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Wang M, Wu Y, Li G, Xiong Y, Zhang Y, Zhang M. The hidden threat: Unraveling the impact of microplastics on reproductive health. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 935:173177. [PMID: 38750730 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics, with intricate physical and chemical characteristics, infiltrate the food chain and extensively impact ecosystems. Despite acknowledging the link between environmental pollution and declining fertility, the specific mechanisms affecting reproductive health remain to be elucidated. This review emphasizes the global correlation between microplastics and subfertility, focusing on entry pathways and impacts on ecosystems. Research suggests that microplastics disrupt the neuroendocrine system, influencing sex hormone synthesis through the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. In the reproductive system, microplastics interfere with the blood-testis barrier, impairing spermatogenesis in males, and causing placental dysfunction, ovarian atrophy, endometrial hyperplasia, and fibrosis in females. Moreover, microplastics potentially affect offspring's lipid metabolism and reproductive functions. However, complex microplastic compositions and detection method limitations impede research progress. Mitigation strategies for reproductive effects, combined with addressing microplastic pollution through sustainable practices, are imperative. This review underscores the urgency of global initiatives and collaborative research to safeguard reproductive health amid escalating microplastic contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China; Hubei Clinical Medicine Research Center of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China; Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health and Optimal Birth, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China
| | - Ying Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China; Hubei Clinical Medicine Research Center of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China; Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health and Optimal Birth, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China
| | - Guigui Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China; Hubei Clinical Medicine Research Center of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China; Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health and Optimal Birth, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yao Xiong
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China; Hubei Clinical Medicine Research Center of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China; Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health and Optimal Birth, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yuanzhen Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China; Hubei Clinical Medicine Research Center of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China; Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health and Optimal Birth, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China; Hubei Clinical Medicine Research Center of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China; Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health and Optimal Birth, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China.
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Peng Y, He Q. Reproductive toxicity and related mechanisms of micro(nano)plastics in terrestrial mammals: Review of current evidence. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 279:116505. [PMID: 38810287 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) have been detected in various ecological environments and are widely used due to their stable properties, raising widespread concern about their potential human reproductive toxicity. Currently, infertility affects approximately 10-30% of couples of reproductive age globally. MNPs, as environmental pollutants, have been shown to exhibit reproductive toxicity through intrinsic mechanisms or as carriers of other hazardous substances. Numerous studies have established that MNPs of varying sizes and types can penetrate biological barriers, and enter tissues and even organelles of organisms through four main routes: dietary ingestion, inhalation, dermal contact, and medical interventions. However, historical research on the toxic effects of MNPs on reproduction mainly focused on lower and aquatic species. We conducted an inclusive review of studies involving terrestrial mammals, revealing that MNPs can induce reproductive toxicity via various mechanisms such as oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, apoptosis, autophagy, disruption of intestinal flora, endocrine disruption, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and DNA damage. In terrestrial mammals, reproductive toxicity predominantly manifests as disruption in the blood-testis barrier (BTB), impaired spermatogenesis, sperm malformation, sperm DNA damage, reduced sperm fertilizing capacity, compromised oocyte maturation, impaired follicular growth, granulosa cell apoptosis, diminished ovarian reserve function, uterine and ovarian fibrosis, and endocrine disruption, among other effects. Furthermore, MNPs can traverse the maternal-fetal interface, potentially impacting offspring reproductive health. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the potential reproductive toxicity and underlying mechanisms of MNPs with different sizes, polymer types, shapes, and carried toxins, as well as to explore effective protective interventions for mitigating reproductive damage, further in-depth animal studies, clinical trials, and large-scale epidemiological studies are urgently required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Peng
- Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha 410008, China.
