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Micro- and nanoplastics as emerging disruptors of Leydig cell function: A systematic review of experimental evidence
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Tiny plastic particles from our environment have already been found in human testicles, and this review pulls together 19 lab studies looking at how these particles affect the cells that produce testosterone. The evidence so far shows these plastics can stress and damage these cells, potentially lowering testosterone production, though the studies are mostly in animals and cells rather than people, so more research is needed to confirm the risk to human fertility and hormone health.
Plastic particles have been detected in human testicular tissue, raising concerns about potential effects on male reproductive health. This systematic review synthesizes experimental evidence from mammalian in vitro and in vivo studies evaluating the effects of MNP exposure on Leydig cell structure and function. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science identified 19 eligible studies. Study selection, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessment were performed independently by two reviewers using ToxRTool for in vitro studies and SYRCLE for in vivo studies. Certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE framework. Across experimental models, MNP exposure was associated with particle internalization, oxidative stress, mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum dysfunction, reduced cell viability, activation of apoptotic pathways, and impaired testosterone synthesis. Together, the available experimental evidence supports the biological plausibility that MNP exposure may impair Leydig cell function and testosterone synthesis, although the overall certainty of evidence remains limited.
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Microplastics and nanoplastics: potential implications for testicular inflammation in male mammals
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This review pulls together animal research showing that tiny plastic particles can reach the testes and trigger inflammation, damage protective barriers, and disrupt hormone production. While these effects have mostly been studied in rodents, they raise real concerns about male fertility. More research is needed to confirm how this applies to humans.
Exposure to nanoplastics induces mitochondrial impairment and cytomembrane destruction in Leydig cells
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Researchers exposed mouse Leydig cells (which produce testosterone) to 20-nanometer polystyrene nanoplastics in the lab and found that the particles entered the cells and caused dose-dependent damage. The nanoplastics triggered oxidative stress, destroyed mitochondria, disrupted cell membranes, and reduced testosterone production. This study adds to growing evidence that nanoplastics could harm male reproductive health by directly damaging the cells responsible for making testosterone.
The Threat of Micro-/Nanoplastics to Male Fertility: A Review of the Data and the Importance of Future Research
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This review synthesizes findings from 21 studies examining how micro- and nanoplastics and their associated endocrine-disrupting chemicals affect male reproductive health at the cellular level. Researchers found evidence of multiple toxicity mechanisms including damage to the blood-testis barrier, disruption of hormone signaling, oxidative stress, and structural damage to testicular tissues. The study notes that while these findings from cell and animal studies are concerning, translating the results to human health requires further research with realistic exposure conditions.
Plastics in human reproductive tissues: A systematic review of detection, characterization, and effects on fertility.
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This review summarizes 41 studies on tiny plastic particles found in human reproductive tissues, including semen, testis, follicular fluid, and placenta. These particles were linked to cell stress, metabolic changes, and in some studies, poor sperm motility, though effects on ovarian markers and fertility outcomes were inconsistent across studies.
Microplastics and male reproductive toxicity: Research progress on injury pathways and regulatory mechanisms
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This review pulls together existing research showing that tiny plastic particles from our environment can build up in male reproductive organs, where they've been linked to lower sperm quality in humans. Studies in animals and cells suggest these plastics may sneak past the body's natural defenses in the testicles, causing cell damage, inflammation, and hormone disruption that harms sperm production. While more research is needed to confirm exactly how much risk this poses to human fertility, the findings add to growing concerns about everyday plastic exposure and reproductive health.
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