The Effects of Diisononyl Phthalate Exposure on Colorectal and Leukemia Cancer Cell

Abstract

Phthalates (PAEs), also known as phthalates, are collectively known as phthalimide esters and are mainly used as plasticizers (plasticizers), added to plastics to enhance elasticity, transparency, durability and longevity. Diisononyl phthalate (DiNP), a type of PAEs, is commonly used in a large variety of plastic items, and is listed as a substance "known to the State of California to cause cancer" under Proposition 65 legislation. PVC plastics have become ubiquitous in our modern society. DiNP leaches from PVC-based consumables, eventually leading to deposition. DiNP leached from consumables can eventually be deposited in certain tissues through inadvertent application. Studies on cancer cells leukemia cancer cells and colorectal cancer cells have demonstrated health risks in human populations exposed to DiNP,  including endocrine disorders, reproductive damage, and tumorigenesis. In this research, we studied the effect DiNP causes on the leukemia cancer cell and colorectal cancer cell. The results show that DiNP has a proliferative effect on immune cells and an inhibitory effect on colorectal cancer cells. We do not know what specific pathway or mechanism DiNP could activate; However, it is highly likely that DiNP causes damage because it can trigger the proliferation of immune cells, or lesions, by modulating some of the organelles or receptors in immune cells. This effect is beneficial in non-immune cancers, but harmful in cancers that’s immune cell related, in this case, leukemia.