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The role of microplastics in elevated risk and tissues metabolic alterations in uterine fibroid of female patients
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Researchers examined microplastic contamination in tissue samples from 160 patients and found that diseased uterine tissue contained significantly higher levels of microplastics compared to healthy tissue. Polyethylene and polypropylene were the most commonly detected plastic types, and evidence indicates that polyethylene exposure may be associated with increased risk of uterine fibroids. The study highlights a potential link between microplastic accumulation and reproductive health concerns.
Microplastic (MP) pollution is an emerging environmental issue, drawing increasing attention to its potential harm to human reproductive health. This is a prospective study involving 160 human samples. MPs in tissue and blood samples were analyzed using Raman spectroscopy, while their impact on the metabolic characteristics of diseased tissues was evaluated using non-targeted techniques. The study finds that a total of 13 types of MPs are identified in all samples, with polyethylene and polypropylene being the most abundant polymers. Exposure levels of MPs are significantly higher in diseased tissues compare to normal tissues and tissues from healthy people (p < 0.01). It is also find that exposure to polyethylene increases the risk of uterine fibroids (UFs) compare to healthy individuals. Additionally, the study finds a positive correlation between MP exposure levels and the size of UFs. This suggests that polyethylene may be linked to the growth of UFs. Metabolomics analysis reveals changes in the relative abundance of key differential metabolites. Certain metabolic pathways, such as amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism pathways were significantly enriched and exhibited an upward trend, while the biosynthesis of cofactors, and platelet activation pathways showed a downward trend. The findings of this study suggest a potential association between MP exposure and the development and progression of UFs in women, offering valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms research.
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First identification of microplastics in human uterine fibroids and myometrium
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For the first time, researchers detected microplastics inside human uterine fibroids and surrounding womb tissue, with fibroid tissue containing roughly twice as many plastic particles as healthy tissue. Patients who frequently consumed takeout meals and bottled water had higher microplastic levels, and larger fibroids were associated with more plastic contamination. These findings raise questions about whether microplastics could play a role in the growth of uterine fibroids.
Detection and quantification of microplastics in endometrial polyps and their role in polyp formation
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Researchers detected and compared microplastic levels between normal uterine lining tissue and endometrial polyps, finding significantly higher concentrations of polyethylene, polystyrene, and PVC in the polyp tissue. They also discovered that polystyrene microplastics can promote the growth and migration of uterine lining cells through a specific cellular signaling pathway, which may contribute to polyp formation. This is the first study to link microplastic accumulation in reproductive tissue to a common gynecological condition that can affect fertility.
Microplastic accumulation in endometrial cancer tissues and its metabolic impact
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Researchers examined microplastic levels in endometrial cancer tissues compared to normal tissue and found that cancer tissues contained significantly higher concentrations of plastic particles. The most common plastics detected were polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene. Metabolic analysis revealed that microplastic presence was associated with changes in cancer-related metabolic pathways, suggesting that microplastics may play a role in promoting tumor development through metabolic reprogramming.
Microplastics detected in three types of female reproductive organs using micro-Raman spectroscopy
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Researchers detected microplastics in tissue samples from three types of female reproductive organs — uterine tissue with adenomyosis, ovarian cysts, and fallopian tubes — collected from 60 women. Polyethylene and polypropylene were the most common types found, with most particles smaller than 20 micrometers. This study provides direct evidence that microplastics accumulate in human reproductive tissues, though more research is needed to determine whether they contribute to reproductive diseases.
Microplastics in human urine: Characterisation using μFTIR and sampling challenges using healthy donors and endometriosis participants
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Researchers analyzed urine samples from healthy individuals and endometriosis patients, detecting microplastics in the majority of both groups, with 22 different polymer types found. While microplastic levels were not significantly different between the two groups, the finding that plastics like polyethylene, polystyrene, and PTFE are being excreted in human urine confirms that these particles are circulating through the body.
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