Microplastics in Pancreas: Oncologic and Metabolic Impact
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- This is an observational study: the protocol does not assign a study treatment.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Pancreatic Diseases, Pancreatic Neoplasms. Basic parameters: 18 years — 80 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Italy
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
Unsure about the terms? Read our patient guide →
Official title
Unveiling Microplastics in Human Pancreatic Tissue - Oncological and Metabolical Implications
Overview
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.
Detailed description
Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are increasingly recognized as widespread environmental contaminants with potential implications for human health. Recent evidence has demonstrated their presence in several human tissues, including lungs, placenta, cardiovascular system, and blood. However, the presence and potential role of microplastics in the human pancreas have not yet been investigated.
Preclinical studies suggest that MNP accumulation may impair pancreatic endocrine and exocrine function and contribute to carcinogenesis through mechanisms involving oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular damage. Understanding whether microplastics accumulate in pancreatic tissue and their possible biological effects may provide new insights into pancreatic diseases, including metabolic disorders and cancer.
The PAN-Plastic study is a prospective, single-center, proof-of-concept study conducted at Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS. The primary objective is to detect and characterize microplastics in human pancreatic tissue obtained from patients undergoing pancreatic resection for benign or malignant conditions.
Biological samples will include pancreatic tissue (both non-neoplastic and peri-neoplastic), peripancreatic adipose tissue, and peripheral blood. To minimize contamination, all samples will be collected, processed, and stored using non-plastic materials and standardized procedures.
Microplastics will be identified and characterized using a multimodal approach, including fluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy for three-dimensional localization, and Raman spectroscopy for chemical characterization of polymer composition. This combined methodology allows for accurate detection, quantification, and classification of microplastic particles within biological tissues.
Secondary objectives include the evaluation of potential associations between microplastic burden and pancreatic metabolic function. Participants will undergo metabolic assessment, including clinical evaluation, laboratory testing, fecal elastase measurement, and oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT) with insulin secretion modeling. Metabolic phenotypes will be classified and analyzed in relation to microplastic distribution across different biological compartments.
The study is designed as an exploratory investigation with an expected enrollment of at least 10 patients over a 12-month period. Data analysis will be primarily descriptive and aimed at identifying potential correlations and generating hypotheses for future larger-scale, multicenter studies.
This study aims to provide the first evidence of microplastic presence in human pancreatic tissue and to explore their potential role in metabolic dysfunction and pancreatic carcinogenesis.
Primary outcome measures
- Presence of Microplastics in Human Pancreatic Tissue [Time frame: At time of surgery]
Secondary outcome measures (3)
- Association Between Microplastic Burden and Metabolic Function [Time frame: Preoperative assessment]
- Distribution of Microplastics Across Biological Compartments [Time frame: At time of surgery]
- Characterization of Microplastic Particles [Time frame: At time of analysis]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
age between 18 and 80 years patients scheduled for elective pancreatic resection for benign or malignant pancreatic disease ability to understand and provide written informed consent no contraindications to general anesthesia
Exclusion criteria
age <18 or >80 years severe hepatic insufficiency (Child-Pugh class C) pregnancy or breastfeeding inability to understand the study procedures or provide informed consent
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
Study locations
Italy · 1 center
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS di Roma — Rome
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07486128 · 27066