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Microplastic presence in dog and human testis and its potential association with sperm count and weights of testis and epididymis
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Researchers found microplastics in every dog and human testis sample tested, with human testes containing nearly three times more plastic than dog testes. Polyethylene was the dominant plastic type in both species, and certain plastics like PVC and PET were associated with lower testis weight. These findings suggest that widespread microplastic contamination of the male reproductive system could be contributing to declining sperm counts.
The ubiquitous existence of microplastics and nanoplastics raises concerns about their potential impact on the human reproductive system. Limited data exists on microplastics within the human reproductive system and their potential consequences on sperm quality. Our objectives were to quantify and characterize the prevalence and composition of microplastics within both canine and human testes and investigate potential associations with the sperm count, and weights of testis and epididymis. Using advanced sensitive pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, we quantified 12 types of microplastics within 47 canine and 23 human testes. Data on reproductive organ weights, and sperm count in dogs were collected. Statistical analyses, including descriptive analysis, correlational analysis, and multivariate linear regression analyses were applied to investigate the association of microplastics with reproductive functions. Our study revealed the presence of microplastics in all canine and human testes, with significant inter-individual variability. Mean total microplastic levels were 122.63 µg/g in dogs and 328.44 µg/g in humans. Both humans and canines exhibit relatively similar proportions of the major polymer types, with PE being dominant. Furthermore, a negative correlation between specific polymers such as PVC and PET and the normalized weight of the testis was observed. These findings highlight the pervasive presence of microplastics in the male reproductive system in both canine and human testes, with potential consequences on male fertility.
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Detection and characterization of microplastics in the human testis and semen
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Researchers detected microplastics in both human testis tissue and semen samples for the first time, finding an average of about 12 particles per gram in testis and different plastic types in semen. Polystyrene dominated in testis while polyethylene and PVC were most common in semen, providing critical evidence that microplastics can pollute the male reproductive system and raising concerns about potential fertility impacts.
Comment on: “Microplastic presence in dog and human testis and its potential association with sperm count and weights of testis and epididymis”
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This comment responds to a published study on microplastic presence in dog and human testis, discussing methodological considerations and interpretive limitations of the original paper's association between microplastic counts and reproductive tissue parameters.
Response to comment on: “Microplastic presence in dog and human testis and its potential association with sperm count and weights of testis and epididymis”
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Scientists who previously found microplastics in human and dog testicles are defending their methods after other researchers questioned how reliable the measurements were. They acknowledge that detecting tiny plastic particles in body tissue is still an imperfect science, but stand by their overall findings and are refining their approach to focus on the six plastic types they can measure with the most confidence going forward. The bigger picture: researchers are still working out the best ways to measure plastics in our bodies, so while concerns about microplastics and reproductive health are worth taking seriously, the exact numbers from any single study should be viewed as an early, evolving estimate rather than a
Microplastics are detected in bull and dog sperm and polystyrene microparticles impair sperm fertilization
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This study found microplastic particles in the sperm of bulls and dogs for the first time, confirming that reproductive fluids are not shielded from plastic contamination. When bovine sperm was exposed to polystyrene microplastics at concentrations matching what was measured in the animals themselves, motility dropped and fertilization success declined, with resulting embryos showing higher levels of oxidative stress and cell death. These findings raise serious concerns about microplastics as a contributing factor to the global decline in male fertility across mammalian species, including humans.
The Presence of Microplastics in Human Semen and Their Associations with Semen Quality
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Researchers found microplastics in 75% of human semen samples tested, with an average of 17 particles per gram, including 15 different plastic types. Notably, higher levels of polystyrene microplastics were associated with lower sperm concentration and reduced sperm motility. This is one of the first studies to directly link microplastic presence in human semen to poorer sperm quality, adding to growing concerns about plastics and male fertility.
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