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From accumulation to degeneration: Microplastics as emerging risk factors for intervertebral disc health

Yong Sun1, Yizhi Zhang1, Yuchen Wang2

  • 1Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730000, China; Lanzhou University Second Clinical College, Lanzhou, 730000, China; Orthopaedics Key Laboratory of Gansu Province, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.

Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)
|November 14, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Microplastics (MPs) accumulate in human intervertebral discs (IVDs) more than bone or cartilage. This review explores MP sources, health risks, and their role in intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD).

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Biomaterials Science
  • Orthopedics

Background:

  • Microplastics (MPs) pose a growing threat to human health, with significant accumulation observed in intervertebral disc (IVD) tissue.
  • MP levels in IVDs (61 ± 44 particles/g) exceed those in bone and cartilage, suggesting unique deposition mechanisms.
  • The impact of MPs on intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the sources, distribution, and health risks associated with MPs.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which MPs contribute to IVDD.
  • To discuss emerging strategies for MP detection and removal in the context of IVDD.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of MP sources (e.g., plastic degradation, medical waste).
  • Analysis of MP distribution in human tissues.
  • Summary of research on MP-induced cellular damage and IVDD mechanisms (e.g., oxidative stress).

Main Results:

  • Humans ingest an estimated 5g of plastic weekly.
  • MPs induce oxidative stress and negatively affect IVD-related cells like chondrocytes and nucleus pulposus cells.
  • Integrated spectroscopy-microscopy and enzymatic degradation show promise for MP detection and removal.

Conclusions:

  • MPs are a significant factor in IVDD, necessitating further research into prevention and mitigation.
  • Standardized detection methods and effective removal strategies are crucial for addressing MP contamination.
  • This review provides a theoretical framework and practical insights for combating MP-induced IVDD.
Keywords:
Cell injuryIntervertebral disc degenerationMicroplasticProphylactic strategyTissue enrichment

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