Microplastics, now pervasive in the environment and detectable in human tissues, may significantly contribute to the development and progression of gastric cancer. A groundbreaking study published in Advanced Healthcare Materials has found a strong correlation between microplastic accumulation in gastric tissues and genetic alterations linked to tumor growth and metastasis. This research builds upon growing evidence of microplastic presence in the human body, including blood, lungs, brains, and even carotid artery plaque, raising serious questions about long-term health risks.
The Problem: Microplastics in Human Tissues
The study, led by Anqiang Wang at Peking University Cancer Hospital, examined tissue samples from 24 patients undergoing gastric cancer surgery. Researchers discovered that tumor tissues contained significantly higher concentrations of microplastics compared to healthy and para-tumor tissues. This suggests cancer cells may actively absorb more microplastic particles, triggering inflammation and genetic instability.
Why this matters: Gastric cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths globally, particularly in East Asia, where prevalence remains high. Understanding risk factors beyond traditional causes (like Helicobacter pylori infection) is critical for improving diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.
Genetic Disruptions Triggered by Microplastic Exposure
The team’s analysis of RNA in gastric tissues revealed that higher microplastic loads were associated with:
- Upregulation of genes linked to poor prognosis: These genes promote aggressive tumor behavior and reduced survival rates.
- Downregulation of genes supporting cellular structure: Disruption of the extracellular matrix weakens tissue integrity and facilitates cancer spread.
- Increased single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): Microplastics appear to catalyze DNA mutations that initiate cancer development.
- Gene fusions: The study identified abnormal gene combinations – including those related to cell division – exclusively in tissues with high microplastic contamination.
These findings suggest that microplastics not only accumulate in cancer tissues but also actively drive genetic changes that fuel tumor progression.
How Microplastics Enter the Body and Why It’s Hard to Avoid
Microplastics, fragments between 1 and 5mm, result from the breakdown of larger plastic waste. They enter the human body through ingestion (contaminated food, water) and inhalation (airborne particles). The food industry’s heavy reliance on plastic packaging further exacerbates exposure.
The challenge: Microplastics are now omnipresent in the environment. This makes it impossible to conduct definitive studies comparing exposed vs. unexposed populations. Everyone is exposed, complicating the search for causal links.
Future Research and the Need for Reduction
While the study establishes a strong association, proving direct causation requires larger, longitudinal studies. Researchers are working to refine microplastic detection methods and conduct epidemiological investigations.
“Our next research direction is to further expand the sample size of the study and confirm the association between microplastics exposure and gastric cancer risk from an epidemiological point of view,” noted Wang.
Ultimately, reducing plastic consumption is the most effective strategy to mitigate health risks. This includes limiting single-use plastics, avoiding high-temperature exposure of plastic-contained food, and advocating for sustainable alternatives. The growing body of evidence suggests that protecting our health may depend on curbing our plastic addiction.
References:
L. Chen et al., Characterization of Microplastics in Human Gastric Cancer and Control Tissues and Analysis of Associated Genetic Features, Advanced Healthcare Materials (2025), DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202504291
