Polystyrene Plastic Particles Promote Ligamentum Flavum Fibrosis via ROS-Mediated TGF-β1/SMAD3 Signaling

Summary

Tiny plastic particles called polystyrene (found in things like foam packaging and disposable cups) may cause harmful scarring in a ligament in your spine that helps you bend and stand upright, according to new research. In lab studies, these plastic particles triggered stress inside cells that led to thickening and stiffening of this spinal ligament — a process that could contribute to back pain and spinal problems. While this research was done in cells and animals rather than people, it adds to growing concerns that the microplastics we're constantly exposed to may affect our bodies in ways we're only beginning to understand.