Research finds microplastics in human penile tissue

By Dr. Chinta SidharthanReviewed by Lily Ramsey, LLMJun 21 2024 The accumulation of microplastics in the ecosystem is rapidly becoming an environmental and public health concern. In a recent study published in the International Journal of Impotence Research, a team of researchers assessed the accumulation of microplastics in penile tissue to determine potential toxicity concerns.

About the study In the present study, the researchers used laser direct infrared microspectroscopy to detect microplastic aggregation in penile tissue obtained from patients with erectile dysfunction undergoing a procedure to insert an inflatable penile prosthesis. Related StoriesThe present study included six patients with erectile dysfunction who underwent a surgical procedure for multi-component inflatable penile prosthesis insertion. Samples of the corpora were obtained during the surgery.

Microplastics were extracted from the tissue samples using a combination of sodium hypochlorite and potassium hydroxide and filtered using gold-coated polyethylene terephthalate glycol membrane filters. Results The study found that laser direct infrared spectroscopy could identify microplastics between the size range of 20 µm to 500 µm in over 80% of the samples, while scanning electron microscopy detected samples as small as 2 µm in diameter in the corpora samples.

Previous studies have examined and reported the impact of microplastics on sperm quality and number and male infertility. Murine model studies have also shown that mice that ingested microplastics through drinking water showed reduced live sperm count compared to controls.

Electron Electron Microscopy Erectile Dysfunction Impotence Lungs Microscopy Morphology Placenta Pollution Polymers Public Health Spectroscopy Sperm

United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Research provides curated bibliographic dataset of advances in health AI researchA study published in Health Data Science introduces a curated bibliographic dataset that aims to revolutionize the landscape of Health Artificial Intelligence (AI) research.
Source: medical_xpress - 🏆 101. / 51 Read more »

Scientists call for equitable research partnerships to advance microbiome researchLeading African scientists have issued a compelling call for more equitable research partnerships in a new paper published in Nature Medicine. The paper underscores the critical need for fair and collaborative research efforts to explore the unique and diverse microbiomes found in African populations and environments.
Source: medical_xpress - 🏆 101. / 51 Read more »

Research team develops searchable database for Alzheimer's researchA searchable database is now ready to help study Alzheimer's disease.
Source: medical_xpress - 🏆 101. / 51 Read more »

Research finds electric cars are silent but violent for pedestriansYou're thrice as likely to be hit by a battery-powered vehicle
Source: TheRegister - 🏆 67. / 61 Read more »

Research finds connection between risk factors for periodontitis and general healthPeriodontitis is a disease that affects the supporting tissues of the teeth and is associated with other types of diseases. A study conducted at the faculty of dentistry shows that patients with severe periodontitis also have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and COPD.
Source: medical_xpress - 🏆 101. / 51 Read more »

Research finds limits to access of emergency contraceptive pill in AustraliaThe accessibility of first-line oral emergency contraceptives in Australian community pharmacies is problematic—with a national survey finding almost one-third reporting they do not stock the ulipristal acetate pill that has been recommended by medical authorities.
Source: medical_xpress - 🏆 101. / 51 Read more »