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First evidence of microplastics in human ovarian follicular fluid: An emerging threat to female fertility
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For the first time, researchers detected microplastic particles in the fluid surrounding eggs in human ovaries. Tiny plastic particles were found in 14 out of 18 women undergoing fertility treatment, and higher microplastic levels correlated with elevated follicle-stimulating hormone, a key reproductive hormone. While no direct link to fertility outcomes was confirmed in this small study, the findings raise concerns about microplastic exposure and female reproductive health.
Several studies have assessed the presence of microplastics (MPs) in human biological fluids and tissues highlighting potential health risks associated to oxidative stress, inflammation, immune dysfunction, neurotoxicity and reprotoxicity. However, only few studies have evaluated MP presence and effects in ovarian tissues of mammalians and, to date, no studies have detected MPs in human ovarian follicular fluids. Based on these premises, in this study, 18 women (undergoing assisted reproductive treatment at In Vitro Fertilisation center in Salerno, Southern Italy) were selected to assess the presence of MPs in follicular fluid. Plastic particles < 10 µm were measured using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with an EDX (X Energy Dispersion) detector. MPs (size <10 µm) were detected in 14 out of 18 samples of follicular fluid, with an average concentration of 2191 particles/mL (0-7181particles/mL) and with a mean diameter of 4.48 µm (3.18-5.54 µm). Moreover, a significant correlation between MP concentration in follicular fluid samples and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) (p-value <0.05), as well as a weak (non-significant) correlation with Body Mass Index (BMI), age and 17β-estradiol (E2), was found. On the contrary, no correlation with anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), fertilization outcomes, miscarriages, or live birth was observed. Since several studies on animal models have demonstrated the negative effects of MPs on ovarian function, the present study, that verified for the first time the presence of MPs in human follicular fluid, is of great significance for the scientific community in terms of raising awareness of the impact that these increasingly pervasive emerging contaminants have on reproductive function and human health.
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First evidence of microplastics in human ovarian follicular fluid: an emerging threat to female fertility
AI summary Read the abstract
In the first study of its kind, researchers detected microplastics in the ovarian follicular fluid of 14 out of 18 women undergoing fertility treatment, with an average of about 2,191 particles per milliliter. A significant correlation was found between microplastic concentration and FSH hormone levels, suggesting a possible link to reproductive function. This groundbreaking finding provides direct evidence that microplastics can reach human reproductive organs and may pose a threat to female fertility.
Characterization of microplastics in human follicular fluid and assessment of their potential impact on mouse oocyte maturation in vitro
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Scientists found microplastics in human follicular fluid, the liquid surrounding eggs in the ovaries, after analyzing samples from 19 women. When they tested how these particles affect egg development in mice, they found that certain types of microplastics reduced the ability of eggs to mature properly, raising concerns about potential effects on fertility.
Microplastics in human ovarian follicular fluid: a pilot Raman spectroscopy study
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Scientists found tiny plastic particles in the fluid surrounding eggs in the ovaries of 22 out of 27 women undergoing fertility treatment, showing that microplastics can reach even this protected reproductive environment. This is a small pilot study, so it can't tell us whether these plastics actually harm egg quality or fertility, but it raises important questions that researchers need to investigate further with larger studies.
Size- and hydrophobicity-dependent accumulation of microplastics in follicular fluid is linked to impaired ovarian reserve in women undergoing medically assisted reproduction
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Scientists reviewing existing studies found tiny plastic particles in the fluid surrounding eggs in women's ovaries, and some small studies linked higher plastic levels to fertility problems. However, the research is limited and inconsistent, so it's too early to say plastics actually cause infertility, more rigorous studies are needed first.
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