an emerging role of environmental microplastics exposure in the etiology of pulmonary GGN. One Sentence Summary The exposure of environmental microplastics is a risk factor of pulmonary GGN.
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An emerging role of microplastics in the etiology of lung ground glass nodules
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Researchers analyzed 100 human lung tissue samples and identified microplastics embedded in the tissue, with a higher detection rate in tumor samples compared to normal tissue. The abundance of microplastics in lung tissue appeared to increase with age, and the particles seemed to be physically embedded in the tissue rather than simply resting on the surface. The study provides direct evidence linking microplastic accumulation in lungs to ground glass nodules, an increasingly common finding on chest scans.
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This paper explores how inhaled microplastics may cause lung damage and scarring (pulmonary fibrosis) through several biological pathways. The research identifies signaling pathways that could be targeted for future treatments to reduce microplastic-induced lung damage. This is relevant to human health because people regularly breathe in airborne microplastic particles.
Microplastics in the Lungs: Exposure Pathways, Pulmonary Deposition, Toxicological Effects, and Carcinogenic Potential
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This review summarizes existing research on tiny plastic particles found in human lungs after breathing them in. Lab studies on plastic particles showed inflammation, cell damage, and genetic damage, while human data remain limited but confirm microplastics are present in lungs, linked to inflammatory and fibrotic lung conditions.
Respiratory Toxicity of Microplastics: Mechanisms, Clinical Outcomes, and Future Threats
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This review summarized the respiratory toxicity of airborne microplastics, covering their sources, the routes by which they penetrate deep into lung tissue, and the range of clinical outcomes from chronic inflammation to potential malignancy. The authors warn that inhalation exposure represents an underappreciated and growing public health threat.
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A systematic scoping review of 68 studies found that inhaled micro- and nanoplastics are detected in human lung tissue and associated with pulmonary inflammation, fibrosis, and impaired lung function, though most evidence comes from occupational settings and in vitro experiments.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.