Calcium Carbonate Nanoparticles Can Activate the Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in an Experimental Gastric Cancer Model

Abstract

Previously, we have shown the possibility of intramucosal gastric carcinoma induction by the intragastric administration of a mixture of formaldehyde and hydrogen peroxide in rats. In this study, we report a sizable increase in carcinogenic properties of the mixture when a suspension containing calcium carbonate nanoparticles was added to it. This technique allowed us to reduce both the number of the carcinogen administrations from twelve to two and the time to the cancer induction from six to four months. Although the induced tumors were represented by the intramucosal carcinomas, they were characterized by the extensive invasion of individual tumor cells and their clusters into the muscle layer and serosa as well as into the omentum and blood vessels. Considering that the invasive tumor cells were positive for vimentin, Snail and TGF-β2, we concluded that their invasion was the result of the activation of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) mechanisms. Thus, taking into account the data obtained, it can be assumed that under the conditions of inflammation or carcinogenesis, the calcium carbonate nanoparticles may affect the activation of EMT mechanisms.

A Brief Review about the Role of Nanomaterials, Mineral-Organic Nanoparticles, and Extra-Bone Calcification in Promoting Carcinogenesis and Tumor Progression

“…Multiple microcalcifications were detected in gastric mucosa and mesenteric lymph nodes of the experimental animals. In control rats, the described changes were not observed [146]. Thus, considering the above data in combination with the scientific literature, it is likely that, under the conditions of inflammation or carcinogenesis, CaCO 3 NPs may affect the activation of mechanisms of EMT and immunological tolerance.…”

Microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract: Friend or foe?

“…It cannot be excluded that the production of formaldehyde under oxidative stress conditions caused by TMAO metabolism may be one of the factors contributing to the induction of CRC. In the experiment, intragastric administration of a suspension of CaCO3 in a mixture with formaldehyde and hydrogen peroxide induced tumors of the stomach and cecum in rats[ 171 ].…”