A recent study conducted by Qiancheng Zhao at Peking University Third Hospital has shed light on Microplastics found in human testis and semen. The study aimed to investigate the extent of microplastic contamination and its potential implications for reproductive health.

For the study, researchers collected 30 semen samples and six testis samples from patients at the hospital. The samples were then subjected to rigorous analysis using pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) and laser direct infrared spectroscopy (LD-IR).

microplastics in human
Source: TweakTown

The study's findings revealed the presence of microplastics in semen and testis tissue samples. On average, the semen samples contained 0.23 micro-sized particles per milliliter, while the testis tissue samples contained 11.6 particles per gram. Using LD-IR, microplastics were detected in 11 semen and four testis samples. The microplastics identified in the samples exhibited a broad scale of shapes and sizes, ranging from 21.76 µm to 286.71 µm. The polymer types found included polystyrene (PS) in the testis samples, accounting for 68% of the microplastics, and polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in the semen samples.

The findings have raised concerns about the potential impact of microplastics on male reproductive health. It is hypothesized that microplastic exposure may be linked to declining sperm counts and quality. But, Due to the study's small sample size, further research is needed to understand better the mechanisms of toxicity and the long-term effects of microplastic exposure on reproductive health.

microplastics in human
Source: TweakTown

In a related study, Eleanor A. Medley conducted a systematic review to examine the current scientific knowledge on the translocation of micro- and nanoplastics across the placental barrier and their potential toxicity on the developing fetus.

The review analyzed 752 studies and identified 11 primary research articles that met the eligibility criteria. These studies included in vivo animal experiments, in vitro human cell assays, ex vivo human placental perfusion models, and one human observational study. The review's findings indicated that in nine of the eleven studies, microplastics could cross the placental barrier and accumulate in the fetal tissues. This suggests that exposure to microplastics during pregnancy could impact the developing fetus.

The recent research was supported by the Dutch National Organisation for Health Research and Development and Common Seas, a social enterprise dedicated to reducing plastic pollution. Jo Royle, the founder of Common Seas, emphasized that plastic production is projected to be doubled by 2040, which raises concerns about its impact on our bodies. Common Seas, along with over 80 NGOs, scientists, and MPs, is urging the UK government to allocate £15m for research on the human health effects of plastic.

The European Union is funding research on the impact of microplastics on fetuses, babies, and the immune system. Recent findings have shown that microplastics can attach to the outside membranes of red blood cells, potentially hindering their ability to transport oxygen. Additionally, these particles have been discovered in the placentas of pregnant women. In pregnant rats, microplastics can rapidly pass by the lungs and reach the fetuses' hearts, brains, and other organs.

A newly published review paper, co-authored by Vethaak, examined the risk of cancer and concluded that more detailed research is urgently needed to understand how microplastics and nanoplastics impact the structures and functions of the human body. This research should also investigate whether and how these particles can transform cells and induce carcinogenesis. Given the exponential increase in plastic production, this problem is becoming increasingly urgent each day.

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