Papers

61,005 results
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Article Tier 2

Micro- and Nano-plastics may affect the central regulation of reproduction: insights from in vitro and in vivo studies on GnRH neurons.

This review examined evidence that micro- and nanoplastics can interfere with the central regulation of reproduction by disrupting hormonal signaling in the brain and endocrine glands. Animal studies show that plastic particle exposure can alter reproductive hormone levels and fertility outcomes.

2024 Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Article Tier 2

PLASTAMINATION: Outcomes on the Central Nervous System and Reproduction.

This review assessed evidence for neurotoxic and reproductive effects of both biodegradable and conventional micro- and nanoplastics, finding that plastic particles and their chemical additives can cross the blood-brain barrier and disrupt hormone systems, with concerning implications for nervous system and reproductive health.

2024 Current neuropharmacology
Article Tier 2

Nanoplastics Impair GnRH Neuron Migration and Neuroendocrine Function: Emerging Players in the Pathogenesis of Reproductive Disorders

Researchers found that polystyrene nanoplastics can enter reproductive hormone-producing neurons and disrupt their function, impairing both hormone secretion and cell migration in laboratory models. The study also identified genetic variants in nanoplastic-affected genes in patients with reproductive hormone deficiency, suggesting that nanoplastics may act as endocrine disruptors contributing to reproductive disorders.

2026 Small
Review Tier 2

Effects of micro(nano)plastics on the reproductive system: A review

This review summarizes research on how micro and nanoplastics affect the reproductive system in both animal studies and cell experiments. Evidence indicates these particles can cross biological barriers, accumulate in reproductive organs, and disrupt hormones, egg development, and sperm quality. While human studies are still limited, the animal data suggests microplastic exposure may be a meaningful concern for reproductive health.

2023 Chemosphere 42 citations
Article Tier 2

Threats of nano/microplastics to reproduction and offspring: Potential mechanisms and perspectives

This review summarized the evidence on how nano- and microplastics threaten reproduction and offspring health across multiple species, including fish, invertebrates, and mammals. The authors outlined potential mechanisms by which these plastic particles disrupt endocrine function, gonadal development, and embryonic development.

2024 Journal of Toxicological Studies 1 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2024 Toxicology 16 citations
Review Tier 2

"Unseen Dangers: The Effects of Micro- and Nanoplastics on Human Reproductive Health - A Narrative Review"

This review examines the effects of micro- and nanoplastics on human reproductive health, covering evidence from in vitro, animal, and epidemiological studies showing that plastic particles can disrupt hormone signaling, sperm function, ovarian development, and placental integrity.

2025 Recent Advances in Inflammation & Allergy Drug Discovery
Systematic Review Tier 1

The emerging risk of microplastics and nanoplastics on the microstructure and function of reproductive organs in mammals: A systematic review of preclinical evidence

Preclinical evidence from 12 studies shows micro- and nanoplastics accumulate in mammalian gonads, causing dose-dependent damage including seminiferous degeneration, sperm malformation, reduced follicular growth, and impaired hormone levels through pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory mechanisms.

2022 Life Sciences 94 citations
Article Tier 2

Micro- and Nanoplastics as Disruptors of the Endocrine System—A Review of the Threats and Consequences Associated with Plastic Exposure

This review summarizes how micro- and nanoplastics carry endocrine-disrupting chemicals that interfere with hormones controlling reproduction, thyroid function, metabolism, and brain development. The reproductive system is especially vulnerable, with studies showing that plastic particle exposure can cause oxidative stress, cell death, and infertility, raising serious concerns given how widespread these particles are in food and the environment.

2025 International Journal of Molecular Sciences 18 citations
Article Tier 2

Nano and microplastics: unveiling their profound impact on endocrine health

This review summarizes existing research showing that micro- and nanoplastics can disrupt the endocrine (hormone) system, altering reproductive hormones, thyroid function, and gene expression in lab and animal studies. Exposure to these particles triggered inflammation markers and oxidative stress in hormone-producing organs, suggesting that widespread plastic pollution may be contributing to rising rates of hormonal and reproductive health problems.

2025 Toxicology Mechanisms and Methods 18 citations
Article Tier 2

Current insights into the impact of plastic-derived pollutants (phthalates), microplastics, and nanoplastics on hypothalamic phenotype and molecular pathways: A scoping review

This scoping review integrates evidence on how phthalates, microplastics, and nanoplastics alter hypothalamic function and neuroendocrine pathways, finding that plastic-derived pollutants disrupt metabolic regulation through hypothalamic alterations with potential systemic consequences for energy balance and reproductive function.

2025 Environmental Pollution
Article Tier 2

Effects of Microplastics on the Central Reproductive Neuroendocrine System in a Sheep Model

Scientists gave sheep tiny plastic particles (microplastics) and found they disrupted the brain signals that control reproduction by lowering key hormones needed for fertility. Since humans are constantly exposed to microplastics from food packaging, water bottles, and other sources, this study suggests these particles might be interfering with our reproductive health too. This research helps explain why fertility rates have been declining and highlights the need to reduce plastic pollution in our environment.

