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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.
With the increasing use of plastics, microplastic (MPs) pollution has garnered significant attention in recent years. Endometrial polyps are prevalent gynecological conditions in women of childbearing age, which impair endometrial receptivity and contribute to female infertility. However, no studies have yet reported the exposure of endometrial polyps to MPs. This study employed pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and laser direct infrared spectroscopy to detect and compare MPs between normal endometrium and endometrial polyps. Using Py-GC/MS, we identified three main MPs in 14 normal endometrial samples and 16 endometrial polyps. The average abundance of MPs in the endometrial polyp group was significantly higher than in the normal endometrium group. The respective average abundance of polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in the polyp and normal endometrium groups was 13.66 ± 2.0 vs. 7.132 ± 0.78 μg/g (p = 0.0009), 94.81 ± 10.67 vs. 69.29 ± 6.93 μg/g, and 67.67 ± 11.02 vs. 56.35 ± 6.90 μg/g. LDIR analysis revealed 13 different types of MPs, with polymethylmethacrylate being the most prevalent. Moreover, we discovered that PS microspheres can promote the proliferation and migration of endometrial stromal cells through PI3K/AKT pathway, which may be a key factor in the formation of endometrial polyps. This study is the first to explore the presence of MPs in endometrial polyps, compare the differences in MPs content between normal endometrium and endometrial polyps, and clarify the potential connection between MPs exposure and the formation of endometrial polyps. Further research is required to explore additional potential insights.
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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.
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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.
Investigation of potential toxic effects of nano- and microplastics on human endometrial stromal cells
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Researchers exposed human endometrial cells (uterine lining cells) to polystyrene nano- and microplastics and found that smaller particles (100 nanometers) were taken up most readily, accumulating in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. At higher concentrations, the nanoplastics reduced cell growth and triggered cell death. These findings suggest that nanoplastics could pose a risk to uterine health and potentially affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
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