| | - Qi He
- Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha 410008, China
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Yu Z, An Q, Zhou T, Zhou L, Yan B. Meta-analysis unravels the complex combined toxicity of microplastics and antibiotics in aquatic ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 929:172503. [PMID: 38631628 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
The aquatic ecosystem, a repository for various pollutants, has been identified as a crucial zone where microplastics (MPs) serve as vectors for antibiotics, facilitating their spread. Despite this, the influence of MPs on the toxicity of antibiotics remains a topic of debate. In this study, we conduct a global meta-analysis, examining 730 datasets from 29 laboratory studies. Our findings reveal that the impact of MPs on antibiotic toxicity is highly dependent on biological response pathways, microplastic concentration, antibiotic properties, and exposure time. We observed that MPs amplify the accumulation of antibiotics in aquatic organisms, significantly heightening their adverse effects on growth, development, and immune functions. Intriguingly, MPs appear to mitigate the reproductive toxicity caused by antibiotics. A notable inverse relationship was identified between antibiotic toxicity and microplastic concentration and exposure time. Furthermore, antibiotic concentration predominantly affects growth, development, and reproductive health, whereas exposure time is critical in determining antibiotic accumulation and immune-related toxicity. These insights underscore that microplastic co-exposure can modify the toxicological profile of antibiotics. The outcomes of this research enhance our comprehensive understanding of the intricate combined effects of MPs and antibiotics on aquatic life, emphasizing the necessity for informed scientific management of these emerging contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyue Yu
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qiuying An
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tong Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Bing Yan
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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Jiang J, Shu Z, Qiu L. Adverse effects and potential mechanisms of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on the blood-testis barrier. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:238. [PMID: 38849627 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-02033-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are defined as plastic particles or fragments with a diameter of less than 5 mm. These particles have been identified as causing male reproductive toxicity, although the precise mechanism behind this association is yet to be fully understood. Recent research has found that exposure to polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) can disrupt spermatogenesis by impacting the integrity of the blood-testis barrier (BTB), a formidable barrier within mammalian blood tissues. The BTB safeguards germ cells from harmful substances and infiltration by immune cells. However, the disruption of the BTB leads to the entry of environmental pollutants and immune cells into the seminiferous tubules, resulting in adverse reproductive effects. Additionally, PS-MPs induce reproductive damage by generating oxidative stress, inflammation, autophagy, and alterations in the composition of intestinal flora. Despite these findings, the precise mechanism by which PS-MPs disrupt the BTB remains inconclusive, necessitating further investigation into the underlying processes. This review aims to enhance our understanding of the pernicious effects of PS-MP exposure on the BTB and explore potential mechanisms to offer novel perspectives on BTB damage caused by PS-MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinchen Jiang
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Rd, Nantong, 226019, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenhao Shu
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Rd, Nantong, 226019, People's Republic of China
| | - Lianglin Qiu
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Rd, Nantong, 226019, People's Republic of China.
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Ebrahim MM, El-Dakdoky MH, El-Shafiey SH, Amer AS. Oral exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics altered the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis role in hormonal regulation, inducing reproductive toxicity in albino rats. Birth Defects Res 2024; 116:e2368. [PMID: 38873958 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nanoplastics can be considered a novel contaminant for the environment because of their extensive applications in modern society, which represents a possible threat to humans. Nevertheless, the negative effect of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) on male reproduction, fertility, and progeny outcomes is not well known. Thus, the aim of the present work was to calculate the median lethal dose (LD50) and investigate the consequences of exposure to PS-NPs (25 nm) on male reproductive toxicity. METHODS This investigation first determined the LD50 of PS-NPs in male Wistar rats, and then in a formal study, 24 rats were distributed into three groups (n = 8): the control group; the low-dose group (3 mg/kg bw); and the high-dose group (10 mg/kg bw) of PS-NPs administered orally for 60 days. On the 50th day of administration, the fertility test was conducted. RESULTS The LD50 was determined to be 2500 mg/kg. PS-NP administration induced significant alternations, mainly indicating mortality in the high-dose group, a significant elevation in body weight gain, declined sperm quality parameters, altered reproductive hormonal levels, thyroid endocrine disruption, an alternation of the normal histo-architecture and the histo-morphometric analysis of the testes, and impaired male fertility. CONCLUSION Altogether, the current findings provide novel perspectives on PS-NP general toxicity with specific reference to male reproductive toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa M Ebrahim
