Not just brainliver And kidneysalso thehuman reproductive apparatus shows traces of microplastics. A team of researchers from the Spanish clinic Next Fertility Murcia, specialized in fertility and assisted reproduction, has analyzed biological samples of 29 women and 22 mennoting the presence of plastic fragments in 69% of female reproductive fluids and in 55% of the male ones.
The study, published in the magazine Human Reproduction and presented at the 41st Congress of the European Reproduction Society and Human Embryology (Eshre) in Paris, lights the spotlight on possible risks related to reproductive health and fertility.
Previously it had already been shown that microplastics can settle in different human organs – he explains Emilio Gomez-alsocoordinator of the study. For this reason we were not completely surprised in finding them even in reproductive fluids, but the most relevant data is their spread so extensive. In animals, it has been observed that the accumulation of these particles can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA damage, early cell aging and hormonal imbalances. We cannot exclude that the same can also take place in humans, with negative effects on eggs and spermatozoa, even if at the moment there are no conclusive evidence.
The researchers examined two key fluids for reproduction: the follicular liquidessential for the development of the egg, and the seminal liquidwhich transports spermatozoa.
Both have been identified different types of plasticincluding:
But where do these microplastics come from?
The synthetic polyamide is commonly known as nylon, often used in fabrics, plastic and cars. Polyurethane is commonly used in coverings, foams and stickers for furniture, buildings, cars, footwear and more. Polyethylene and polypropylene are often found in packaging, construction and consumer goods, such as toys and kitchen utensils.
PTFE plastic is widely used in non -stick pots, while the PET is found in many food and drinks containers. Polyvinile chloride is often used in construction, packaging and medical industry, while Pla is mainly found in food packaging, medical systems and 3D printed objects.
In most champions, the researchers found only one or two particles, but they detected up to five in others and unfortunately, (the results) are not surprising, the scholars conclude.
