The ubiquitous environmental pollution with micro- and nano-sized plastic particles (MNPs) is a current and significant problem today. At the same time, lung cancer is responsible for the largest number of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Many research groups have investigated the relationship between lung cancer development and exposure to MNPs in recent years. Studies have demonstrated that these particles could enter the respiratory system in a variety of ways—both directly through inhaled air and through the bloodstream, and through internalization in the intestines and other digestive organs. Data regarding the possibility of their aggregation in the respiratory system, thyroid gland, and brain are also concerning, as the harmful effects of MNPs have been proven to depend on their concentration and exposure time. The primary response of cells to plastic particles is an increase in oxidative stress. This is generated both by the cell itself (especially macrophages) and induced by damage caused by mechanical damage to cellular organelles by MNPs. The consequences of MNP exposure can include metabolic disturbances, DNA damage, and mutations, ultimately inducing neoplastic transformation in healthy cells. This can lead to changes in tissue architecture and increase their susceptibility to other pathogens, such as pathogenic microorganisms or heavy metals. These, in turn, can be internalized along with MNPs, forming a corona surrounding them.
微米及纳米级塑料颗粒（MNPs）造成的普遍环境污染是当前面临的重大现实问题。与此同时，肺癌在全球癌症相关死亡病例中占比最高。近年来多个研究团队对肺癌发生发展与MNPs暴露之间的关联性进行了深入探究。研究表明，这些颗粒可通过多种途径进入呼吸系统——既可直接通过吸入空气及血液循环进入，也可经肠道等消化器官内化吸收。MNPs在呼吸系统、甲状腺及大脑中可能发生聚集的相关数据同样值得关注，因为已有证据表明其危害程度取决于暴露浓度与持续时间。细胞对塑料颗粒的首要反应是氧化应激水平升高，这一过程既源于细胞自身（特别是巨噬细胞）的应激反应，也由MNPs对细胞器造成的机械损伤所诱发。MNPs暴露可能导致代谢紊乱、DNA损伤及基因突变，最终诱导健康细胞发生癌变。这种变化可能引发组织结构改变，并增强组织对其他病原体（如致病微生物或重金属）的易感性。这些病原体又可与MNPs共同内化，形成包裹颗粒的蛋白冠复合物。
Microplastics Exposure Impact on Lung Cancer—Literature Review
肿瘤(癌症)患者之家