Exploring the relationship between microplastic exposure and bone health.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health Science
• Toxicology
• Bone Biology

Background:

• Microplastic and nanoplastic particles (MNPs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants.
• MNPs and associated chemicals, like phthalates and bisphenols, are found in human tissues and fluids.
• There is growing concern regarding the long-term effects of MNPs on human organ systems, particularly the skeleton.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize current human-relevant data on MNP exposure, presence, and effects on bone health.
• To review epidemiological evidence and preclinical findings linking MNPs and plastic-associated chemicals to bone homeostasis.
• To identify critical research gaps and propose priorities for future investigation and clinical surveillance.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of existing literature.
• Synthesis of human biomonitoring studies on plastic-associated endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and bone health markers.
• Evaluation of preclinical studies investigating MNP effects on bone cells and strength.

Main Results:

• Accumulated evidence implicates MNPs and EDCs in pathways affecting bone homeostasis and causing cellular toxicity to bone cells.
• Human biomonitoring studies associate phthalates, bisphenol analogs, and other EDCs with reduced bone mineral density.
• Epidemiological data directly linking MNP burden to osteoporosis or fractures in humans are currently scarce.

Conclusions:

• MNPs and associated EDCs pose a potential risk to skeletal health.
• Further research is needed to establish direct causal links between MNP exposure and human bone diseases like osteoporosis.
• Priorities include enhanced research on mechanisms, human exposure assessment, and clinical surveillance for MNP-related skeletal effects.