Summary
Growing concern over microplastic (MP) exposure has prompted questions about their impact on male reproductive health, and this study provides the first direct evidence that MPs can accumulate in the human male reproductive system. Using two sensitive detection methods—pyrolysis GC/MS and laser direct infrared spectroscopy—the researchers analyzed semen samples from 30 men and testicular tissue from 6 individuals. MPs were found in every type of sample, averaging 0.23 particles/mL in semen and a much higher 11.60 particles/g in testis, with considerable variation among individuals. The types of plastics differed by tissue: polystyrene (PS) dominated testicular samples (67.7%), whereas polyethylene (PE) and PVC were most common in semen. Fragments were the primary particle shape in testis, while semen contained fragments, fibers, and films. Most particles in both tissues measured 20–100 μm, a size range known to interact biologically with human cells. By demonstrating distinct patterns of MP contamination in semen and testis, this study delivers crucial early evidence that microplastics infiltrate male reproductive organs, underscoring an urgent need to assess potential effects on fertility and broader health.
PMID: 36948312
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162713
Abstract
The health risk of microplastics (MPs) is a growing global concern. Evidence of reproductive health damage caused by the accumulation of MPs in males is still lacking. In the present study, 6 testis and 30 semen samples were collected, and MPs were detected using both pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) and laser direct infrared spectroscopy (LD-IR). The results showed that MPs were detected in both testis and semen, with an average abundance of 0.23 ± 0.45 particles/mL in semen and 11.60 ± 15.52 particles/g in testis. Microplastics in the testis were composed of polystyrene (PS) with 67.7 %, while polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) were the predominant polymers in semen. Compared to fragments, fiber, and film detected in semen, the fragment was the main shape the in testis. The sizes of these microplastics ranged from 21.76 μm to 286.71 μm, and most (67 % and 80.6 %) were 20–100 μm in semen and testis. In summary, this study revealed for the first time that MPs pollute the human male reproductive system and that various MP characteristics appear in different regions, which provides critical information and basic data for the risk assessment of MPs to human health.
Zhao Q, Zhu L, Weng J, Jin Z, Cao Y, Jiang H, Zhang Z. Detection and characterization of microplastics in the human testis and semen. Sci Total Environ. 2023 Jun 15;877:162713. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162713. Epub 2023 Mar 21. PMID: 36948312.