Microplastics Could Be Weakening Your Bones, Research Suggests

"Microplastics could be a factor in driving up cases of osteoporosis worldwide, according to recently published research. The study reveals that when these tiny plastic particles enter the body, they disrupt the functioning of bone marrow stem cells, which are essential for maintaining and repairing bone tissue. Throughout your life, your bones are replenished. Osteoporosis is a condition where this process goes wrong, with the breakdown of bone outstripping the rate at which it is replaced."

"This new analysis, published in the journal Osteoporosis International, adds exposure to microplastics as a potential new risk factor. The research reviewed 62 scientific articles that had run various laboratory and animal tests on the possible effects of micro- and nanoplastics on bone. Analysis of lab experiments showed that microplastics stimulate the formation of osteoclasts, cells created by stem cells in the bone marrow that degrade bone tissue to promote resorption, the process in which the body breaks down and eliminates old or damaged bone."

Microplastic particles entering the body disrupt bone marrow stem cell function, impairing their role in maintaining and repairing bone tissue. Exposure to micro- and nanoplastics stimulates formation of osteoclasts, which increase bone resorption and degrade bone tissue. Plastic particles reduce cell viability, induce premature cellular aging, alter gene expression, and trigger inflammatory responses. These combined effects shift balance toward greater bone destruction than regeneration, accelerating weakening of bone structure. Accumulation of microplastics in animals correlates with decreased white blood cell counts, suggesting altered bone marrow function. Increased environmental exposure to microplastics could therefore contribute to rising osteoporosis incidence.

Read at WIRED