Investigation of microplastic presence in tissues undergoing endoscopic bladder tumor resection

Plastics are widely preferred materials in modern industry due to their low cost, durability, and broad range of applications. However, the increasing accumulation of plastic waste and low recycling rates have led to the persistence of plastics in the environment. Over time, these plastics degrade under environmental factors, resulting in the formation of microplastics (MPs), which range in size from 0.001 to 5 mm. Microplastics (MPs) spread into the ecosystem primarily through water and air and enter the human body via various sources such as seafood, drinking water, and packaged foods. MPs can be absorbed into the body through oral ingestion, inhalation, or dermal contact, subsequently entering the circulatory system and being transported to various organs, where they may have adverse effects on biological processes. MPs, originating from diverse sources in daily life, disperse into the environment through soil, air, and water, accumulating in the tissues of living organisms via the food chain and potentially impacting biological systems. Studies have confirmed the presence of MPs in various biological samples, including feces, urine, meconium, breast milk, blood, and sputum, as well as in organs such as the lungs, kidneys, spleen, and liver, highlighting the significant threat posed by MPs. The existing literature suggests that MPs contribute to inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular dysfunction, while also inducing genetic damage and mutations, thereby increasing the risk of cancer development. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential presence of MPs in bladder tissue, which is exposed to MPs both via urine and the bloodstream, and to explore a possible association between MPs and bladder cancer. The collected tissue samples were analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). The results of all analytical evaluations confirmed the presence of MP structures in human bladder tissue. Furthermore, this study suggests a potential relationship between high-grade bladder tumors, MP exposure, and magnesium levels. Future large-scale studies are expected to provide a clearer understanding of the impact of MPs on bladder tissue and their potential role in bladder carcinogenesis.