Dr. Xiaozhong "John" Yu's team of researchers at the University of New Mexico discovered microplastic in each and every testicle they looked at in both humans and dogs.
Every human testicle that was analyzed contained microplastics, according to a recent study that was published in the journal Toxicological Sciences. Concerns regarding the possible effects of plastic pollution on male fertility are mounting in light of this troubling discovery.
Microplastics enter our bodies through drinking, eating, and breathing. For example, microplastics from car tyres can become airborne and inhaled.
In the case of testicles, the research shared that microplastics travel through the body via the bloodstream. Some particles are extremely small, allowing them to diffuse into various tissues supplied by blood. The study hypothesises that these microplastics could be present in ovaries as well.
The UNM College of Nursing professor Xiaozhong "John" Yu, MD, PhD, MPH, and his study team discovered 12 different forms of microplastics in the testes of 23 humans and 47 dogs.
The human testicles had nearly three times the plastic concentration of the dog testicles: 330 micrograms per gram of tissue compared to 123 micrograms.
"Our study revealed the presence of microplastics in all human and canine testes," Yu said.
The most common type of plastic found was polyethylene, which is commonly used in plastic bags and bottles. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) was also identified.
"At the beginning, I doubted whether microplastics could penetrate the reproductive system," Yu stated. "I was shocked to learn the dog findings when I first got them. When I saw the human outcomes, I was even more taken aback."
This study adds to the increasing amount of data indicating that microplastics are ubiquitous in our surroundings and can enter even the most delicate parts of the human body. The precise consequences of microplastics on male fertility require more research, but this finding raises serious public health concerns.
A smaller 2023 study in China also found microplastics in six human testicles and 30 semen samples. Recent mouse studies have reported that microplastics reduce sperm count and cause abnormalities.
These findings highlight the urgent need for further research to understand the impact of microplastics on human health, particularly reproductive health.
(Input from various media sources)
(Rehash/Arpit Sharma/SB)
