Microplastics in Pancreas: Oncologic and Metabolic Impact

Condition(s) studied

Study summary

Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are emerging environmental contaminants that have been detected in several human tissues, raising concerns about their potential impact on human health. However, their presence in the human pancreas has not yet been investigated.

The aim of this prospective, single-center study is to detect and characterize microplastics in human pancreatic tissue obtained from patients undergoing pancreatic resection for benign or malignant diseases. Microplastics will also be analyzed in peripancreatic adipose tissue and peripheral blood. Advanced imaging techniques, including fluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy, will be used for identification and characterization.

Secondary objectives include the evaluation of potential associations between microplastic burden and pancreatic metabolic function, assessed through clinical evaluation and metabolic testing. This proof-of-concept study aims to provide the first evidence of microplastic presence in the human pancreas and explore their potential role in metabolic dysfunction and carcinogenesis.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Presence of Microplastics in Human Pancreatic Tissue — At time of surgery
  Detection and quantification of microplastics in human pancreatic tissue samples (non-neoplastic and peri-neoplastic), peripancreatic adipose tissue, and peripheral blood using fluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Microplastic burden will be expressed as number of particles per gram of tissue or per mL of blood.

Trial sites (1)

More Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS trials in Italy

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