Microplastics found in human testicles linked to drop in sperm count: Report

The study, conducted by researchers at the University of New Mexico in the United States, involved examining the testicles of 23 humans and 47 dogs. It was published on May 15 in the journal Toxicological Sciences.

Xiaozhong Yu, one of the study’s researchers and authors and a professor at the University of New Mexico, told the Guardian he was surprised by the findings. “Initially, I was skeptical whether microplastics could enter the reproductive system. When I first got the dogs’ results, I was amazed. I was even more surprised when I got the results for humans.”

Effect on sperm count

Human testicles were preserved, preventing measurement of sperm counts. However, according to the report, samples with high PVC contamination in dog testicles showed lower sperm counts.

The study thus indicated a “possible link” between microplastics and low sperm count, while noting that further research is needed to confirm this theory.

On the potential impact on sperm count, Professor Yu said, “PVC can release a lot of chemicals that interfere with spermatogenesis, and it contains chemicals that cause endocrine disruption.”

In particular, sperm count in men has been declining for decades, which is often attributed to chemical pollution, including pesticides. However, microplastics have recently been detected in human blood, placenta and breast milk, indicating widespread contamination. Although the health effects are not fully understood, laboratory studies have shown that microplastics can harm human cells.

Environmental effect

The study found that microplastics are ubiquitous, found from the top of Mount Everest to the depths of the ocean, and people ingest and breathe these particles every day. These microplastics can enter the tissues and cause inflammation or the chemicals present in the plastic can damage them. In March, doctors also linked microplastics in blood vessels to a higher risk of stroke, heart attack and premature death, the report said.

The research, titled ‘Presence of microplastics in dog and human testes and its possible relationship with sperm count and weight of testis and epididymis Get access arrow’, involved the study of disintegrated tissue samples to analyze the remaining plastic.

What the study found

• Human testicles contain plastic concentrations nearly three times greater than those found in dog testicles: 330 micrograms per gram of tissue versus 123 micrograms.
• Polyethylene, used in plastic bags and bottles, was the most common microplastic found, followed by PVC.
• The researchers noted that the widespread presence of microplastics and nanoplastics raises concerns about their impact on human reproductive health. He said PVC releases chemicals that disrupt spermatogenesis and cause endocrine disruption.
• However, he said, limited research exists on microplastics within the human reproductive system and their effects on sperm quality.

These samples were from the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator, which routinely collects human testes, which were analyzed after a seven-year storage period.

Notably, a smaller 2023 study in China also detected microplastics in six human testicles and 30 semen samples. Recent mouse studies have shown that microplastics can reduce sperm count and cause abnormalities and hormonal disruption.

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Published: May 21, 2024, 09:07 am IST