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Scientists at the Medical University of Vienna have demonstrated for the first time that microplastics and nanoplastics can promote the development of cancer. They investigated how plastic interacts with different types of lung cells.
They examined polystyrene, a widely used plastic found in food packaging and disposable items, such as yogurt cups, among other things. The result: healthy lung cells absorb tiny particles of microplastics and nanoplastics much more strongly than cancer cells. They also react with biological changes that highlight the health risk.
According to the study, contact with microplastics can lead to increased cell migration, DNA damage, oxidative stress, and the activation of signaling pathways that promote cell growth in healthy cells. All these processes are considered early indicators of cancer development. “Particularly striking was the reduced ability of healthy cells to repair DNA damage and the simultaneous activation of certain signaling pathways that normally promote cell growth,” said study leader Karin Schelch.
Defense mechanisms triggered
Malignant lung cells, on the other hand, remained relatively unaffected under the same conditions. Under the influence of the plastic particles, the cells’ defense mechanisms were triggered. “(…) This is an indication that the cells are actively defending themselves against the stress caused by plastic particles,” said first author Büsra Ernhofer.
The lungs are one of the main routes of absorption for microplastics from the air. “The data now available provide initial indications that healthy lung cells in particular react in a way that gives cause for concern,” said co-study leader Balazs Döme. This raises new questions about the possible link between plastic pollution, chronic lung disease, and the development of cancer. The study was published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials.
- source: krone.at/picture: pixabay.com
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