Research progress on the damage and related mechanisms to the reproductive system caused by microplastics
10.3760/cma.j.cn101441-20240521-00186
- VernacularTitle:微塑料对生殖系统的损害及相关机制研究进展
- Author:
Qiang CHENG
1
;
Xianxian YU
1
;
Houwei LIN
1
Author Information
1. 上海交通大学医学院附属新华医院小儿泌尿外科，上海 200092
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Microplastics;
Reproductive system;
Toxic effects;
Oxidative stress
- From:
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception
2024;44(12):1313-1319
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Microplastics are hydrophobic solids or polymer matrices with a diameter less than 5 mm, which mainly originate from the degradation of daily plastic products. Based on their formation process, microplastics can be classified into primary microplastics and secondary microplastics. Microplastics are widely present in the environment, able to deposit in situ within various tissues of organisms and enter the blood circulation system to be transported to other organs of the body. Current research has found a certain correlation between microplastics and reproductive organ dysfunction, leading to the destruction of follicular structure, apoptosis of granulosa cells, and a reduction in the number of follicles, a decrease in the number of spermatogenic cell layers, disordered arrangement, and developmental malformations of sperm. This review summarized the structural and functional damage to the reproductive systems caused by microplastics and the possible mechanisms underlying such damage.
