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Integrated network toxicology, machine learning, molecular docking, single-cell transcriptomics and experimental validation to elucidate mechanism of polyethylene terephthalate microplastics contributing to intervertebral disc degeneration
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Scientists found that tiny plastic particles from PET (the plastic used in water bottles) can damage the cushioning discs between your spinal bones, using lab experiments on spinal disc cells. The microplastics triggered cell stress, damaged the disc's structural material, and activated specific genes linked to disc breakdown—suggesting these ubiquitous plastic particles might contribute to back pain and spinal degeneration over time. While this research was done on cells rather than in living people, it adds to growing concerns about how microplastics in our environment could affect long-term health.
Polyethylene terephthalate microplastics (PET-MPs) pose significant environmental and health concerns due to their persistence and potential toxicity, yet their impact on intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) remains poorly understood. This study integrated network toxicology, machine learning, molecular docking, single-cell transcriptomics, and in vitro experiments to systematically explore the potential mechanisms through which PET-MPs may contribute to IDD. Through combined multi-database screening, WGCNA, and machine learning-based SHAP analysis, five core targets were identified: ANGPTL4, CDC42, CTSK, VKORC1, and FN1. GO and KEGG pathway analyses, complemented by molecular docking and dynamics simulations, revealed significant enrichment in AGE-RAGE, Toll-like receptor, and ECM-related pathways and suggested stable binding of PET with ANGPTL4 and VKORC1. Single-cell transcriptomics demonstrated specific upregulation of these genes in degenerative nucleus pulposus cells, accompanied by enhanced immune–stromal communication. In vitro, PET-MPs dose-dependently induced cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species overproduction, ECM degradation, and upregulation of Angptl4 and Vkorc1, collectively suggesting a potential pro-degenerative effect on nucleus pulposus cells.
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Assessing the toxicological impact of PET-MPs exposure on IVDD: Insights from network toxicology and molecular docking
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Using computer modeling and molecular analysis, researchers identified key biological targets through which PET microplastics (the type found in plastic bottles) may contribute to spinal disc degeneration. The study found that PET particles could disrupt immune pathways, cell death processes, and tissue breakdown, suggesting a potential link between microplastic exposure and degenerative spinal conditions.
Integrating network toxicology and in vitro validation to elucidate PET microplastic-induced osteoarthritis pathogenesis
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Scientists found that PET microplastics — tiny plastic particles from common plastic bottles and packaging — may worsen osteoarthritis by triggering inflammation and damaging cartilage cells at the molecular level. Using computer modeling and lab tests on cartilage cells, they pinpointed six specific genes that get switched on or off when exposed to these plastic particles, offering early clues about how everyday plastic pollution might contribute to joint disease. While this is still early-stage lab research (not yet tested in humans), it adds to growing evidence that microplastics in our environment could have real effects on joint health.
Polyethylene microplastics promote nucleus pulposus cell senescence by inducing oxidative stress via TLR4/NOX2 axis
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Researchers found microplastics -- primarily polyethylene -- in nearly 60% of human spinal disc tissue samples, and lab studies showed these particles accelerate disc degeneration by triggering oxidative stress that causes disc cells to age prematurely. This is the first study to link microplastics directly to intervertebral disc disease, suggesting plastic pollution may contribute to back problems and spine deterioration.
From Environmental Exposure to Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: First Evidence of Pro-Degenerative Effects of Polyamide 6 Microplastics
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Scientists found tiny plastic particles (from a common plastic called polyamide 6, used in fabrics and packaging) already present in human spinal disc tissue, and lab tests showed these particles can damage the cells that keep spinal discs healthy and cushioned. This is early-stage lab research, not proof that plastics cause back problems in people, but it's one of the first studies suggesting a direct link between microplastic exposure and spinal disc degeneration—a condition linked to chronic back pain—making it a topic worth watching as scientists dig deeper into how everyday plastic exposure might affect our bodies.
Computational prediction of potential aggravating mechanisms of polyethylene terephthalate microplastics in diabetic foot ulcers: An integrated in silico approach combining network toxicology, bioinformatics, machine learning, and molecular dynamics simulations
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Using computer modeling (not actual patient testing), researchers found clues that tiny plastic particles from PET plastic (commonly used in water bottles and food packaging) might make diabetic foot ulcers worse by interfering with genes that help repair cell damage and regulate blood sugar processing. While these findings are just a starting point—based on computer simulations rather than lab or human studies—they add to growing concerns that microplastics in our environment could impact chronic health conditions like diabetes complications, making this an area worth watching as research continues.
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