Papers

Reproductive and developmental implications of micro- and nanoplastic internalization: Recent advances and perspectives

This systematic review documented the detection of micro- and nanoplastics in human semen, placenta, and ovarian follicular fluid, and found evidence linking exposure to impaired sperm quality, disrupted ovarian function, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. In animal models, MNPs caused developmental toxicity and transgenerational effects, with oxidative stress, inflammation, and epigenetic modification identified as key mechanisms.

Association of mixed exposure to microplastics with sperm dysfunction: a multi-site study in China

In a study of 113 men across three regions in China, microplastics were detected in all semen and urine samples tested, with eight different plastic types identified. The presence of certain microplastics, particularly PTFE (Teflon), was associated with reduced sperm quality, suggesting that microplastic exposure may pose risks to male fertility.

Prevalence and implications of microplastic contaminants in general human seminal fluid: A Raman spectroscopic study

Microplastics were detected in all 40 semen samples from men in the general population with no occupational plastic exposure, with an average of 2 particles per sample and polystyrene being the most common type. Sperm exposed to different plastic types showed varying motility, suggesting that the kind of microplastic present may matter for male fertility.

Cross-platform detection of microplastics in human biological tissues: Comparing spectroscopic and chromatographic approaches

Scientists compared two different analytical methods for detecting microplastics in human urine and uterine tissue samples from pregnant women and found that using both methods together reveals a more complete picture than either alone. The study detected multiple types of plastic particles in biological samples, confirming that microplastics accumulate in human reproductive tissues.

Positively Charged Nanoplastics Destruct the Structure of the PCK1 Enzyme, Promote the Aerobic Gycolysis Pathway, and Induce Hepatic Tumor Risks

Positively charged nanoplastics promoted liver tumor growth in zebrafish and human cancer cells, while negatively charged nanoplastics did not. The positive charge disrupts a key enzyme (PCK1) involved in sugar metabolism, pushing cells toward the energy pathway preferred by cancer cells. This finding suggests that the surface chemistry of nanoplastics in the environment may influence their cancer-promoting potential.

Raman-guided exploration of placental microplastic exposure: Unraveling the polymeric tapestry and assessing developmental implications

Scientists examined placentas from 50 women after delivery and found microplastics in 62% of them, with seven different plastic types identified including Teflon (PTFE), polystyrene, and ABS. While the particles did not appear to affect birth weight, length, or gestational age in this study, their widespread presence in placental tissue confirms that plastic pollution reaches developing babies before birth. More research is needed to understand potential long-term effects.

Association between microplastics in human amniotic fluid and pregnancy outcomes: Detection and characterization using Raman spectroscopy and pyrolysis GC/MS

Using two different detection methods, researchers confirmed the presence of microplastics in the amniotic fluid of pregnant women, finding six types of plastic particles including Teflon, polystyrene, and ABS. While no immediate link to pregnancy complications was found in this study, the confirmed presence of plastics in the fluid surrounding developing babies highlights the need for larger long-term studies.

Corrigendum to “Raman-guided exploration of placental microplastic exposure: Unraveling the polymeric tapestry and assessing developmental implications” [J Hazard Mater 477 (2024) 135271]

Bioimaging approaches for mapping micro/nanoplastic distribution in living systems: Advancing One-Health risk assessment

Overlooked Microplastic Contamination to Challenge the Conventional Clinical Treatment of In Vitro Fertilization

Oxidative damage contributes to bisphenol S-induced development block at 2-cell stage preimplantation embryos in mice through inhibiting of embryonic genome activation

Researchers found that bisphenol S (BPS), a chemical used as a substitute for the now-restricted BPS in plastics and receipts, blocks early mouse embryo development by triggering an increase in reactive oxygen species (damaging molecules) that prevents the embryo's own genome from activating properly. The findings raise new concerns about BPS as a safe replacement for BPA, given its ability to disrupt embryonic development at a critical early stage.