We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
A Systematic Review of Genotoxicity and Mutagenicity Affecting Reproductive and Neurocognitive Health: Bridging Siloed Disciplines
AI summary Read the abstract
This review pulls together 200 studies on how everyday chemical exposures, including newer concerns like nanoplastics, PFAS ("forever chemicals"), and bisphenols (found in plastics), may damage DNA in ways that harm fertility and brain function, especially during pregnancy and childhood development. The big takeaway: most of this research comes from animal studies, not people, and it typically tests one chemical at a time rather than the real-world mix we're actually exposed to, meaning current safety guidelines may be underestimating risk. While the science isn't finished, the researchers argue there's enough evidence now to start updating chem
This systematic literature review (B-SLR) examines the emerging scholarly consensus on mechanistic linkage between genotoxic exposures and multisystem health dysfunctions. We systematically reviewed 200 peer-reviewed publications from 2021 to 2025 applying SPAR4-SLR protocol with quality appraisal using ROBINS-I adaptation and also performed assessment of publication bias. We have identified trends in genotoxicity research and its causal relationship with reproductive and neurocognitive health outcomes. This novel interdisciplinary approach bridges the traditional siloed research domains of toxicology, genetics, reproductive medicine, and neuroscience. A systematic search strategy using Scopus database and Boolean operators was used at a period of 2020-2025 as well as 2021-2025 to extract articles. SPAR4-SLR protocol was implemented thereby across three stages of assembling, arranging, and assessing. Furthermore, Biblioshiny software (R Language) with quality appraisal (ROBINS-I adapted) and publication bias quantification was performed. This was followed by reporting of thematic mapping, citation network analysis, mechanistic pathway modeling, and validity checks (Scopus vs. Web of Science overlap = 89.5%). This validated coverage adequacy. Bibliometric analysis identified eight major research clusters with distinct maturity profiles: (1) DNA mutations and chromosomal damage (n = 167 papers; h-index 85; mature domain); (2) reprotoxicity and gonadal dysfunction (n = 78; h-index 42; emerging); (3) neurotoxicity and cognitive impairment (n = 89; h-index 51; emerging); (4) transgenerational/epigenetic transmission (n = 34; h-index 28; nascent); (5) bioaccumulation and environmental persistence (n = 96; h-index 59; mature); (6) emerging contaminants (nanoplastics/PFAS/bisphenols) (n = 42; h-index 19; nascent); (7) mechanistic pathway integration (n = 23; h-index 12; nascent); and (8) regulatory and policy applications (n = 8; h-index 4; nascent). A critical knowledge gap was also identified where animal studies dominate, and human epidemiological studies constitute merely 3%. This creates a 20- to 30-year translation lag. The following five high-priority research agendas were identified: (1) comparative potency assessment across emerging contaminants; (2) epigenetic mechanism specificity in transgenerational transmission; (3) mixture/cumulative effects (current literature focuses on single-agent exposures); (4) cost-effective remediation/mitigation strategies; (5) vulnerability characterization for developmentally sensitive populations (gestational windows, critical brain periods, pubertal transition). The research is ready for translation into policy, and the regulatory opportunity closes by 2027-2028. Practical Implications This review provides actionable intelligence for the following five groups: (1) funding agencies-identifies nascent research clusters warranting priority funding; (2) international regulators (OECD, EPA, and EMA)-identifies five critical gaps in current testing guidelines and proposes a unified testing battery, which includes epigenetic endpoints and adverse outcome pathway analysis; (3) occupational health professionals-identifies priority exposure reduction strategies in high-risk sectors; (4) pharmaceutical developers-highlights risk assessment strategies for drug candidates with genotoxic potential; (5) reproductive/pediatric health practitioners-provides evidence synthesis supporting patient counselling on avoidable exposures during critical developmental windows. This integrated mechanistic framework bridges previously siloed research domains to enable coordinated multistakeholder action.
More Papers Like This
Molecular Mechanisms of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals and Emerging-Pollutant Toxicity in Human Reproduction: From Xenobiotic Exposure to Fertility Impairment and Reproductive Carcinogenesis
AI summary Read the abstract
This review pulls together existing research to show that everyday chemicals, including plastics ingredients, pesticides, flame retardants, and even microplastics, seem to disrupt fertility and increase cancer risk through the same underlying biological pathways, like messing with hormones and damaging cell DNA. This matters because it suggests these aren't separate problems but two stages of one process, and it reveals that even "non-persistent" pollutants (like microplastics and personal-care product residues that constantly wash into our environment) can cause lasting harm through repeated low-level exposure, not just chemicals that linger in the body for years.
Reproductive toxicity and transgenerational effects of microplastics: Evidence from experimental models and underlying epigenetic mechanisms
AI summary Read the abstract
Tiny plastic particles have been found in human reproductive fluids, and this review of animal research shows they can harm fertility in both sexes and may even affect the health of future children and grandchildren—not just people directly exposed. Scientists think microplastics may cause these lasting effects by altering "chemical switches" on DNA that get passed down through generations, changing how genes turn on and off without changing the DNA itself. While the animal evidence is concerning, more human studies are needed to confirm these effects happen the same way in people.
“Reproductive and Transgenerational Toxicity of Micro- and Nanoplastics: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis”
AI summary Read the abstract
This meta-analysis pools data from multiple animal studies to assess how micro- and nanoplastics affect reproduction and the health of future generations. The research looks at whether plastic particle exposure can harm fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and offspring development in lab animals. These findings are important because they suggest microplastic exposure could have effects that extend beyond the individual to their children.
Reproductive and developmental implications of micro- and nanoplastic internalization: Recent advances and perspectives
AI summary Read the abstract
This systematic review documented the detection of micro- and nanoplastics in human semen, placenta, and ovarian follicular fluid, and found evidence linking exposure to impaired sperm quality, disrupted ovarian function, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. In animal models, MNPs caused developmental toxicity and transgenerational effects, with oxidative stress, inflammation, and epigenetic modification identified as key mechanisms.
PLASTAMINATION: Outcomes on the Central Nervous System and Reproduction.
AI summary Read the abstract
This review assessed evidence for neurotoxic and reproductive effects of both biodegradable and conventional micro- and nanoplastics, finding that plastic particles and their chemical additives can cross the blood-brain barrier and disrupt hormone systems, with concerning implications for nervous system and reproductive health.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.