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Papers
11 resultsShowing papers from Peking University Third Hospital
ClearPolylactic Acid Micro/Nanoplastic Exposure Induces Male Reproductive Toxicity by Disrupting Spermatogenesis and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Mice
Even so-called "eco-friendly" biodegradable plastic (polylactic acid, or PLA) was found to cause reproductive harm in male mice. After breaking down in the digestive system, tiny PLA nanoparticles crossed into the testes and damaged sperm quality, mitochondria (the energy producers in cells), and hormone levels. This challenges the assumption that biodegradable plastics are safe and highlights potential risks to male fertility.
Features, Potential Invasion Pathways, and Reproductive Health Risks of Microplastics Detected in Human Uterus
Researchers found microplastics in the uterine lining of 22 women, identifying common plastics like polyamide, polyurethane, and PET in sizes ranging from 2 to 200 micrometers. In mouse experiments, microplastic exposure led to reduced fertility, abnormal offspring sex ratios, and significant uterine inflammation. These findings raise serious concerns about the potential impact of microplastic contamination on female reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes.
Identification and analysis of microplastics in para-tumor and tumor of human prostate
Researchers detected microplastics in both tumor and surrounding tissue from 22 prostate cancer patients, with polystyrene found exclusively in tumor tissue. Larger microplastic particles were more common in tumors, and higher microplastic levels correlated with more advanced cancer stages, suggesting a potential link between microplastic accumulation and prostate cancer progression.
Detection and characterization of microplastics in the human testis and semen
Researchers detected microplastics in both human testis tissue and semen samples for the first time, finding an average of about 12 particles per gram in testis and different plastic types in semen. Polystyrene dominated in testis while polyethylene and PVC were most common in semen, providing critical evidence that microplastics can pollute the male reproductive system and raising concerns about potential fertility impacts.
Understanding the impact of nanoplastics on reproductive health: Exposure pathways, mechanisms, and implications
This review summarizes existing research on how nanoplastics (tiny plastic particles smaller than one micrometer) affect reproductive health in animals and potentially humans. Studies show that nanoplastics can accumulate in reproductive organs including the placenta, and evidence from animal studies links exposure to hormone disruption, reduced fertility, and developmental problems. The authors highlight a significant knowledge gap about nanoplastic effects on human reproduction, despite growing evidence that these particles reach our reproductive systems.
Polystyrene/polylactic acid microplastics impair transzonal projections and oocyte maturation via gut microbiota-mediated lipoprotein lipase inhibition
Researchers found that both conventional polystyrene and biodegradable polylactic acid microplastics impaired egg development and fertility in female mice by disrupting the connections between egg cells and their surrounding support cells. The microplastics altered gut bacteria, which led to metabolic changes that reduced a key enzyme needed for healthy ovarian function. The study suggests that microplastic exposure could affect reproductive health through the gut-ovary connection, and that biodegradable plastics are not necessarily safer.
ARID5B‐mediated LINC01128 epigenetically activated pyroptosis and apoptosis by promoting the formation of the BTF3/STAT3 complex in β2GPI/anti‐β2GPI‐treated monocytes
Researchers identified how a protein called ARID5B activates a genetic pathway that triggers cell death through pyroptosis and apoptosis in monocytes associated with antiphospholipid syndrome. They found that ARID5B drives expression of a long non-coding RNA that promotes inflammatory cell death via a specific protein complex. The study suggests that targeting this pathway could offer a potential therapeutic approach for managing this autoimmune condition.
Multidisciplinary recommendations for the management of CAR-T recipients in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era
This review provides multidisciplinary guidelines for managing patients who received CAR-T cell therapy during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers note that these patients face heightened infection risks due to their suppressed immune systems and require careful monitoring and vaccination strategies. The study offers practical recommendations for clinicians balancing cancer treatment decisions with ongoing infectious disease threats.
Microplastics and nanoplastics in follicular fluid are associated with diminished ovarian reserve: clinical and molecular insights
Researchers found that microplastics and nanoplastics present in follicular fluid are associated with diminished ovarian reserve in women. The study provides evidence suggesting that exposure to these particles may harm female ovarian function. The findings point to the environment-gut-ovarian axis as a potential pathway through which micro- and nanoplastic exposure could contribute to reproductive health concerns.
A retrospective cohort study of geographic differences in the semen of 1,012 sperm donors in China
Researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study of over 1,000 sperm donors across China, hypothesizing that regional differences in sperm quality are driven by environmental pollution and mental stress associated with population density and urbanization.
<i>In Situ</i> Low-Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Reveals Dynamic Adsorption of Paramagnetic Heavy Metals on Microplastics
Researchers developed a low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) technique enabling real-time, nondestructive monitoring of heavy metal adsorption onto microplastics in situ, demonstrating its use in tracking Cu(II) and Cr(III) adsorption onto PVC and polystyrene microplastics under varying water chemistry conditions.