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First identification of microplastics in human uterine fibroids and myometrium
Hongwen Xu1, Chunlin Dong2, Zhilong Yu1
1State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, No.1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu Province, China; School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, No.1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu Province, China.
Abstract:
Microplastics (MPs) pollution has received widespread attention in recent years as the use of plastics continues to increase. However, currently no studies have reported the finding of MPs in human uterine fibroids (UFs) and myometrium tissues. In this study, UFs tissues (n = 48) and myometrium tissues (n = 40) from 48 patients and myometrium tissues (n = 8) from healthy population were collected. Following digestion of the samples by 10% KOH and 30% H2O2, MPs were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively using Raman spectroscopy. The 16 UFs and myometrium tissue samples contained an average of 1.5 ± 1.17 MP particles per gram of tissue. Notably, the abundance of MPs in the UFs tissues (2.13 ± 1.17 particles per gram) was higher than in the myometrium tissues (0.88 ± 0.78 particles per gram). In the same cohort of individuals with UFs, the quantities of MPs detected in the affected UFs tissue (2.63 ± 1.77 particles per gram) exceeded those detected in healthy tissue (1.08 ± 0.93 particles per gram), particularly in elderly patients. A correlation was observed between elevated MP levels and frequent consumption of takeout meals and bottled water among patients, indicating that MP ingestion through food sources might have contributed to the increased abundance and variety of MPs within UFs. Furthermore, UFs increased in size with higher concentrations of MPs, which may have been related to elevated levels of MPs-induced hormones. This study provides new insights into the assessment of the relationship between exposure to MPs and human disease risk.
Insights
Microplastics (MPs) were found in human uterine fibroids (UFs) and myometrium tissues for the first time. Higher MP concentrations were detected in UFs, correlating with takeout consumption and larger fibroid size.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Gynecology
Background:
- Microplastic (MP) pollution is a growing global concern.
- The presence and impact of MPs in human reproductive tissues, specifically uterine fibroids (UFs) and myometrium, remain largely uninvestigated.
- Understanding MP accumulation in these tissues is crucial for assessing potential health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and quantify microplastics (MPs) in human uterine fibroid (UF) and myometrium tissues.
- To compare MP abundance between UF tissues, myometrium tissues from patients with UFs, and myometrium tissues from healthy individuals.
- To explore potential correlations between MP levels, lifestyle factors, and UF characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Collection of UF tissues (n=48) and myometrium tissues (n=40) from patients, plus myometrium tissues (n=8) from healthy controls.
- Sample digestion using potassium hydroxide (KOH) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).
- Qualitative and quantitative analysis of MPs using Raman spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- Microplastics (MPs) were detected in 16 out of the analyzed UF and myometrium tissue samples, averaging 1.5 ± 1.17 MP particles per gram.
- UFs tissues exhibited a higher MP concentration (2.13 ± 1.17 particles/gram) compared to myometrium tissues (0.88 ± 0.78 particles/gram).
- Higher MP levels in UFs correlated with increased takeout meal and bottled water consumption, larger fibroid size, and potentially MP-induced hormonal changes.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence of microplastic (MP) presence in human uterine fibroids (UFs) and myometrium.
- MP accumulation in UFs appears to be linked to dietary intake and may influence fibroid development and size.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the health implications of MPs in the female reproductive system.
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