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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Microplastic Contaminationof Human Sperm before InVitro Fertilization Warrants Attention for Early Life Exposure Risks
ClearMicroplastic Contamination of Human Sperm before In Vitro Fertilization Warrants Attention for Early Life Exposure Risks
Researchers discovered that plastic labware used during in vitro fertilization procedures can release microplastic particles into sperm samples when tools scratch the surface of petri dishes. Each scratch could produce up to 13 microplastic particles, and most of these ended up mixed in with the sperm cells at estimated concentrations of 100 to 22,000 particles per milliliter. The findings raise important questions about early-life microplastic exposure for babies conceived through assisted reproduction.
Polyethylene and Polyvinyl Chloride Nanoplastics in Human Follicular Fluid and Seminal Plasma: Impact on Fertilization and Sperm Quality
Researchers detected polyethylene and PVC nanoplastics in both the follicular fluid and seminal plasma of 51 couples undergoing IVF treatment. Higher levels of PVC nanoplastics in seminal plasma were associated with lower sperm concentration and fewer high-quality embryos, while nanoplastics in follicular fluid showed no significant effect on fertilization rates. This is among the first studies to directly measure nanoplastics in human reproductive fluids and link them to reduced fertility outcomes.
Polyethylene andPolyvinyl Chloride Nanoplastics inHuman Follicular Fluid and Seminal Plasma: Impact on Fertilizationand Sperm Quality
Researchers used pyrolysis GC/MS to detect polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) nanoplastics in follicular fluid and seminal plasma from 51 IVF couples. Both polymers were present in both reproductive fluids, and while associations with fertilization outcomes were not statistically significant, the detection of nanoplastics in human reproductive fluids represents a novel concerning finding.
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.
The Presence of Microplastics in Human Semen and Their Associations with Semen Quality
Researchers found microplastics in 75% of human semen samples tested, with an average of 17 particles per gram, including 15 different plastic types. Notably, higher levels of polystyrene microplastics were associated with lower sperm concentration and reduced sperm motility. This is one of the first studies to directly link microplastic presence in human semen to poorer sperm quality, adding to growing concerns about plastics and 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.
Characterization of microplastics in human follicular fluid and assessment of their potential impact on mouse oocyte maturation in vitro
Scientists found microplastics in human follicular fluid, the liquid surrounding eggs in the ovaries, after analyzing samples from 19 women. When they tested how these particles affect egg development in mice, they found that certain types of microplastics reduced the ability of eggs to mature properly, raising concerns about potential effects on fertility.
Plastic pollution in human reproduction: should we worry?
Researchers reviewed evidence that micro- and nanoplastics can cross the placenta, enter amniotic fluid, and accumulate in reproductive tissues in both men and women. Animal and cell studies suggest these particles may reduce egg and sperm quality and harm fetal development, though most experiments use higher doses than people realistically encounter.
Microplastic presence in boar semen: potential risks for reproductive health
Researchers detected microplastic particles in boar semen samples, raising questions about the effects of microplastic contamination on sperm quality and reproductive health in both animals and potentially humans.
The Rising Threat: Nano and Microplastics Infiltration in Urinary and Reproductive Systems
A multicenter biomonitoring study from the EcoFoodFertility Project detected microplastics in human urine, semen, and follicular fluid samples, linking environmental microplastic contamination to the urinary and reproductive systems and raising concerns about fertility impacts.
Raman Microspectroscopy evidence of microplastics in human semen
Researchers found microplastic fragments in six out of ten human semen samples from men in a polluted region of southern Italy, identifying common plastics like polypropylene, polyethylene, and PET. The study proposes that microplastics enter semen through the reproductive tract after being ingested or inhaled, raising concerns about potential effects on male fertility.
Plastic tableware use, microplastic accumulation, and sperm quality: from epidemiological evidence to FOXA1/p38 mechanistic insights
Researchers analyzed 200 human semen samples and detected microplastics in over 55 percent of them, with polystyrene and PVC being the most common types. Frequent use of plastic tableware was significantly associated with higher microplastic accumulation in semen and reduced sperm quality. Animal experiments confirmed the mechanism, showing that polystyrene microplastics trigger a specific molecular pathway that leads to cell death in sperm-producing cells.
