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Microplastics: A Threat for Male Fertility

Author

Listed:
  • Stefania D'Angelo

    (Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples Parthenope, 80133 Naples, Italy)

  • Rosaria Meccariello

    (Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples Parthenope, 80133 Naples, Italy)

Abstract

Much of the planet is swimming in discarded plastic, which is harming animal and possibly human health. Once at sea, sunlight, wind, and wave action break down plastic waste into small particles: the microplastics (MPs). Currently, particular attention has been drawn to their effects on aquatic environments but the health risks, especially in mammals, are poorly known. These non-biodegradable materials can act as a vector for environmental pollutants, can be ingested by humans in food and water, and can enter and accumulate in human tissues with a possible risk for heath. Recent studies revealed the deleterious effects of MPs exposure in male reproduction and sperm quality, making them a potential hazard to reproductive success. This manuscript summarizes the main changes in sperm quality along the lifespan and the upcoming studies on the effects of MPs in male fertility in mammals.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefania D'Angelo & Rosaria Meccariello, 2021. "Microplastics: A Threat for Male Fertility," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-11, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:5:p:2392-:d:508382
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Maria Letizia Motti & Rosaria Meccariello, 2019. "Minireview: The Epigenetic Modulation of KISS1 in Reproduction and Cancer," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-9, July.
    2. Claudia Campanale & Carmine Massarelli & Ilaria Savino & Vito Locaputo & Vito Felice Uricchio, 2020. "A Detailed Review Study on Potential Effects of Microplastics and Additives of Concern on Human Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-26, February.
    3. Lidia Caporossi & Alessandra Alteri & Giovanni Campo & Enrico Paci & Giovanna Tranfo & Silvia Capanna & Enrico Papaleo & Daniela Pigini & Paola Viganò & Bruno Papaleo, 2020. "Cross Sectional Study on Exposure to BPA and Phthalates and Semen Parameters in Men Attending a Fertility Center," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-18, January.
    4. Stefania D’Angelo & Elena Mele & Federico Di Filippo & Andrea Viggiano & Rosaria Meccariello, 2021. "Sirt1 Activity in the Brain: Simultaneous Effects on Energy Homeostasis and Reproduction," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-17, January.
    5. Cheryl Qian Ying Yong & Suresh Valiyaveettil & Bor Luen Tang, 2020. "Toxicity of Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Mammalian Systems," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-24, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Filomena Mazzeo & Rosaria Meccariello, 2023. "Cannabis and Paternal Epigenetic Inheritance," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(9), pages 1-14, April.

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