A recent study has found that long-term consumption of microplastics, commonly found in plastic bottled beverages such as water bottles, can negatively impact male reproductive development. Pukyung National University announced the findings of a research paper led by doctoral students Seungjin Jeong and Surye Park, along with professors Bomi Ryu and Seungjun Lee from the Department of Food and Nutrition. The study was published in the January issue of the prestigious academic journal Advanced Science.
The research team conducted an experiment where microplastics were ingested weekly by infant rat models for a period of 29 weeks. They then comprehensively analysed the microstructure of testicular and epididymal tissues, blood testosterone levels, sperm concentration and motility, and changes in ribonucleic acid (RNA) transcriptomes. The results showed a marked decrease in sperm concentration and motility, along with simultaneous inhibition of sperm production and maturation.
Through transcriptome analysis, the research team identified the molecular mechanisms by which the continuous ingestion of microplastics suppresses the expression of male hormones and genes related to meiosis, the process of cell division that leads to sperm production. These findings suggest that long-term exposure to microplastics could directly lead to a decline in reproductive function.
The research team highlighted the significance of their study, noting that it scientifically clarifies the potential long-term risks of commonly used PET bottle materials on human health. They called for further research to more precisely understand the effects of microplastics on reproductive health and to integrate these findings into improving environmental and health policies. The study was supported by the Ottogi Ham Tae-ho Foundation, the National Pukyong National University New Researcher Challenge Support Project, and the Korea Basic Science Institute Joint Research Project.