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The silent invasion of microplastics polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene terephthalate: Potential impact on osteoporosis
Summary
Researchers detected microplastics in the blood samples of nearly all study participants and found that PVC and PET were the most common polymer types present. Through laboratory experiments, they demonstrated that these microplastics had significant toxic effects on bone-forming cells. The study suggests a potential link between microplastic exposure and bone health, indicating that further research is needed to understand how plastic particles in the bloodstream might affect skeletal health.
BACKGROUND: The relationship between the environment and diseases is a crucial and complex topic that has garnered significant attention in recent years. In our study, we also follow the thread and explore the correlation between microplastics (MPs) and osteoporosis (OP). METHODS AND RESULTS: We found that MPs were detected in the blood samples of nearly all participants. Moreover, It was compelling that PVC and PET emerged as the most common MP polymers in our study. A verification process was conducted comparing the clinical data with the results of MPs detection. This analysis revealed a significant exposure risk to MPs from sources such as bottled water, take-out containers. Through molecular biology techniques, we confirmed that MPs have a significant toxic effect on osteoblasts and associated with abnormal gene expression. CONCLUSION: MPs may be considered to have a potential correlation with the progression of OP.
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