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The Effects of Microplastics on Musculoskeletal Disorder; A Narrative Review
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This review summarizes emerging research on how microplastics affect bones and muscles. Studies have shown that microplastics can disrupt the cells responsible for bone growth and repair, and in muscles they can reduce fiber density, impair blood vessel formation, and cause tissue wasting. While research is still limited, the findings suggest microplastics could contribute to musculoskeletal problems, and the authors call for more studies using human tissues.
Microplastics have been shown to cause abnormal endochondral ossification and disrupt the normal function of pre-osteoblasts, osteocyte-like cells, and pre-osteoclasts through gene mutations, endoplasmic reticulum stress induction, and reduced autophagosome formation in bone growth areas. Although there are few reports on their effects on muscle, it has been noted that microplastics inhibit energy and lipid metabolism, decrease type I muscle fiber density, impair muscle angiogenesis, cause muscle atrophy, and increase lipid deposition. Only a few recent studies have shown that microplastics interfere with the normal function of bone growth-related cells and reduce muscle mass and quality. This review underscores the need for further research into other parts of the musculoskeletal system and studies using human tissues at the disease level.
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Microplastics in Musculoskeletal Disorders: An Emerging Threat
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This review examines the emerging evidence that microplastics may affect the musculoskeletal system, including bones, cartilage, and muscles. Researchers found that microplastics can enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption, potentially triggering oxidative stress and inflammation in musculoskeletal tissues. The study suggests that more research is needed to understand the long-term impacts of microplastic exposure on bone and joint health.
Potential threats of environmental microplastics to the skeletal system: current insights and future directions
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This review summarizes emerging evidence that micro- and nanoplastics may reach the skeletal system through the bloodstream and accumulate in bone tissue. Researchers highlight potential effects on bone-forming and bone-resorbing cells, which could disrupt normal bone maintenance. The study calls attention to an underexplored area of microplastic health research and outlines directions for future investigation.
Effects of microplastics on the bones: a comprehensive review
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This comprehensive review examines the growing evidence that micro- and nanoplastics can affect bone health, with researchers recently detecting plastic particles in human bone tissue for the first time. Lab studies show that microplastics can trigger inflammation, increase bone-resorbing cell activity, impair bone-forming cells, and weaken bone structure in animal models. While direct links to human bone conditions like osteoporosis have not yet been confirmed, the accumulating evidence suggests that microplastic exposure may represent a new risk factor for skeletal health.
Environmental Micro-Nanoplastics and Musculoskeletal Disorders: Current Research and Insights
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Tiny plastic particles from everyday sources like packaging, water, and airborne dust can build up in our bones, joints, and spinal discs — and this review pulls together existing research showing how they may damage these tissues through inflammation, cell stress, and other harmful processes. This matters because it suggests microplastics could contribute to conditions like osteoporosis, arthritis, and disc degeneration, though scientists still need more research to fully understand the risks and figure out how to protect people.
Environmental Micro-Nanoplastics and Musculoskeletal Disorders: Current Research and Insights
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Tiny plastic particles from packaging, water, and everyday products don't just pass through your body—research shows they can build up in your bones, cartilage, and joints, potentially damaging cells and triggering inflammation. This matters because scientists are finding links between these accumulated plastics and conditions like osteoporosis, arthritis, and spinal disc degeneration, though this review of existing studies notes we still need more research before drawing firm conclusions about long-term risks.
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