Tiny pieces of plastic found in most people’s tumors prostate cancer patientsaccording to a new study from New York University Langone Health.
Although past studies have detected microplastics in nearly all human organs and body fluids, their effects on human health are still not fully understood.
Researchers analyzed tissue samples taken from 10 patients with the following diseases: prostate cancer A person who has undergone surgery to remove an entire organ.
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Using images of both benign and tumor samples and specialized equipment, the scientists identified plastic particles in 90% of tumor samples and 70% of benign tissue samples, according to the study’s press release.
The study found that cancer tissue contained, on average, more than twice as much plastic as healthy prostate tissue samples. This equates to about 40 micrograms of plastic per gram of tissue, compared to 16 micrograms.
The researchers avoided contaminating the samples with other plastics by replacing standard tools with tools made from aluminum, cotton, and other non-plastic materials, the release states.
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Scientists say this is the first direct evidence The relationship between microplastics and prostate cancer.
“By uncovering yet another potential health concern posed by plastics, our findings highlight the need for stricter regulatory measures to limit public exposure to these substances, which are ubiquitous in the environment,” study lead author Vittorio Albergamo, assistant professor of pediatrics at New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine, said in a statement.
The findings were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s Genitourinary Cancers Symposium on February 26 in San Francisco.
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“What was most surprising was not that microplastics were detected, but that microplastics were found embedded within the tumor tissue itself,” Dr. David Sidlansky, an oncologist and medical consultant at SpotitEarly, a startup that offers an at-home breath-based test to detect early-stage cancer, told FOX News Digital.
“We already know that microplastics exist. water, airblood, and even placental tissue. Their detection in prostate tumors suggests systemic distribution and long-term bioaccumulation,” added Maryland-based Sidransky, who was not involved in the study.
Albergamo cautioned that more samples are needed to confirm the findings. Furthermore, Sidransky pointed out that the presence of microplastics alone does not prove that microplastics exist. cause cancer.
“Tumors can act as ‘biological sinks,’ meaning that circulating particles can accumulate simply because of changes in vasculature or permeability,” he said.
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A key unanswered question, he said, is whether microplastics “have any biological activity that could be harmful.” DNA damageimmunomodulation or chronic inflammation within the prostate. ”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in 8 U.S. men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives.
For those concerned about microplastics, Sidransky offered some insight.
“I believe the appropriate response is not panic, but curiosity and a willingness to understand more,” he says.
“While it is unrealistic to avoid it completely, people can: practical steps To reduce exposure, such as minimizing heating of food in plastic containers, reducing bottled water consumption where possible, and favoring glass and stainless steel alternatives. ”
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But doctors say the most actionable step men can take is to get the right tests to ensure early detection. Screening discussions should be individualized based on age, family history, and other risk factors.
