INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF
CancerGenetics
Blocking microplastic-induced carcinogenesis: Emerging approaches in cancer prevention and environmental safety
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Banafsheh Yalameha,1 Reza Rahbarghazi,2,*
1. Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
2. Department of Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Introduction: Microplastic pollution is becoming a burgeoning global threat to human health due to the recent discovery of microplastics (MPs) in most ecosystems. MPs are plastic particles, typically less than 5 mm in size, which result from the degradation of larger plastic materials or are intentionally produced for use in packaging materials, personal care products, synthetic textiles, industrial applications, etc. MPs can enter the human body through inhalation, the digestive tract, and skin.
- Methods: For this study, we used a variety of sources including PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Scopus. The search was performed by using combinations of the keywords; microplastic, plastic plastic, cancer, tumor, carcinogenesis, environment, prevention
- Results: The accumulation of MPs in the body tissues can potentially result in a range of health issues, including asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity. Epidemiological studies have shown that long-term exposure to MPs is highly related to cancer development in humans. These particles can potentially induce carcinogenesis through several mechanisms. Evidence has revealed that prolonged exposure leads to the activation of inflammatory pathways, triggering the release of cytokines and growth factors to promote cell proliferation and survival. Numerous MPs contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as bisphenol A, which interferes with hormonal signals and promotes abnormal cell growth. The epigenetic changes induced by exposure to plastic-associated chemicals can have a significant impact on gene expression patterns. Furthermore, MPs can interfere with function of the immune system to detect and eliminate tumor cells.
- Conclusion: Nowadays, emerging prevention strategies emphasize multi-faceted approaches. At the environmental level, advanced filtration methods could reduce MPs pollution. Concurrently, the development of truly biodegradable plastics and enhanced recycling techniques aim to curtail the influx of MPs into ecosystems. Additionally, cutting-edge studies are exploring targeted interventions to lessen MPs-induced cellular damage. Additionally, environmental safety measures are evolving rapidly, with stricter regulations on plastic production and disposal being implemented globally. Public awareness campaigns are also crucial in fostering behavioral changes to minimize plastic pollution. Thus, swift and coordinated action across several sectors is vital to safeguard human health and environmental integrity in this pervasive modern challenge.
- Keywords: Microplastic; Cancer; Carcinogenesis; Environment, Prevention
