Viennese Study: Link Between Microplastics and Cancer Proven
The Vienna University reported this in a press release on Tuesday. The results of the study were published in July in the journal "Journal of Hazardous Materials." They underscore the need for action to reduce plastic waste, it was stated.
Researchers have investigated how polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics (PS-MNPs) interact with different types of lung cells. Polystyrene is a widely used plastic found in everyday items such as food packaging and disposable items like yogurt or coffee-to-go cups. The study's result: Healthy lung cells absorb particularly small particles (0.00025 millimeters) of PS-MNPs significantly more than already malignant cancer cells and react with biological changes that highlight the health risks posed by micro- and nanoplastics, it was stated in the press release.
Cells Defend Against Microplastics
In healthy cells, contact with the particles can lead to increased cell migration, DNA damage, oxidative stress, and the activation of signaling pathways that promote cell growth and survival. All these processes are seen as early indicators of cancer development. "Notable were especially the reduced ability of healthy cells to repair DNA damage and the simultaneous activation of certain signaling pathways that normally favor cell growth," reported study leader Karin Schelch.
While malignant lung cells remained comparatively unaffected under the same conditions, even short-term MNP exposure could be sufficient to influence healthy lung cells in a direction associated with malignant changes. Defense mechanisms of the cells were also triggered under the influence of polystyrene particles according to the current research results. "We observed an activation of antioxidant defense systems - an indication that the cells actively defend themselves against the stress caused by plastic particles," explained first author Büsra Ernhofer.
Long-Term Effects Still Unknown
The lung is one of the main pathways for microplastic intake from the air. However, it was previously little known how these particles interact with cells of lung tissue. "The data now available provide initial indications that particularly healthy lung cells react in a way that gives cause for concern," said co-study leader Balazs Döme. This opens up new questions about the possible connection between plastic exposure, chronic lung diseases, and cancer development, it was stated.
At the same time, it underscores both the necessity of interdisciplinary research at the intersection of environmental medicine and cancer biology and the need for action to reduce plastic waste. Additionally, the long-term effects of MNP exposure on the lungs remain unclear and, according to the research team, urgently need to be investigated.
(APA/Red)
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