We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Orally Ingested Micro- and Nano-Plastics: A Hidden Driver of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Colorectal Cancer.
AI summary Read the abstract
This review synthesizes evidence linking ingested micro- and nano-plastics to inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer risk, proposing that microplastics act as a hidden driver of gut inflammation in vulnerable populations. The authors argue that intestinal accumulation of microplastics triggers immune and oxidative stress pathways that contribute to disease progression.
Micro- and nano-plastics (MNPLs) can move along the food chain to higher-level organisms including humans. Three significant routes for MNPLs have been reported: ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. Accumulating evidence supports the intestinal toxicity of ingested MNPLs and their role as drivers for increased incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in high-risk populations such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. However, the mechanisms are largely unknown. In this review, by using the leading scientific publication databases (Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and ScienceDirect), we explored the possible effects and related mechanisms of MNPL exposure on the gut epithelium in healthy conditions and IBD patients. The summarized evidence supports the idea that oral MNPL exposure may contribute to intestinal epithelial damage, thus promoting and sustaining the chronic development of intestinal inflammation, mainly in high-risk populations such as IBD patients. Colonic mucus layer disruption may further facilitate MNPL passage into the bloodstream, thus contributing to the toxic effects of MNPLs on different organ systems and platelet activation, which may, in turn, contribute to the chronic development of inflammation and CRC development. Further exploration of this threat to human health is warranted to reduce potential adverse effects and CRC risk.
More Papers Like This
Impact of micro- and nanoplastics on gastrointestinal diseases: Recent advances
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes how micro- and nanoplastics can harm the digestive system by causing oxidative stress, inflammation, cell death, and disruption of gut bacteria. These connected pathways can damage the intestinal lining and may contribute to conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. The findings highlight the importance of understanding how everyday plastic exposure through food and water could affect gut health over time.
Invisible invaders: unveiling the carcinogenic threat of microplastics and nanoplastics in colorectal cancer-a systematic review
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Potential Gastrointestinal Adverse Effects From Micro(nano) Plastic Exposure
AI summary Read the abstract
This narrative review synthesizes evidence on gastrointestinal adverse effects of micro- and nanoplastic exposure, examining how these particles interact with gut microbiota, mucosal barriers, and immune tissue to contribute to inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, and colorectal cancer risk.
Dietary Intake of Micro- and Nanoplastics: Potential Adverse GI Effects on Microbiome, Inflammation, and Neoplasia
AI summary Read the abstract
Tiny plastic particles from our food and packaging are showing up in human stool and even colon tissue, and this review pulls together research suggesting they may disrupt gut bacteria, weaken the gut's protective lining, and trigger inflammation—effects that have been loosely linked to conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. It's important to note this is a summary of existing lab and early clinical studies, not new proof that plastics cause these diseases in people—scientists say we still need larger human studies to confirm the connection and figure out if cutting plastic exposure actually improves gut health.
Dietary Micro- and Nanoplastics and Gastrointestinal Carcinogenesis: Mechanistic Insights, Toxicological Evidence, and Critical Knowledge Gaps
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes existing research on tiny plastic particles found in food and human tissue, including colorectal tumors. Lab and animal studies suggest these particles may cause cell damage, inflammation, and gut bacteria changes linked to cancer, but the review notes no proven cause-and-effect link in humans and calls for more research.
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.