Detection and characterization of microplastics in the human testis and semen.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional tissue and fluid case series without a comparator group
PubMed 36948312 · doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162713
What was done
Human testis (n = 6) and semen (n = 30) samples were collected to detect and characterize microplastics. Particles were analyzed using pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) and laser direct infrared spectroscopy (LD-IR) to quantify abundance, polymer types, shapes, and sizes.
What was found
Microplastics were detected in both sample types: - Abundance: Average concentration was 11.60 ± 15.52 particles/g in testis and 0.23 ± 0.45 particles/mL in semen. - Composition: Polystyrene (PS) comprised 67.7% of microplastics in the testis, while polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) were predominant in semen. - Morphology: Fragments were the main shape in testis, whereas fragments, fibers, and films were detected in semen. - Size: Particle sizes ranged from 21.76 μm to 286.71 μm, with most measuring 20–100 μm (80.6% in testis, 67% in semen).
Why it matters
This study provides preliminary empirical evidence that microplastics can be detected in human testicular tissue and seminal fluid.
Limits
The sample size is very small, particularly for testis specimens (n = 6). The abstract lacks details on donor clinical characteristics, exposure histories, control comparisons, and does not assess any clinical reproductive health or fertility outcomes.
Cited by
- supports Microplastics have been identified in human testicular tissue, sperm, and the blood-testis barrier.