Microplastics, the bladder, and the prostate: Urothelial exposure, endocrine disruption, and implications for male urological oncology — A review

Creative Commons License

Yazar S.

8th International Asklepios Congress On Medicine, Nursing, Midwifery, And Health Sciences, Priştine, Kosova, 12 - 14 Haziran 2026, ss.487-493, (Tam Metin Bildiri)

Özet

Background: Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are now detectable in human bladder tumor tissue and prostate specimens. Their potential roles in urothelial carcinogenesis, bladder dysfunction, prostatic carcinogenesis, and male reproductive impairment represent an emerging research frontier in urological oncology and andrology.

Methods: A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies through early 2025 examining MNP presence in bladder and prostatic tissues, associated pathophysiological mechanisms, and clinical correlates were included.

Results: MPs have been identified in human urothelial carcinoma tissue and in both para-tumor and tumor tissue of the prostate. In vitro bladder studies demonstrate MNP-induced cytotoxicity, MAPK pathway dysregulation, and urothelial barrier disruption. Prostatic MNP exposure is associated with endocrine disruption via plasticizer leaching (BPA, phthalates), NF-κB-mediated inflammation, and androgen receptor dysregulation. Animal models confirm testicular oxidative stress, spermatogenic disruption, and testosterone suppression following MNP exposure.

Conclusions: Current mechanistic and tissue-detection data support a biologically plausible causal model linking MNP exposure to bladder and prostate pathology, as well as male infertility. Prospective human studies quantifying exposure-outcome relationships are urgently needed.

Keywords: microplastics, nanoplastics, bladder cancer, urothelial carcinoma, prostate cancer, BPH, endocrine disruption, male infertility, MAPK, androgen receptor