2026 International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Article Tier 2

The Impact of Microplastics and Nanoplastics on Human Health: A Follow-Up Study Focusing on Endocrine, Nervous, and Immune Systems

This review examines evidence for microplastic and nanoplastic impacts on the endocrine, nervous, and immune systems, documenting how particles detected in human organs can disrupt hormone signaling, induce neuroinflammation, and alter immune function.

2025 International conference KNOWLEDGE-BASED ORGANIZATION
Article Tier 2

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.

2023 Food and Chemical Toxicology 38 citations
Clinical Trial Tier 1

A review of the impact of micro‐ and nanoplastics on female reproduction: What we know and gaps in knowledge

This review examines what is known about how micro- and nanoplastics affect female reproductive health. Animal studies show these particles accumulate in ovarian tissue, disrupt hormones, and cause oxidative stress, leading to hormonal imbalances and ovarian damage, though research in humans is still limited.

2025 International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics
Article Tier 2

Toxicological effects of micro/nano-plastics on human reproductive health: A review

This review summarizes research on how micro- and nanoplastics affect human reproductive health in both men and women. Evidence from animal and lab studies shows that these particles can accumulate in reproductive organs, disrupt hormones, damage eggs and sperm, and cause inflammation and oxidative stress. While human studies are still limited, the growing body of evidence suggests that microplastic exposure is a potential threat to fertility that warrants further investigation.

2025 Toxicology Letters 7 citations
Article Tier 2

Research Progress in Reproductive Toxicity of Micro- and Nanoplastics on Males and Its Mechanisms

This review summarized research on the reproductive toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in males, finding that MNPs accumulate in reproductive organs and cause toxicity through oxidative stress, hormonal disruption, and DNA damage, with implications for both animal and human reproductive health.

2025 Hans Journal of Food and Nutrition Science
Article Tier 2

Adverse effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on the reproductive system: A comprehensive review of fertility and potential harmful interactions

This review summarizes how microplastics and nanoplastics can harm both male and female reproductive systems by disrupting hormone signaling, damaging sperm and egg cells, and causing inflammation in reproductive tissues. Smaller nanoplastics are especially concerning because they can cross biological barriers more easily and reach the testes and ovaries. With global infertility rates rising, the authors highlight environmental plastic exposure as a factor that deserves more research attention.

2023 The Science of The Total Environment 99 citations
Clinical Trial Tier 1

Reproductive toxicity and related mechanisms of micro(nano)plastics in terrestrial mammals: Review of current evidence.

This review of terrestrial mammal studies found that micro- and nanoplastics induce reproductive toxicity through oxidative stress, inflammation, endocrine disruption, and DNA damage, affecting both male and female fertility. In males, effects include blood-testis barrier disruption and impaired spermatogenesis, while females show compromised oocyte maturation, ovarian fibrosis, and diminished ovarian reserve, with particles also capable of crossing the maternal-fetal interface.

2024 Ecotoxicology and environmental safety
Article Tier 2

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.

2024 Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology 38 citations
Article Tier 2

Microplastics and endocrine disruption: Emerging risks for human fertility

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.

2025 Journal of Biomedical Sciences
Article Tier 2

Reproductive toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics

This review summarizes existing research on how micro- and nanoplastics harm reproduction across many species, from marine invertebrates to mammals. The particles can cause oxidative stress and hormone disruption, leading to reduced fertility, abnormal embryo development, and toxic effects that pass to offspring. The findings raise concerns that human reproductive health could be similarly affected given our increasing exposure to these particles.

2023 Environment International 101 citations
Article Tier 2

The emerging risk of exposure to nano(micro)plastics on endocrine disturbance and reproductive toxicity: From a hypothetical scenario to a global public health challenge

Researchers administered polystyrene nanoplastics orally to male rats for five weeks and found significant reductions in testosterone, LH, and FSH levels, sperm DNA damage, altered testicular gene expression, and dose-dependent histological lesions, indicating that nanoplastic exposure disrupts the hormonal axis governing male reproductive function.

2020 Environmental Pollution 297 citations
Article Tier 2

Impacts of Environmental Concentrations of Nanoplastics on Zebrafish Neurobehavior and Reproductive Toxicity

Researchers exposed zebrafish to environmentally realistic levels of polystyrene nanoplastics and found they caused both brain and reproductive damage. The nanoplastics disrupted neurotransmitter signaling and impaired the hormonal pathway connecting the brain to reproductive organs, with different effects in males and females. These findings suggest that even low-level nanoplastic exposure could affect both brain function and fertility in aquatic life that humans may consume.

2024 Toxics 16 citations