The reproductive and transgenerational toxicity of microplastics and nanoplastics: A threat to mammalian fertility in both sexes

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are extensively distributed in the environment. However, a comprehensive review and in‐depth discussion on the effects of MPs and NPs to reproductive capacity and transgenerational toxicity on mammals, especially on humans, is lacked. It is suggested that microplastics and nanoplastics could accumulate in mammalian reproductive organs and exert toxic effects on the reproductive system for both sexes. For males, the damage of microplastics consists of abnormal testicular and sperm structure, decreased sperm vitality, and endocrine disruption, which were caused by oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis of testicular cells, autophagy, abnormal cytoskeleton, and abnormal hypothalamic‐pituitary‐testicular axis. For females, the damage of microplastics includes abnormal ovary and uterus structure and endocrine disruption, which were caused by oxidative stress, inflammation, granulosa cell apoptosis, hypothalamic‐pituitary‐ovary axis abnormalities, and tissue fibrosis. For transgenerational toxicity, premature mortality existed in the rodent offspring after maternal exposure to microplastics. Among the surviving offspring, metabolic disorders, reproductive dysfunction, immune, neurodevelopmental, and cognitive disorders were detected, and these events directly correlated with transgenerational translocation of MPs and NPs. Studies on human‐derived cells or organoids demonstrated that transgenerational toxicity studies for both sexes are yet in the phase of exploring suitable experimental models, and more detailed research on the threat of MPs and NPs to human fertility is still urgently needed. Further studies will help assess the MPs and NPs threat to public fertility and reproductive health risks.

Disposables used cumulatively in routine IVF procedures could display toxicity

“…The existing literature suggests a potential decline in fertility associated with environmental exposure to microparticles and nanoparticles derived from these polymers. They may accumulate in mammalian reproductive organs, exerting toxic effects on the reproductive systems of both genders, potentially leading to transgenerational impacts ( Afreen et al , 2023 ; He and Yin, 2024 ). However, there is a noticeable gap in research concerning the direct toxicity of these polymers on gametes and embryos.…”

Health effects of microplastics and nanoplastics: review of published case reports

“…This damage results from oxidative stress, inflammation, cell death in the testes, abnormal cell processes, and hormonal axis disruption. In females, MNPs cause abnormalities in ovarian and uterine structure, disrupt hormonal balance, induce cell death in granulosa cells, disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis, and lead to tissue fibrosis [ 26 ].…”

Microplastics and environmental effects: investigating the effects of microplastics on aquatic habitats and their impact on human health

“…The adverse effects of EDCs include oxidative stress-induced tissue damage leading to apoptosis, developmental abnormalities, impaired gamete quality, metabolic disorders, neurotoxicity, and epigenetic changes due to in-utero exposure ( 185 – 189 , 253 ). Research has indicated that exposure to MPs can lead to abnormalities in the structure of testicular and sperm cells, reduced sperm viability, and disruption of the endocrine system in male individuals ( 190 ). The harm inflicted by MPs on the male reproductive system may result in reproductive dysfunction and reduced fertility ( 191 ).…”