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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Prevalence and implications of microplastic contaminants in general human seminal fluid: A Raman spectroscopic study
ClearThe 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.
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.
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.
Associations between microplastics and sperm motility parameters in boar semen
Researchers analyzed microplastic particles in boar semen samples using FTIR spectroscopy, identified nine polymer types across a range of particle sizes, and found associations between specific microplastic characteristics and sperm motility parameters, suggesting microplastic contamination in semen may impair reproductive function.
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.
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.
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.
Impact of polystyrene microplastic exposure at low doses on male fertility: an experimental study in rats
Researchers exposed adult male rats to varying doses of polystyrene microplastics and found dose-dependent declines in semen quality along with disrupted reproductive hormone levels. Higher doses caused increased oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, and inflammatory responses in testicular tissue. The study suggests that even relatively low doses of microplastic exposure may have adverse effects on male reproductive health in animal models.
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.
Microplastic Contaminationof Human Sperm before InVitro Fertilization Warrants Attention for Early Life Exposure Risks
Researchers investigated whether medical plasticware used in IVF procedures contaminates human sperm with microplastics, raising concerns about direct reproductive cell exposure to microplastics released during sperm extraction and handling.
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 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.
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.
Atlas and source of the microplastics of male reproductive system in human and mice
Researchers mapped microplastic contamination throughout the male reproductive system in both humans and mice, finding plastics in the testes, epididymis, seminal vesicles, and prostate. The study suggests that microplastics found in semen likely originate from these reproductive organs rather than from external contamination. A lifestyle questionnaire revealed that living in urban areas, eating home-cooked meals, and using scrub cleansers were significant sources of microplastic exposure in men.
Different types of nanoplastics exert varying degrees of toxicity on human sperm at semen-related concentrations
Researchers detected multiple types of nanoplastics in human semen using pyrolysis gas chromatography and then tested their effects on sperm function at the concentrations actually found. Polyethylene showed the highest toxicity, significantly reducing sperm viability, motility, and mitochondrial function, while polypropylene had no observable effects at semen-related concentrations. The findings indicate that different nanoplastic types pose varying levels of risk to male reproductive health.
The presence of microplastics in human semen and the protective role of nicotinamide mononucleotide against polystyrene nanoplastics-induced reproductive and early embryonic toxicity
Researchers detected microplastics, including polystyrene, in human semen samples using laser direct infrared spectroscopy, confirming that these particles reach the male reproductive tract. In laboratory and mouse experiments, polystyrene nanoplastics impaired sperm motility, increased oxidative stress, and disrupted early embryonic development in a dose-dependent manner. The study found that nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) effectively reversed many of these harmful effects by restoring antioxidant capacity, suggesting a potential protective intervention.
Dose-Dependent Effect of Polystyrene Microplastics on the Testicular Tissues of the Male Sprague Dawley Rats
Male rats exposed to increasing doses of polystyrene microplastics showed dose-dependent testicular damage including disrupted spermatogenesis and altered hormone levels, suggesting potential reproductive toxicity from microplastic accumulation.
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.
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.
171 Microplastics are present in bull epididymal sperm and polystyrene bead affects bovine sperm inducing oxidative stress on embryos
Microplastics were detected in bull epididymal sperm, and exposure of sperm to polystyrene beads induced oxidative stress that carried over into the resulting embryos. This conference abstract reports early evidence that plastic contamination of reproductive fluids may impair embryo quality, a finding relevant to understanding the potential fertility effects of widespread microplastic exposure in mammals including humans.
Polystyrene Microplastics Disrupt Spermatogenesis through Oxidative Stress in Rat Testicular Tissue
Male Wistar rats orally administered polystyrene microplastics showed excessive oxidative stress in testicular tissue across all exposure groups, with spermatogenesis impairment and reduced fertility correlating with dose, demonstrating reproductive toxicity in a mammalian model.
Polystyrene microplastics induced male reproductive toxicity in mice
Researchers exposed male mice to polystyrene microplastics of different sizes and found that the particles accumulated in testicular tissue and entered reproductive cells. After 28 days of exposure, sperm quality and testosterone levels declined, and tissue examination revealed disorganized sperm-producing cells and inflammation. The study suggests that microplastic exposure may pose risks to male reproductive health in mammals.
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.
Impact of Ps-mps on the Functioning of Epididymis and Seminal Vesicle in Wistar Albino Rats
Researchers administered polystyrene microplastics to male Wistar rats at two dose levels and examined histological and functional changes in the epididymis and seminal vesicle. Microplastic exposure caused structural damage to both organs and disrupted secretory function, indicating that reproductive accessory glands are vulnerable to microplastic toxicity.