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The Human Intervertebral Disc as a Long-Term Repository for Micro/Nanoplastics: Tissue-Specific Accumulation and Risk Estimation
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Researchers quantified microplastic and nanoplastic accumulation in blood, bone, and intervertebral disc tissue from 21 surgical patients, finding a distinct disc-enriched accumulation profile in nearly half of individuals, with nanoplastics dominated by polyvinyl chloride and polyamide 66, suggesting the avascular disc may serve as a long-term plastic reservoir.
Abstract The presence of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in the human has raised health concerns, yet their tissue-specific accumulation in avascular environments remains unclear. Laser micro-Raman spectroscopy and pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry were employed to quantify MNPs from 21 donors undergoing spinal fusion. MPs showed a tissue-specific abundance gradient (blood: 6.74 ± 4.40 n/mL; bone: 13.55 ± 4.48 n/g; disc: 13.92 ± 4.69 n/g), predominantly composed of polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, and polystyrene fragments/fibers (1-100 μm). NPs (0.16-20.28 μg/g) were ubiquitously detected, with polyvinyl chloride and polyamide 66, accounting for 78.2% of the total mass, indicating distinct tissue-selective enrichment. A regulated accumulation pattern showed a dominant “disc-enriched” profile in nearly half the individuals. Fiber morphology, white color, larger size, and PET/PE polymers were identified as key drivers of tissue-selective retention. Although calculated chemical risks remain within safety limits, the substantial NPs sequestration in the avascular disc suggests an overlooked mechanism of long-term physical burden and potential tissue degradation. This study provides novel insights into the individualized MNPs accumulation and highlight the need to re-evaluate the health implications of plastic pollution in slow-metabolizing tissues.
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From accumulation to degeneration: Microplastics as emerging risk factors for intervertebral disc health
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Researchers reviewed evidence that microplastics accumulate in human intervertebral disc tissue at significantly higher concentrations (61 ± 44 particles/g) than in bone or cartilage, and discussed mechanisms by which this accumulation may contribute to disc degeneration.
Microplastics and nanoplastics in matched human blood, bone, and intervertebral discs: Accumulation patterns and risks
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Scientists found tiny plastic particles (microplastics and nanoplastics) in the blood, bone, and spinal discs of 21 patients undergoing back surgery—and the discs, which have poor blood flow and repair themselves slowly, tended to accumulate the most plastic. While the chemical risks appear low for now, the buildup of these particles in slow-healing tissue raises concerns that plastics could physically contribute to tissue damage or degeneration over time, something worth watching as plastic pollution continues to rise.
Microplastics in human skeletal tissues: Presence, distribution and health implications
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This study is the first to find microplastics in human bones, cartilage, and spinal discs, with the highest concentrations found in spinal discs. The most common plastics detected were polypropylene and polystyrene, and animal experiments confirmed that microplastics can reach skeletal tissues through the bloodstream. Exposure triggered inflammatory markers in the blood, suggesting microplastics in bones could contribute to skeletal health problems.
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.
Polyethylene microplastics promote nucleus pulposus cell senescence by inducing oxidative stress via TLR4/NOX2 axis
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Researchers found microplastics -- primarily polyethylene -- in nearly 60% of human spinal disc tissue samples, and lab studies showed these particles accelerate disc degeneration by triggering oxidative stress that causes disc cells to age prematurely. This is the first study to link microplastics directly to intervertebral disc disease, suggesting plastic pollution may contribute to back problems and spine deterioration.
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