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Women for Arts, Science and Education, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mai H El-Dakdoky
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Women for Arts, Science and Education, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sara Hatem El-Shafiey
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Women for Arts, Science and Education, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amany S Amer
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Women for Arts, Science and Education, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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Lin Z, Li Z, Ji S, Lo HS, Billah B, Sharmin A, Lui WY, Tse WKF, Fang JKH, Lai KP, Li L. Microplastics from face mask impairs sperm motility. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 203:116422. [PMID: 38749155 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented plastic pollution from single-used personal protective equipment (PPE), especially face masks, in coastal and marine environments. The secondary pollutants, microplastics from face masks (mask MP), rise concern about their detrimental effects on marine organisms, terrestrial organisms and even human. Using a mouse model, oral exposure to mask MP at two doses, 0.1 and 1 mg MP/day for 21 days, caused no change in animal locomotion, total weight, or sperm counts, but caused damage to sperm motility with increased curvilinear velocity (VCL). The high-dose mask MP exposure caused a significant decrease in linearity (LIN) of sperm motility. Further testicular transcriptomic analysis revealed perturbed pathways related to spermatogenesis, oxidative stress, inflammation, metabolism and energy production. Collectively, our findings substantiate that microplastics from face masks yield adverse effects on mammalian reproductive capacity, highlighting the need for improved plastic waste management and development of environmentally friendly materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Lin
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zijie Li
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shuqin Ji
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hoi Shing Lo
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Baki Billah
- Department of Zoology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Ayesha Sharmin
- Department of Chemistry, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Wing-Yee Lui
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - William Ka Fai Tse
- Laboratory of Developmental Disorders and Toxicology, Center for Promotion of International Education and Research, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - James Kar-Hei Fang
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Keng Po Lai
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China.
| | - Lei Li
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China.
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7
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Ali W, Buriro RS, Gandahi JA, Chen Y, Aabdin ZU, Bhutto S, Sun J, Zhu J, Liu Z, Zou H. A critical review on male-female reproductive and developmental toxicity induced by micro-plastics and nano-plastics through different signaling pathways. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 394:110976. [PMID: 38552764 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.110976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
It is widely accepted that humans are constantly exposed to micro-plastics and nano-plastics through various routes, including inhalation of airborne particles, exposure to dust, and consumption of food and water. It is estimated that humans may consume thousand to millions of micro-plastic particles, equating to several milligrams per day. Prolonged exposure to micro-plastics and nano-plastics has been linked to negative effects on different living organisms, including neurotoxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, nephrotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity, and developmental toxicities. The main purpose of this review is to explore the effect of micro-plastics and nano-plastics on the male and female reproductive system, as well as their offspring, and the associated mechanism implicated in the reproductive and developmental toxicities. Micro-plastics and nano-plastics have been shown to exert negative effects on the reproductive system of both male and female mammals and aquatic animals, including developmental impacts on gonads, gametes, embryo, and their subsequent generation. In addition, micro-plastics and nano-plastics impact the hypothalamic-pituitary axes, leading to oxidative stress, reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, cytotoxicity, developmental abnormalities, poor sperm quality, diminishes ovarian ovulation and immune toxicity. This study discusses the so many different signaling pathways associated in the male and female reproductive and developmental toxicity induced by micro-plastics and nano-plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waseem Ali
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Rehana Shahnawaz Buriro
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Jameel Ahmed Gandahi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Yan Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Zain Ul Aabdin
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Public Health Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Ziauddin University, Pakistan
| | - Sahar Bhutto
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Jian Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Jiaqiao Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Zongping Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China.
| | - Hui Zou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China.
