Our reproductive fluids contain various types of microplastics, and the most common of them are Teflon, according to a new study presented in this environment at the 41st annual collection of European Society for Reproduction and Embryology of Human (ESHRE). The detection, headed by the researcher Emilio Gomez-Sanchche from the University of Murcia, raises important questions about his possible risks for fertility and reproductive health.
For work that is published in the journal Human reproductionIN Researchers examined the follicular fluid of 29 women and the seed fluid 22 men. The authors found microplastics in 69% of the samples of follicular fluid and in 55% of samples of seminal fluid. Both liquids are found in the ovaries and sperm, respectively, and play a critical role in the natural concept and auxiliary reproduction.
In two groups, a number of microplastic general use polymers were identified, among which the most frequent were polytetraforoethylene (PTFE), also known as Teflon, which is present in 31% of female samples and 41% of male. They were followed by polystyrene (PS), polyethyleneterftalat (Pet), polyamide (PA), polypropylene (PP) and polyurethane (PU).
There is no cause of anxiety
Microplastics are defined as plastic particles of less than 5 millimeters of size, and there is evidence that they pose a threat to public and environmental health, although this study did not evaluate how microplastics affect fertility. “Previous studies have already demonstrated the presence of microplastics in various human organs,” Gomez-Sanchech recognizes. “Therefore, we were not completely surprised to find microplastics in the liquids of the human reproductive system, but its frequency influenced us.”
What we know thanks to animal research is that in tissues where microplastics accumulate, they can cause inflammation, free radical formation, DNA damage, cell aging and endocrine changes, the expert reports. But they still do not have sufficient evidence to confirm that this affects the quality of eggs or sperm or the success of fertilization, although this is what they can check with time.
We were not completely surprised by discovering microplastics in the liquids of the human reproductive system, but its frequency affected us
Emilio Gomez-Sanchch
– Researcher from the University of Mursia and the main author of the study
As for the number of particles found in the samples, Gomez-Sanchez requires calm and remember that in most cases they make up one or two (60%), and only 10% in the sample make up to five microplastics. The reason why there are more particles in their follicular fluid, explains Eldiario.es associated with the method of obtaining oocytes that they study. “During the stimulation of the ovaries, when you stimulate the ovaries for fertilization in vitro, the ovary works a lot for the production of 12 or 13 oocytes, and the blood flow to the ovary is very high,” he says.
The specialist also does not know the explanation that Teflon appears at least 10 percentage points in them, although they expect that later there will be more details. “In the next part of the study, we want to increase the number of cases, and we make a questionnaire in a lifestyle to find out more,” he says. In any case, he insists that there is currently no reason to meet. “I would tell people not to be stunned,” he says. “The less microplasty we eat, drink or breathe, the better. But we must remember that we have them everywhere. ”
The importance of additives
Ethel Eljarrat, Director of the Institute for Diagnostics of Environment and Water Supply (IDAEA-CSIC), believes that this is another study of many who are found today, which emphasizes that we have microplastics in all parts of the body. “They were already found in the brain, lungs, blood, placenta or breast milk,” he lists. “This is more evidence that they are present in all parts of our body.”
They were already in the brain, lungs, blood, placenta or breast milk. This is another evidence that they are present in all parts of our body
Ethel Eljarrat
– Director of the Institute of Ecological Diagnostics and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC)
For the expert, we have Teflon inside our body, because many kitchen utensils are made from this material. In his opinion, the most decisive is to know which chemical compounds are associated with these particles, which are the most harmful effect on health and, undoubtedly, on reproduction and fertility.
“There is no very clear evidence of the effect of microplasty, although signs,” he explains. “The fact that there is scientific evidence is the toxicity of chemical compounds that are associated with these plastic pieces.” Since these polymers, such as Teflon, add a large amount of substances, such as perfected compounds (PFA), which give it not a stick. Knowledge of the chemical composition of the additives would be decisive. ”
Care and caution
“The main conclusions of the study, that is, is that there is a high proportion of men and women who represent microplastics in their reproductive devices, correspond to the results of other studies that reinforce them,” says Rita Vassen, Co -Funder and general director of Assisted ReproedUction, fertilized SMC. “It should be clarified that this is a preliminary study, since the authors are wary of a small sample, but also from the absence of additional analysis, such as a study of the connection between the presence of microplastics and markers of inflammation in repressive devices or an association with the level of exposure to microplastics in the environment,” he adds.
These results demonstrate how an increase in the use of plastic in everyday life can affect the reproductive system in people
Rocío núñez calonge
– The coordinator of the ethical group of the Spanish Society of Fertility
“These results are based on a solid methodology and demonstrate how an increase in the use of plastic in everyday life can affect the reproductive system in humans,” says Rotio Nunez Kalong, the scientific director of the International UR Group and the Ethics Coordinator of the Spanish Fermonia Group. “This work emphasizes the need to conduct future research in order to fully know the risks associated with microplastics in reproductive health, and inform about the dangers of their use of routine.”
