How do microplastics affect sperm production and male reproductive health?
Microplastics (MPs) have been shown to significantly impair sperm production and male reproductive health through various mechanisms. Studies indicate that MPs can accumulate in reproductive organs, leading to oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis of testicular cells, which in turn cause abnormal testicular and sperm structure, decreased sperm vitality, and endocrine disruption. Long-term exposure to environmentally relevant doses of polystyrene MPs has been found to decrease testicle relative weight and sperm quality, including reduced sperm number and altered sperm phenotype, thereby affecting reproductive performance in male mice. MPs can also disrupt lipid metabolism in offspring, indicating transgenerational effects. Additionally, MPs have been detected in human tissues, including blood and placenta, and can interfere with important biological processes, potentially leading to endocrine disruption and reproductive issues. Chronic exposure to MPs has been shown to result in alterations in testicular morphology, reduced testosterone, LH, and FSH levels, and increased sperm abnormalities in mice, with the underlying mechanism involving the downregulation of the LH-mediated LHR/cAMP/PKA/StAR pathway. Furthermore, MPs can cause mitochondrial damage in testicular tissue, leading to decreased ATP content and impaired sperm quality, although some recovery is possible after cessation of exposure. The presence of MPs in follicular fluid has also been linked to compromised oocyte maturation, suggesting a broader impact on reproductive health. Overall, the evidence underscores the potential public health risks posed by MPs, necessitating further research and urgent action to mitigate their impact on male reproductive health.
Suggested readings:
About Author
