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Effects of Plastics on Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Arthritis - Implication for Sport and Recreation: A Review
Summary
This study examined how plastic exposure may influence inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and arthritis by promoting chronic inflammation in the gut and joints. Evidence suggested that microplastics and plastic chemical additives (BPA, phthalates) can trigger and exacerbate autoimmune inflammatory responses, with relevance for people engaged in sport and recreation.
Background: Arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are autoimmune disorders marked by chronic inflammation. Arthritis affects the synovial membrane of joints, while IBD inflames the digestive system's walls. In this study, the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) group mainly includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, while the arthritis analysed includes rheumatoid arthritis and the joint manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus. Recent publications highlights the adverse effects of micro and nanoplastics on health, suggesting they may exacerbate these autoimmune disorders. Studies show that plastic accumulation can contribute to gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal diseases.Purpose: This review aims to summarize current knowledge on how microplastics influence the development of autoimmune disorders in the gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal systems, based on scientific literature, and examine their impact on sports and recreation health.Methods and Materials: A literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases with relevant keywords. An analysis of the collected data was performed.Conclusion: Ingesting micro- and nanoplastic particles disrupts immune homeostasis in the gastrointestinal tract and joints. It alters gut microbiota and metabolism, exacerbates arthritis by affecting synovial membrane cell proliferation and migration, among other effects. High plastic exposure may promote autoimmune diseases, potentially restricting individuals from professional and recreational physical activities, worsening health problems, promoting other diseases, and leading to premature death.