Invisible Barriers to Male Reproductive Health: Microplastic Toxicity, Fertility, and Psychosexual Implications
Ambika Kumar, Abhijeet Ghosh, Abhilasha Singh, Reena SalariaObjective:
This review critically examines the impact of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) on the male reproductive system, with particular emphasis on the cellular, molecular, hormonal, and psychosexual consequences of environmental plastic exposure. The study further explores how these pervasive pollutants contribute to reproductive dysfunction and infertility in contemporary society.
Methods:
The review adopts a comprehensive qualitative analysis of existing literature derived from both human and animal-based studies, including rodent and quail models. The study evaluates the routes of exposure to MPs and NPs, their accumulation within physiological tissues, and the biochemical mechanisms associated with reproductive toxicity, endocrine disruption, and impaired male fertility.
Results:
Current evidence indicates that MPs contribute significantly to seminiferous tubule degeneration, reduced testicular weight, impaired spermatogenesis, decreased sperm motility and viability, and increased sperm DNA fragmentation. At the molecular level, MPs induce oxidative stress through excessive reactive oxygen species generation, activate pro-inflammatory nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells signaling pathways, and disrupt the blood-testis barrier via imbalance of mammalian target of rapamycin complexes. Furthermore, MPs exhibit endocrine-disrupting effects by lowering serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels, thereby adversely affecting reproductive and psychosexual health.
Conclusion:
MPs exposure represents an emerging environmental threat to male reproductive vitality and psychosexual well-being. The findings highlight the urgent need for improved environmental regulation, advanced detection and mitigation strategies, and interdisciplinary research frameworks to address the growing reproductive, hormonal, and psychosocial consequences of plastic pollution.