Long-term microplastic exposure negatively affects male reproductive function
Feb 28, 2025
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According to the National Pukyong National University on the 28th, a research team led by Dr. Jeong Seung-jin and Park Soo-rye of the Department of Food and Nutrition, and Professor Ryu Bo-mi and Lee Seung-joon were published in the January issue of the global journal Advanced Science.
The research team consumed microplastics every week for 29 weeks in a mouse model in infancy, and comprehensively analyzed the microstructure of testicular and epididymal tissues, blood testosterone levels, sperm concentration and motility, and changes in ribonucleic acid (RNA) transcripts. As a result of the analysis, it was confirmed that sperm concentration and motility were generally reduced and sperm production and maturation were simultaneously inhibited. Transcriptome analysis identified molecular mechanisms by which continuous ingestion of microplastics inhibits male hormones and meiosis-related gene expression overall, revealing that long-term exposure to microplastics can directly affect reproductive function decline.
"This study is meaningful in scientifically identifying the potential risks of everyday plastic materials to the human body in the long term," the research team said. "We need to more precisely identify the effects of microplastics on reproductive health and reflect them in improving environmental and health policies."," he said.
Microplastics, which are solid plastic particles with a length or diameter of less than 5mm, are known to break away from plastic tools in daily life and enter the human body through food, water, and breathing, causing various health problems. Studies have shown that it can cause not only respiratory diseases, but also inflammatory reactions, organ damage, and reproductive toxicity. Studies have shown that microplastics reduce sperm count and cause hormonal disorders.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
