South Korean study assesses link between microplastics in blood and plastic container use as well as blood coagulation disruptions; finds mostly polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyethylene microplastics in blood; links higher microplastic levels to use of plastic containers, impaired blood clotting and increased inflammation, suggesting potential cardiovascular risks
Author archives: Lisa Zimmermann
Microplastics found along the maternal-fetal axis, impacting placenta
Scientists detect microplastics in maternal blood, fetal appendages, and umbilical vein blood; find no association between particle levels measured in different tissues; polystyrene microplastics induce time-dependent cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and metabolic alterations in placental explants; reviews discuss microplastic association with different diseases
Microplastics are present in human nervous system and reproductive organs
Five studies on microplastic presence and effects on central nervous system (CNS) and reproductive organs; study finds microplastics of some but not all polymer types enter human CNS, especially after blood-brain barrier impairment; review concludes microplastics induce neurotoxicity; scientists demonstrate presence of microplastics in female reproductive tissue and male para-tumor and tumor prostate samples; associate microplastic presence with sperm dysfunction
Two studies associate microplastic exposure with cancer
Review of occupational health studies finds workplace exposure to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) particles likely induces liver carcinogenicity; research study finds polystyrene nanoplastics to speed up ovarian cancer development in mice
Scientists detect microplastics in amniotic fluid, effects on testicular aging
Two studies investigate microplastic presence or effects in female and male reproductive organs; small cohort study finds low number of microplastics to be present in human amniotic fluid besides the placenta; in vitro and mice in vivo study reports microplastics induce premature testicular aging and identifies underlying pathways
Microplastics can lead to behavioral changes in mice
Scientists find polystyrene microplastics reduce cell viability, translocate in the body, modify mice behavior, and change their liver and brain immune marker after short-term exposure; effects potentially age-dependent; two reviews summarize nano- and microplastic impacts on fertility and potential implications
Plastics stay longer in the ocean than previously estimated, scientists report
3D-model study finds 3200 kilotonnes of buoyant marine plastic litter in 2020, majority on the surface and >25 mm in size; projects annual growth of 4%; solves mystery on ‘missing’ sink for plastic pollution
Researchers detect microplastics in human semen and heart
Four recent studies assess microplastics: in human semen, heart, from baby food containers, and suitability of in vitro models to investigate human health effects; find microplastics in six out of ten semen samples,find impacts on semen quality; samples from cardiac surgery patients contain microplastics in heart and surrounding tissue; billions of nano- and microplastics from plastic baby food containers; outline challenges and recommendation of studying plastic particles in vitro
Nanoplastics affect gene expression in the placenta and reproductive health, scientists find
Study using perfused human placental tissue demonstrates polystyrene nanoplastics affect expression of inflammation and iron homeostasis-related genes; review summarizes that small plastic particles can enter reproductive organs and affect reproductive health, however further research needed to verify the results and assess mechanisms of reproductive toxicity
AURORA partners discuss progress of 2nd project year
Two-day meeting in Switzerland covers progress of the work packages over the last year; partners share results, challenges and review options to address them; recent progress includes establishing methods for micro- and nanoplastic isolation and detection, release of two reviews, and several planned publications
