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Microplastics detected in three types of female reproductive organs using micro-Raman spectroscopy
Chunlin Dong1, Hongwen Xu2, Yaying Lin1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China; Wuxi Medical College, Jiangnan University, No.1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province 214122, China.
Abstract:
Microplastics (MPs) are synthetic solid particles or polymer matrices that range in size from 1 μm to 5 mm. MPs are widely present in the global biosphere, leading to increasing concerns about their impact on human health. In this study, micro-Raman spectroscopy was used to evaluate the presence and characteristic of MPs in adenomyosis, ovarian ectopic cysts, and uterine tube tissue samples from 60 females. MPs were detected in all human samples at an average level of 1.5 ± 1.2 particles per g of tissue (Average 1.40 ± 1.11 particles per g of tissue after blank correction.). Among these MPs, a total of 11 polymer types were identified. MPs are mainly composed of polyethylene (PE, 31 %), polypropylene (PP, 22 %) and PE-co-PP (11 %). These MPs had an average length of 15.15 ± 6.45 μm and an average width of 12.56 ± 6.65 μm, with the majority (70 %) measuring less than 20 μm in size. Most MPs were fibers (38.9 %) and fragments (24.4 %). A significant correlation (p <0.05) was found between the sizes of MPs detected across the three disease samples, with PE and PP being the most frequently identified types. This study demonstrates the presence of MPs in diseased tissues from patients with adenomyosis, ovarian ectopic cysts, and uterine tubes, providing evidence for the presence of MPs in reproductive system tissues.
Insights
Microplastics were found in all tested human reproductive tissues, with polyethylene and polypropylene being the most common types. This study confirms microplastic presence in gynecological disease tissues.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Human Health
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants with growing concerns regarding human health impacts.
- Previous research has identified MPs in various human tissues, but their presence in the female reproductive system remains under-investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence, characteristics, and polymer types of microplastics in human reproductive tissues affected by adenomyosis, ovarian ectopic cysts, and uterine tube conditions.
- To provide evidence for microplastic contamination within the female reproductive system.
Main Methods:
- Micro-Raman spectroscopy was employed to analyze microplastics in tissue samples from 60 females.
- Quantification, size, shape, and polymer identification of detected microplastics were performed.
Main Results:
- Microplastics were detected in all analyzed human tissue samples, with an average concentration of 1.5 ± 1.2 particles/g.
- Eleven polymer types were identified, predominantly polyethylene (31%), polypropylene (22%), and PE-co-PP (11%).
- The majority of MPs were fibers (38.9%) and fragments (24.4%), with most measuring less than 20 μm.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence of microplastic presence in diseased human reproductive tissues, including adenomyosis, ovarian ectopic cysts, and uterine tubes.
- The findings highlight potential exposure routes and accumulation of microplastics within the female reproductive system, warranting further investigation into health implications.
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