The link between microplastics and colorectal cancer

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Oncology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPLs) are pervasive environmental contaminants.
• Accumulation of MNPLs in human tissues is documented, with potential toxic effects.
• The link between MNPLs and colorectal cancer (CRC) tumorigenesis requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the association between MNPLs and colorectal cancer development.
• To synthesize current evidence on MNPLs in CRC tissues and patient samples.
• To explore the mechanistic pathways by which MNPLs might influence CRC.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review was performed using Ovid MEDLINE and PubMed.
• Search strategy focused on MeSH terms "colorectal carcinoma" and "microplastic".
• Fourteen relevant studies were selected from an initial pool of forty-one.

Main Results:

• MNPLs detected in human colorectal tumors and at higher concentrations in CRC patient feces.
• Animal studies showed increased tumor burden and gut dysbiosis following MNPL exposure.
• In vitro studies indicated MNPLs induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in cells.

Conclusions:

• While direct causation of CRC by MNPLs is unproven, evidence suggests MNPLs can drive tumorigenic molecular changes.
• Compromised gastrointestinal barrier function, common in conditions like IBD, may increase vulnerability to MNPLs.
• Populations with existing gut barrier disruptions may be at higher risk for MNPL-associated CRC development.