We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
The Effects of Microplastics on Musculoskeletal Disorder; A Narrative Review
Summary
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.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in Musculoskeletal Disorders: An Emerging Threat
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
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
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.
Bridging relevance between microplastics, human health and bone metabolism: Emerging threats and research directions
Researchers reviewed how microplastics — tiny plastic fragments that accumulate in tissues throughout the body — may disrupt bone metabolism by triggering inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormonal interference, raising concern that widespread microplastic exposure could contribute to bone diseases like osteoporosis.
Exposome on skeletal muscle system: a mini-review
This mini-review examines how environmental exposures, including microplastics, heavy metals, and other pollutants, affect skeletal muscle biology. Evidence indicates that microplastics may delay muscle regeneration and promote fat cell formation through specific signaling pathways, suggesting that cumulative environmental exposures could have meaningful effects on muscle health across the lifespan.