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Differential distribution of microplastics in breast cancer and peritumoral tissues and relationship with clinical
Abstract:
The distribution characteristics of microplastics (MPs) in paired breast cancer tumor and para-tumor tissues, and their potential associations with clinical characteristics, remain insufficiently understood. This study included eight breast cancer patients with surgical resection whose paired tumor and para-tumor tissues were collected. The morphologies, particle sizes, and types of microplastics within the tissues were identified and characterized using Laser Direct Infrared (LDIR) spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Moreover, correlations between microplastic abundance and patients' demographic and clinical characteristics were analyzed. SEM imaging revealed diverse morphologies-granular, fibrous, and irregular-often exhibiting folds and fractures. The majority of microplastic particles were within the 20-100 μm size range. Multiple types of polymeric microplastics-including Fluororubber (Flu), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-were detected in all paired samples. Notably, the abundance of Flu, PE, and PVC was significantly higher in tumor tissues compared to para-tumor tissues. Correlation analyses identified exploratory associations between selected microplastic types, body mass index, and certain tumor biomarkers. These findings provide preliminary evidence of tissue-specific MP distribution in breast cancer and support further investigation into the potential biological relevance of microplastics in breast cancer.
Insights
Microplastics were found in breast cancer tissues, with higher concentrations of certain types in tumors versus surrounding tissue. Further research is needed to understand microplastic (MP) relevance in breast cancer.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Oncology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Microplastic (MP) distribution in human tissues, particularly in breast cancer, is not well understood.
- Investigating MPs in paired tumor and para-tumor tissues is crucial for understanding their localized effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize microplastics in breast cancer tissues.
- To explore associations between microplastic abundance and clinical characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Collected paired tumor and para-tumor tissues from eight breast cancer patients.
- Utilized Laser Direct Infrared (LDIR) spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for MP identification and characterization.
- Analyzed correlations between MP abundance and patient demographics/clinical data.
Main Results:
- Diverse MP morphologies (granular, fibrous, irregular) and sizes (20-100 μm) were observed.
- Multiple polymer types (Fluororubber, PE, PET, PP, PVC) were detected in all samples.
- Significantly higher levels of Fluororubber, PE, and PVC were found in tumor tissues compared to para-tumor tissues.
- Exploratory associations were found between MP types, BMI, and tumor biomarkers.
Conclusions:
- Preliminary evidence suggests tissue-specific distribution of microplastics in breast cancer.
- Further investigation is warranted to determine the biological relevance of microplastics in breast cancer development and progression.