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Hu Y, Shen M, Wang C, Huang Q, Li R, Dorj G, Gombojav E, Du J, Ren L. A meta-analysis-based adverse outcome pathway for the male reproductive toxicity induced by microplastics and nanoplastics in mammals. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133375. [PMID: 38160553 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The male reproductive toxicity of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) has attracted great attention, but the latent mechanisms remain fragmented. This review performed the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) analysis and meta-analysis in 39 relevant studies, with the AOP analysis to reveal the cause-and-effect relationships of MPs/NPs-induced male reproductive toxicity and the meta-analysis to quantify the toxic effects. In the AOP framework, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) is the molecular initiating event (MIE), which triggered several key events (KEs) at different levels. At the cellular level, the KEs included oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, sperm DNA damage, endoplasmic reticulum stress, apoptosis and autophagy of testicular cells, repressed expression of steroidogenic enzymes and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, disrupted hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis, and gut microbiota alteration. These KEs further induced the reduction of testosterone, impaired blood-testis barrier (BTB), testicular inflammation, and impaired spermatogenesis at tissue/organ levels. Ultimately, decreased sperm quality or quantity was noted and proved by meta-analysis, which demonstrated that MPs/NPs led to a decrease of 5.99 million/mL in sperm concentration, 14.62% in sperm motility, and 23.56% in sperm viability, while causing an increase of 10.65% in sperm abnormality rate. Overall, this is the first AOP for MPs/NPs-mediated male reproductive toxicity in mammals. The innovative integration of meta-analysis into the AOP analysis increases the rigorism of the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinchu Hu
- School of Nursing, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Meidi Shen
- School of Nursing, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Chongkun Wang
- School of Nursing, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Qifang Huang
- School of Nursing, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ruiqiong Li
- School of Nursing, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Gantuya Dorj
- School of Public Health, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar 14210, Mongolia
| | - Enkhjargal Gombojav
- School of Public Health, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar 14210, Mongolia
| | - Jiwei Du
- Nursing Department, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518040, China
| | - Lihua Ren
- School of Nursing, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
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9
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Liang J, Ji F, Wang H, Zhu T, Rubinstein J, Worthington R, Abdullah ALB, Tay YJ, Zhu C, George A, Li Y, Han M. Unraveling the threat: Microplastics and nano-plastics' impact on reproductive viability across ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 913:169525. [PMID: 38141979 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution pervades both marine and terrestrial ecosystems, fragmenting over time into microplastics (MPs) and nano-plastics (NPs). These particles infiltrate organisms via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption, predominantly through the trophic interactions. This review elucidated the impacts of MPs/NPs on the reproductive viability of various species. MPs/NPs lead to reduced reproduction rates, abnormal larval development and increased mortality in aquatic invertebrates. Microplastics cause hormone secretion disorders and gonadal tissue damage in fish. In addition, the fertilization rate of eggs is reduced, and the larval deformity rate and mortality rate are increased. Male mammals exposed to MPs/NPs exhibit testicular anomalies, compromised sperm health, endocrine disturbances, oxidative stress, inflammation, and granulocyte apoptosis. In female mammals, including humans, exposure culminates in ovarian and uterine deformities, endocrine imbalances, oxidative stress, inflammation, granulosa cell apoptosis, and tissue fibrogenesis. Rodent offspring exposed to MPs experience increased mortality rates, while survivors display metabolic perturbations, reproductive anomalies, and weakened immunity. These challenges are intrinsically linked to the transgenerational conveyance of MPs. The ubiquity of MPs/NPs threatens biodiversity and, crucially, jeopardizes human reproductive health. The current findings underscore the exigency for comprehensive research and proactive interventions to ameliorate the implications of these pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Liang
- Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang 11800, Malaysia
| | - Feng Ji
- Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hong Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611130, China
| | - Tian Zhu
- Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang 11800, Malaysia
| | - James Rubinstein
- College of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Richard Worthington
- School of Humanities and Sciences, Stanford university, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | | | - Yi Juin Tay
- Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang 11800, Malaysia
| | - Chenxin Zhu
- Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang 11800, Malaysia.
| | - Andrew George
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, 11a Mansfield Road, OX12JD, UK
| | - Yiming Li
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Mingming Han
- Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang 11800, Malaysia.
