Microplastics in the Human Respiratory System

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

Get a concise snapshot of the trial, including recruitment status, study phase, enrollment targets, and key timeline milestones.

Recruitment Status

NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Total Enrollment

100 participants

Study Classification

OBSERVATIONAL

Study Start Date

2024-09-30

Study Completion Date

2026-07-31

Brief Summary

Review the sponsor-provided synopsis that highlights what the study is about and why it is being conducted.

Environmental pollution from plastics has become a significant global issue, with microplastics-tiny particles resulting from plastic degradation-being increasingly detected in various environments, including aquatic ecosystems, soil, and air. These particles can enter the human body through ingestion or inhalation. Despite growing concerns, little is known about the prevalence and types of microplastics in human lungs. Some studies suggest that microplastics may negatively impact respiratory function and lead to lung diseases. Hypothetically, they could cause inflammation, metabolic disorders, and contribute to lung cancer development. However, research is still in its early stages, and conclusive evidence about the mechanisms linking microplastics to negative health effects is lacking. This study aims to quantify and characterize microplastics in the lung parenchyma and lymph nodes of patients with lung cancer and other respiratory diseases. Tissue samples will be collected during surgeries, and microplastic particles will be detected using FTIR microspectroscopy. The research may contribute to a better understanding of the role of microplastics in the development of respiratory diseases.

Related Clinical Trials

Explore similar clinical trials based on study characteristics and research focus.

Investigation of MP Pollution in the Human Respiratory System and Its Relationship to Lung Cancer

NCT06530615

Lung Cancer

ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING

The Effect of Combined Cryotherapy and Immunotherapy on Systemic T Cell Changes and Clinical Outcomes in Metastatic Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

NCT06000358

Lung Cancer Stage IV

RECRUITING NA

Evaluation of Efficacy of Minimally Invasive Local Therapy for Lung Tumors and Its Impact on Breathing Function

NCT07272356

Lung Cancer (Non-Small Cell) Lung Metastases From Any Primary

ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING NA

Identifying Early Lung Cancer Cells in Malignant Pleural Effusion Samples From Patients With Primary Lung Cancer

NCT00897143

Lung Cancer Metastatic Cancer

WITHDRAWN

OTL38 Injection for Intraoperative Imaging of Folate Receptor Positive Lung Nodules

NCT02872701

Lung Neoplasms Lung Cancer

COMPLETED PHASE2

Detailed Description

Dive into the extended narrative that explains the scientific background, objectives, and procedures in greater depth.

Environmental pollution from plastics has become one of the key global challenges, with microplastics-tiny particles resulting from plastic degradation-being increasingly detected in water, soil, and the atmosphere. Microplastics can enter the human body through ingestion or inhalation. According to studies (Prata et al., 2020), there is a risk of microplastics being present in the human respiratory system, raising public health concerns. Although research on microplastics in human lungs is still in its infancy, some preliminary studies suggest a potential link between their presence and decreased respiratory function or lung diseases (Chen et al., 2022). Hypothetically, microplastics could cause inflammatory reactions, disrupt metabolism, and contribute to lung cancer development. Additionally, it is speculated that inhaled microplastics could settle in lung tissue and spread to other organs through lymphatic and blood vessels, but this hypothesis remains unproven.

Given the limited data and the rising prevalence of respiratory disorders, this study aims to quantify and characterize microplastics present in the lung parenchyma and lymph nodes of patients with lung cancer and other respiratory diseases, such as emphysema or interstitial lung diseases. The study also seeks to clarify the role of microplastics in the development of these conditions. In future stages, the research will focus on uncovering the mechanisms through which microplastics affect lung tissues.

The study model involves analyzing lung tissue and lymph node samples from patients undergoing surgeries for lung cancer, emphysema, and interstitial lung diseases. Microplastic particles will be detected using infrared microspectroscopy (μFTIR). Lung parenchyma, lymph nodes, and blood samples will be collected with patient consent during surgery, and tissues will be stored at -80°C for further analysis.

Following established protocols (Jenner et al., 2022), microplastics will be identified using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. In addition to microplastic analysis, data on patients' medical history, occupational exposure, respiratory function, smoking habits, and COVID-19 history will be collected alongside surgical and histopathological findings.

The study anticipates detecting microplastics in the respiratory tract and identifying their types. It is possible that this research will establish a correlation between the presence of microplastics and the severity of lung diseases, potentially identifying a new risk factor for respiratory illnesses. Future research will delve deeper into the mechanisms through which microplastics may cause harmful health effects.

Conditions

See the medical conditions and disease areas that this research is targeting or investigating.

Microplastics Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Lung Transplantation

Study Design

Understand how the trial is structured, including allocation methods, masking strategies, primary purpose, and other design elements.

Observational Model Type

CASE_ONLY

Study Time Perspective

CROSS_SECTIONAL

Eligibility Criteria

Check the participation requirements, including inclusion and exclusion rules, age limits, and whether healthy volunteers are accepted.

Inclusion Criteria

* patients undergoing surgery for lung cancer, emphysema, interstitial lung diseases, or other respiratory conditions,
* patients undergoing lung transplantation (lungs removed from transplant recipients),
* age 18 years or older,
* ability to provide informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria

* patients with a history of recent or ongoing chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy,
* inability or unwillingness to provide informed consent,
* previous lung surgeries,
* insufficient tissue or blood samples available for analysis due to technical or procedural reasons.

Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No