We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Targeting Modifiable Risks: Molecular Mechanisms and Population Burden of Lifestyle Factors on Male Genitourinary Health
AI summary Read the abstract
This systematic review examines how lifestyle factors, including microplastic exposure, affect male reproductive health. Research shows that microplastics, along with other environmental contaminants, may contribute to declining sperm quality and male infertility, which now affects up to 50% of infertility cases worldwide.
Health represents a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, with lifestyle factors accounting for approximately 60% of health determinants. Suboptimal health describes an intermediate condition between wellness and disease. According to 2023 WHO data, infertility affects approximately 17.5% of global adults, with male factors implicated in 30-50% of cases, establishing infertility as a critical public health challenge. Substantial preclinical and clinical evidence links suboptimal lifestyles to male reproductive dysfunction, positioning these behaviors as modifiable infertility risk factors encompassing environmental contaminants and lifestyle patterns. This systematic review synthesizes evidence on five key lifestyle determinants-tobacco, alcohol, microplastics, sedentariness, and sleep disruption-affecting male genitourinary health. Adopting an evidence-based medicine framework, we integrate epidemiological and experimental research to establish foundational knowledge for developing novel preventive strategies targeting male suboptimal health.
More Papers Like This
The Impact of Microplastics on Male Fertility
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics and nanoplastics accumulate in testicular tissue and disrupt spermatogenesis through oxidative stress, inflammation, endocrine disruption, and structural damage to reproductive cells, consistently impairing sperm quality in experimental models. With global plastic production accelerating alongside documented declines in semen quality, this review highlights microplastic exposure as a plausible environmental contributor to male infertility warranting urgent human study.
Microplastics May Be a Significant Cause of Male Infertility
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines the potential link between microplastic exposure and the decline in male fertility observed over recent decades. Researchers reviewed evidence showing that microplastics can accumulate in reproductive tissues and may damage sperm quality through oxidative stress, hormonal disruption, and inflammatory responses. The study suggests that microplastics deserve serious attention as a possible contributing factor to rising male infertility rates.
Microplastics and impaired male reproductive health—exploring biological pathways of harm: a narrative review
AI summary Read the abstract
This narrative review summarizes the evidence that microplastics may harm male reproductive health through oxidative stress, hormone disruption, inflammation, and direct damage to reproductive cells. While animal studies show concerning effects on sperm quality, testicular function, and fertility, human studies are still lacking. The review calls for urgent research on microplastic impacts on human male fertility and for policies to reduce microplastic exposure.
Micro- and nanoplastic exposure: male reproductive toxicity, underlying mechanisms, and research prospects
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes existing research on how tiny plastic particles, which can enter the body through food, air, or skin, may harm male fertility. It describes proposed biological mechanisms, including cell damage, hormone disruption, and gut bacteria changes, linked to reduced sperm quality in studied models.
Microplastic Exposure and Male Infertility: Mechanisms, Effects on Semen Quality and Emerging Human Evidence
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes research on tiny plastic particles found in human semen and testicular tissue. In rodent studies, exposure was linked to cell damage, hormone disruption, and reduced sperm count and quality; human studies show similar associations but are too limited to prove the particles cause male infertility.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.