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Isolation of Circulating Tumor Cells in an Orthotopic Mouse Model of Colorectal Cancer
Published on: July 18, 2017
Effects of microplastics on chemo-resistance and tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer
Wen Pan1, Yueting Han1, Mingqing Zhang1
1Tianjin Institute of Coloproctology，Tianjin Union Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nankai University, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300121, China.
Abstract:
Microplastics (MPs) are widely distributed environmental pollutants around the world. Although studies have demonstrated that MPs have adverse effects on human health, the relationship between MPs and tumors remains unclear. The gut is the main site of microplastics absorption, and the function of MPs in the chemoresistance and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) needs more investigation. Here, we show that MPs exist in human CRC tissues for the first time by using a laser direct infrared chemical imaging system. MPs can cause an increase in CRC incidence in animal models and promote resistance to oxaliplatin. It is illustrated that the uptake of MPs enhances levels of autophagy by activating the mTOR pathway. MPs can also promote the disorder of intestinal flora and intestinal inflammation, serving as an essential component in the onset and advancement of CRC. These results indicated that microplastic pollutants in colorectal cancer could mediate protective autophagy through the mTOR/ULK1 axis, which is one of the new reasons for chemo-resistance in CRC under the background of increasingly serious microplastics pollution. This study identified the adverse effects of MPs on colorectal cancer progression and chemotherapy prognosis, and attempted to block the intake of MPs to propose a novel approach for clinical precision treatment.
Insights
Microplastics (MPs) are found in human colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues, increasing CRC incidence and promoting chemoresistance by enhancing autophagy. Blocking MP intake may offer a novel clinical treatment approach for CRC.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive environmental pollutants with known adverse health effects.
- The specific role of MPs in tumor development, particularly colorectal cancer (CRC), and their impact on chemotherapy remains largely uninvestigated.
- The gastrointestinal tract is a primary site for MP absorption, highlighting its relevance to CRC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of MPs in human CRC tissues.
- To explore the effects of MPs on CRC incidence, progression, and chemoresistance.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which MPs influence CRC, including autophagy and gut microbiota.
Main Methods:
- Laser direct infrared chemical imaging system to detect MPs in human CRC tissues.
- Animal models to assess the impact of MPs on CRC incidence and oxaliplatin resistance.
- Analysis of autophagy pathways (mTOR) and gut microbiota composition in response to MP exposure.
Main Results:
- MPs were detected in human CRC tissues for the first time.
- MP exposure increased CRC incidence and promoted resistance to oxaliplatin in animal models.
- MPs enhance autophagy via mTOR activation, disrupt gut flora, and promote intestinal inflammation, contributing to CRC onset and progression.
Conclusions:
- Microplastic pollutants in CRC can mediate protective autophagy through the mTOR/ULK1 axis, contributing to chemoresistance.
- MPs play a role in the onset and advancement of colorectal cancer.
- Blocking MP intake presents a potential novel strategy for clinical precision treatment of CRC.
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