Microplastics May Be a Significant Cause of Male Infertility
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.
Impact of Polystyrene Microplastics on Human Sperm Functionality: An In Vitro Study of Cytotoxicity, Genotoxicity and Fertility-Related Genes Expression
Researchers exposed human sperm samples to polystyrene microplastics in the lab and observed decreased sperm vitality and motility in a time-dependent manner. The microplastics also caused DNA damage, increased harmful reactive oxygen species, and reduced the expression of genes essential for fertilization. The study suggests that microplastic exposure could impair male fertility through oxidative stress and interference with key reproductive functions.
First evidence of microplastics in human ovarian follicular fluid: an emerging threat to female fertility
In the first study of its kind, researchers detected microplastics in the ovarian follicular fluid of 14 out of 18 women undergoing fertility treatment, with an average of about 2,191 particles per milliliter. A significant correlation was found between microplastic concentration and FSH hormone levels, suggesting a possible link to reproductive function. This groundbreaking finding provides direct evidence that microplastics can reach human reproductive organs and may pose a threat to female fertility.
Male infertility and its link to microplastics: A sterile future
This review examines the link between microplastic exposure and male infertility, summarizing evidence that microplastics and their chemical additives disrupt reproductive hormones, sperm quality, and testicular function in animal models and human studies.
Microplastics are detected in bull epididymal sperm and polystyrene microparticles impair sperm fertilization
Researchers found microplastics in all bull sperm samples tested, and when they exposed bovine sperm to polystyrene particles at concentrations matching those found naturally, the sperm's ability to fertilize eggs dropped significantly. Embryos produced from the exposed sperm also showed increased cell death and oxidative damage. This is one of the first studies to demonstrate that microplastics at levels already present in reproductive tissues can directly impair fertility.
Microplastics are detected in bull and dog sperm and polystyrene microparticles impair sperm fertilization
This study found microplastic particles in the sperm of bulls and dogs for the first time, confirming that reproductive fluids are not shielded from plastic contamination. When bovine sperm was exposed to polystyrene microplastics at concentrations matching what was measured in the animals themselves, motility dropped and fertilization success declined, with resulting embryos showing higher levels of oxidative stress and cell death. These findings raise serious concerns about microplastics as a contributing factor to the global decline in male fertility across mammalian species, including humans.
Microplastics and human fertility: A comprehensive review of their presence in human samples and reproductive implication
This review examines the growing evidence linking microplastic and nanoplastic exposure to potential effects on human fertility. Researchers noted that these tiny plastic particles have been detected in blood, placenta, and seminal fluid, suggesting continuous systemic exposure and the ability to cross key biological barriers. Animal studies indicate that microplastics may affect reproductive health through oxidative stress, hormonal disruption, and tissue damage, though more standardized human research is needed.
Microplastics and Fertility
This paper reviews the growing body of evidence linking microplastic exposure to impaired human fertility, covering how microplastics and associated chemical additives can disrupt reproductive hormones and damage sperm and egg quality. It highlights the need for further research to establish dose-response relationships.
Polyethylene microplastic exposure adversely affects oocyte quality in human and mouse
Researchers found polyethylene microplastics (the most common plastic type) in the fluid surrounding eggs in 86% of women undergoing fertility treatment, and higher levels correlated with lower fertilization rates. Mouse experiments confirmed that polyethylene exposure reduced the number and quality of eggs while increasing inflammation, suggesting microplastics may be a contributing factor to fertility challenges.
Microplastics and impaired male reproductive health—exploring biological pathways of harm: a narrative review
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.
First evidence of microplastics in human ovarian follicular fluid: An emerging threat to female fertility
For the first time, researchers detected microplastic particles in the fluid surrounding eggs in human ovaries. Tiny plastic particles were found in 14 out of 18 women undergoing fertility treatment, and higher microplastic levels correlated with elevated follicle-stimulating hormone, a key reproductive hormone. While no direct link to fertility outcomes was confirmed in this small study, the findings raise concerns about microplastic exposure and female reproductive health.
Exposure to microplastics and human reproductive outcomes: A systematic review
This systematic review examined evidence linking microplastic exposure to reproductive health problems in humans. While early findings raise concerns, the review emphasizes that more high-quality studies are needed to clearly establish how microplastics affect fertility and reproduction.