Malignant mesothelioma is one of the world’s most mysterious illnesses, and one of the most fatal as well. The rare form of cancer has been directly linked to exposure to asbestos, but little is known about how it develops or why. Now researchers at the University of Maryland are suggesting that the shape and size of asbestos particles create a specific response from the body’s immune cells.
Interdisciplinary Team from the University of Maryland Explores Roots of Mesothelioma
In a paper published in the journal Environmental Research, researchers from the University of Maryland’s College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences report that adverse health effects, including the formation of malignant mesothelioma tumors, may depend on the shape and size of particles that come into contact with the body’s tissues. According to UMD Professor Emerita of Geology Ann Wylie, “Asbestos kicks up an immune response when the immune system is exposed to the right shape and size of particle.”
Asbestos is a mineral found in nature, and since the mid-1970s it has been understood that exposure to it risks malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other asbestos-related diseases. But the questions of why the mineral causes disruption in the body’s cells and why the diseases have such a long latency period remain unanswered. The report suggests that the length and thinness of the material’s fibers play a significant role.
Mesothelioma Results from Body’s Inability to Expel Asbestos
When asbestos particles – which have a distinctively long, thin shape – are inhaled, they become embedded in the tissues of the mesothelial lining and are particularly difficult for the body to expel. The researchers believe that immune cells recognize and respond to their shape and begin a process that recruits other immune cells. This draws the other cells away from areas where they’re needed, allowing lesions to eventually form.
Though the scientists say that more study is needed, their research goes a long way to solving many of the mysteries of mesothelioma. Study co-author John Fourkas, a professor in the UMD Department of Chemistry and the Institute for Physical Science and Technology, explains, “The physical characteristics of a mineral particle can change the behavior of immune cells in the long term, which could be why mesothelioma symptoms take a minimum of 30 to 40 years to manifest.”
If you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos, this type of research can lead to greater understanding of the risks involved. For more information and assistance, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net at 1-800-692-8608.
