We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic exposure and female reproductive health: A scientific review
Summary
This scientific review examined the distribution of microplastics in the female reproductive system — including the placenta, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus — and reviewed evidence for disruption of fertility, hormonal function, and pregnancy outcomes. MPs were found to penetrate reproductive tissues and may impair oocyte quality, implantation, and fetal development.
As a global pollutant, microplastics (MPs) are widely distributed in the natural environment and human tissues, and their potential threat to female reproductive health has gradually become an important issue in the field of public health. The distribution, health effects and toxic mechanisms of MPs in female reproductive system were reviewed in this paper. MPs can penetrate the placental barrier, interfere with fetal development, and increase the risk of pregnancy complications. In ovaries, MPs induce granulosa cell apoptosis and disrupt follicular development, leading to hormonal imbalance and decreased fertility. In utero, the accumulation of MPs can cause endometrial inflammation and reduced receptivity, significantly inhibiting embryo implantation. This study provides a scientific basis for revealing the female reproductive toxicity of MPs, and has important reference value for formulating environmental health standards and improving female reproductive health protection strategies.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
The effects of exposure to microplastics on female reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis
This meta-analysis pools data from multiple studies to assess how microplastic exposure affects female reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes. The findings suggest that microplastic accumulation may be linked to adverse effects on fertility and pregnancy, highlighting an important and underexplored area of concern for women's health.
Impact of microplastics on female reproductive health: insights from animal and human experimental studies: a systematic review
This systematic review of 15 experimental studies found that microplastic exposure significantly impairs ovarian function, decreases fertility rates, and disrupts hormone levels in female subjects. Several studies also reported negative effects on embryo development and offspring health, though study quality varied and more rigorous research is needed to confirm mechanisms.
Concerning influences of micro/nano plastics on female reproductive health: focusing on cellular and molecular pathways from animal models to human studies
This review summarizes research showing that micro- and nanoplastics can harm the female reproductive system in multiple ways, from reducing ovarian reserves and disrupting hormone balance to accumulating in the placenta and breast milk. Animal studies show these particles trigger oxidative stress and inflammation in reproductive tissues, and human studies have confirmed their presence in placental tissue and infant feces, raising concerns about effects on fertility and fetal development.
The Microplastics and Human Health: Focus on the Reproductive System
This review examined evidence that microplastics accumulate in human reproductive tissues and evaluated their potential effects on fertility and reproductive health. The authors found microplastics detected in testes, ovaries, placenta, and semen, and summarized mechanistic evidence linking them to hormonal disruption, oxidative stress, and impaired gamete function.
Effects of nano and microplastics on the reproduction system: In vitro and in vivo studies review
This review summarizes both lab and animal studies on how micro and nanoplastics affect the reproductive system in males and females. Evidence shows that microplastics can reduce sperm quality, damage ovaries, disrupt hormone levels, and even cross the placenta during pregnancy. The findings raise significant concerns about how widespread microplastic exposure might contribute to fertility problems and reproductive health issues in humans.