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Associations between concentrations of microplastics in follicular fluid and the risk of diminished ovarian reserve
Yuanyuan Zhou1, Yijie Lu2, Yujia Luo3
1Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
Abstract:
Microplastics (MPs) have been detected in various human tissues, but their association with ovarian health remains unclear. This exploratory study aimed to identify and quantify MPs in the follicular fluid of individuals with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and explore potential associations. We conducted a case-control study of 25 patients with DOR and 20 control patients with tubal factor infertility. Pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, laser direct infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were used to analyze MPs properties, types, and abundance. MPs were present in the follicular fluid of both groups. Total MPs abundance was significantly higher in the DOR group (30.63 μg/g vs. 18.48 μg/g in controls), with elevated levels of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (p < 0.05). After controlling for potential confounding factors, PE (adjusted OR = 2.529, 95 % CI: 1.007-6.354, p = 0.048), PVC (adjusted OR = 1.223, 95 % CI: 1.009-1.483, p = 0.040), and total MPs levels (adjusted OR = 1.174, 95 % CI: 1.011-1.363, p = 0.036) remained associated with DOR risk. Total MPs, PE, and PVC abundance showed negative correlations with anti-Müllerian hormone levels, and total MPs negatively correlated with antral follicle count (p < 0.05). Mouse exposure models showed that MPs exposure was associated with ovarian functional and morphological changes. This study provides the first evidence of MPs-DOR associations, offering new insights into environmental impacts on female reproductive health.
Insights
Microplastics (MPs) are found in human follicular fluid, with higher levels linked to diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). This suggests environmental pollutants may impact female reproductive health and fertility.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Reproductive Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants.
- Their presence in human tissues is confirmed, but the impact on ovarian health is largely unknown.
- Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) affects female fertility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and quantify microplastics in human follicular fluid.
- To explore the association between microplastic levels and diminished ovarian reserve (DOR).
- To investigate the potential impact of microplastics on ovarian function.
Main Methods:
- Case-control study comparing 25 DOR patients and 20 controls.
- Analysis of follicular fluid using pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, laser direct infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy.
- Mouse models were used to assess the effects of microplastic exposure.
Main Results:
- Microplastics were detected in the follicular fluid of all participants.
- Significantly higher total microplastic abundance was observed in the DOR group compared to controls.
- Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) were elevated in the DOR group.
- PE, PVC, and total microplastic levels were independently associated with increased DOR risk.
- Microplastic abundance correlated negatively with anti-Müllerian hormone levels and antral follicle count.
- Microplastic exposure in mice induced ovarian functional and morphological changes.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence linking microplastic presence in follicular fluid to diminished ovarian reserve.
- Elevated microplastic levels, particularly PE and PVC, are associated with DOR.
- Microplastics may negatively impact ovarian reserve and function, highlighting environmental risks to female reproductive health.
