Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41977375›Full record

SynthesisInternational journal of molecular sciences2026

Advances in Male Reproductive Toxicology of Nanoplastics: Potential Risks to Human Reproduction-A Systematic Review.

Hang Han, Bo Xu, Xiuying Pei, Xufeng Fu

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in International journal of molecular sciences, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Hang HanKey Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China.ORCID 0009-0001-6861-4987
Bo XuKey Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China.
Xiuying PeiKey Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China.
Xufeng FuKey Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China.ORCID 0000-0002-4101-1000

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China 82204094
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Microplastics and nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) have emerged as pervasive and persistent environmental contaminants, prompting significant concerns about their potential risks to human health. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the current state of knowledge on the reproductive toxicity induced by MPs/NPs, with a particular focus on nanoplastics (NPs, <100 nm) due to their enhanced ability to cross biological barriers and induce cellular damage. Following a systematic literature search, we detail the multiple exposure pathways-including ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact-through which MPs/NPs enter the human body and are disseminated to reproductive tissues. The core of this review elucidates the fundamental mechanisms underlying MPs/NPs-induced reproductive damage. Compelling evidence from in vitro, animal, and initial human studies demonstrates that MP/NP exposure can lead to diminished sperm quality and motility, testicular histological disruption, impaired ovarian folliculogenesis, granulosa cell apoptosis, and dysregulation of key reproductive hormones. We further summarize potential therapeutic interventions, such as antioxidants and traditional Chinese medicine compounds, and discuss key preventive and regulatory strategies. Despite the advancing evidence, critical challenges remain, including quantifying actual human exposure levels, understanding the effects of chronic, low-dose exposure, and elucidating the combined toxicity of MPs/NPs with other environmental pollutants. This comprehensive analysis underscores the urgent need for further mechanistic research, robust epidemiological studies, and the formulation of evidence-based public health policies to mitigate exposure and safeguard global reproductive health.

Indexed as

Environmental PollutantsMicroplasticsReproductionAnimalsEnvironmental ExposureHumansMaleEnvironmental PollutantsMicroplasticsenvironmental pollutionenvironmental toxicologyhealth riskmicro/nanoplasticsreproductive healthreproductive toxicology

Identifiers

PMID41977375
PMCPMC13074206

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.