Systematic Review ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 1 ? Systematic review or meta-analysis. Synthesizes findings across many studies. Strongest evidence. Reproductive & Development Sign in to save

A systematic review on the effect of microplastics on the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis based on animal studies

Toxicology Letters 2025 2 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 68 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.

Burhan Başaran, Burhan Başaran, Burhan Başaran, Burhan Başaran, Saeed Shahsavari, Burhan Başaran, Burhan Başaran, Burhan Başaran, Behrouz Akbari‐adergani, Burhan Başaran, Burhan Başaran, Burhan Başaran, Burhan Başaran, Hamed Shafaroodi, Burhan Başaran, Nader Akbari, Nader Akbari, Nader Akbari, Burhan Başaran, Burhan Başaran, Parisa Sadighara Melina Sadighara, Melina Sadighara, Parisa Sadighara, Burhan Başaran, Parisa Sadighara

Summary

This systematic review of animal studies found that microplastics — especially polystyrene — disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, consistently decreasing estradiol levels and causing ovarian apoptosis and oxidative stress damage. These findings raise concerns about microplastic exposure as a potential contributor to female reproductive health problems in humans.

Polymers

Body Systems

Integumentary Reproductive Respiratory

Study Type Review

Humans are exposed to microplastics through three routes: oral, dermal, and respiratory. These tiny polymer particles enter the body and accumulate in various organs. One of the most sensitive organs to microplastics is the female reproductive system. In this review, manuscripts that investigated the effects of various microplastics on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis in laboratory animals were collected with relevant keywords. This axis plays an important role in the function of the female reproductive system. Effects on endpoints of this axis, including hormonal changes, gene expression, and histopathological changes, were assessed. The most studied microplastic was polystyrene. Hormone levels were measured in all studies. In almost all studies, 17β-estradiol was decreased. Apoptosis and oxidative stress-induced damage in the ovaries were also observed in some studies. The results summarized from the manuscript emphasize the adverse effects of microplastics, especially polystyrene microplastics, on the female reproductive system following exposure.

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