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Microplastics and endocrine disruption: Emerging risks for human fertility
Summary
This short communication reviewed emerging evidence that microplastics and nanoplastics disrupt endocrine function and reproductive health, highlighting effects on hormonal regulation, gametogenesis, and fertility outcomes. The authors called for more epidemiological studies to establish links between human microplastic exposure and fertility decline.
Background: Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants that are increasingly recognised for their potential role in endocrine disruption and reproductive toxicity. These particles, ubiquitous in food, water, and air, harbour endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and have demonstrated effects on hormonal regulation, gametogenesis, and fertility outcomes in both experimental and observational studies. This short communication highlights current knowledge on the association between microplastic exposure, endocrine disruption, and fertility issues, drawing on recent evidence.
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