Demonstration of microplastic accumulation in ovarian tissue

Aim: The aim is to demonstrate microplastic accumulation in ovarian tissue, identify the types of accumulated polymers, and contribute to the formation of ideas that help us understand the adverse effects of plastic on the human body. Materials and Methods: Ovarian tissues obtained from women who underwent surgery at Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, were analyzed after artificial digestion, filtration, and drying processes. Polymer typing was performed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Results: A total of 263 microplastic particles were detected in 9 out of 10 ovarian tissues, and they were identified as Neoprene, EP, and EPDM. Conclusion: Microplastic studies conducted on human tissues have shown different types of microplastics in different tissues. Our study is the first conducted on ovarian tissue. The accumulation in ovarian tissue demonstrates that plastics, which are constantly present in our environment, gradually infiltrate our bodies, regardless of whether their toxicity potential is known. Keywords: microplastic, FTIR.