Microplastics: an often-overlooked issue in the transition from chronic inflammation to cancer

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Toxicology
• Oncology

Background:

• Microplastic presence in the human body is a growing concern.
• Microplastics can trigger inflammation, microbiome disruption, and immune reactions.
• Chronic inflammation is linked to cancer development, influencing tumor progression and metastasis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review microplastic properties, bioaccumulation, and their role in chronic inflammation and carcinogenesis.
• To overview alterations in signaling pathways, microbiota, and immune responses.
• To highlight the need for improved detection and removal methods.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on microplastics and their health effects.
• Analysis of microplastic physicochemical properties and bioaccumulation.
• Examination of the link between microplastic-induced inflammation and cancer development.

Main Results:

• Microplastic accumulation can induce inflammatory responses and alter the microbiome.
• Chronic inflammation driven by microplastics may promote tumorigenesis and metastasis.
• Signaling pathways, microbiota, and immune responses are significantly affected.

Conclusions:

• Microplastics pose potential health risks, including cancer development, through inflammatory pathways.
• Current understanding of microplastic toxicity is limited.
• Urgent need for improved detection, removal, and further research on microplastic health impacts.