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10
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Akbar A, Ijaz MU. Pharmacotherapeutic potential of ginkgetin against polystyrene microplastics-instigated testicular toxicity in rats: A biochemical, spermatological, and histopathological assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:9031-9044. [PMID: 38182957 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31662-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Polystyrene microplastics (PSMPs) have emerged as a ubiquitous environmental toxicant that affects different organs including testes. Ginkgetin (GNG) is a biflavonoid that shows antioxidant properties. The current research was undertaken to evaluate the ameliorative potential of GNG against PSMPs-instigated testicular damages. Forty-eight albino rats (male) were randomly divided into 4 equal groups: control, PSMPs-treated group (0.01 mgkg-1), GNG + PSMPs-exposed group (25 mgkg-1 + 0.01 mgkg-1), and only GNG-supplemented group (25 mgkg-1). After 56 days of treatment, it was revealed that PSMPs significantly reduced the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione reductase (GSR), while concurrently augmented the levels of lipid peroxidation marker, i.e., malondialdehyde (MDA) along with reactive oxygen species (ROS). Rats administered with PSMPs showed a significant reduction in the spermatogenic indices (sperm count, viability, and motility), HOS coiled tail sperm along with increased sperm structural deformities, i.e., tail, head, and mid-piece. Additionally, PSMPs exposure decreased the levels of testosterone, luteinizing (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH). Besides, administration of PSMPs reduced the steroidogenic enzymes (13β-HSD, StAR, and 17β-HSD) and Bcl-2 expression, while augmented the caspase-3 and Bax expression. PSMPs also elevated the levels of inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and NF-κB) and activity of COX-2 in the testes. Furthermore, PSMPs treatment induced various histopathological damages in the testes of rats. Therefore, findings of the current study suggested that GNG effectively mitigated the PSMPs-induced testicular toxicity owing to its chemoprotective potential possibly through its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and androgenic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Akbar
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Umar Ijaz
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
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11
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Zurub RE, Cariaco Y, Wade MG, Bainbridge SA. Microplastics exposure: implications for human fertility, pregnancy and child health. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1330396. [PMID: 38239985 PMCID: PMC10794604 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1330396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Plastics found in our everyday environment are becoming an increasing concern for individual and population-level health, and the extent of exposure and potential toxic effects of these contaminants on numerous human organ systems are becoming clear. Microplastics (MPs), tiny plastic particles, appear to have many of the same biological effects as their plastic precursors and have the compounded effect of potential accumulation in different organs. Recently, microplastic accumulation was observed in the human placenta, raising important questions related to the biological effects of these contaminants on the health of pregnancies and offspring. These concerns are particularly heightened considering the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) framework, which postulates that in utero exposure can programme the lifelong health of the offspring. The current review examines the state of knowledge on this topic and highlights important avenues for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rewa E. Zurub
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Yusmaris Cariaco
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Michael G. Wade
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Shannon A. Bainbridge
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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12
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He Y, Yin R. The reproductive and transgenerational toxicity of microplastics and nanoplastics: A threat to mammalian fertility in both sexes. J Appl Toxicol 2024; 44:66-85. [PMID: 37382358 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are extensively distributed in the environment. However, a comprehensive review and in-depth discussion on the effects of MPs and NPs to reproductive capacity and transgenerational toxicity on mammals, especially on humans, is lacked. It is suggested that microplastics and nanoplastics could accumulate in mammalian reproductive organs and exert toxic effects on the reproductive system for both sexes. For males, the damage of microplastics consists of abnormal testicular and sperm structure, decreased sperm vitality, and endocrine disruption, which were caused by oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis of testicular cells, autophagy, abnormal cytoskeleton, and abnormal hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. For females, the damage of microplastics includes abnormal ovary and uterus structure and endocrine disruption, which were caused by oxidative stress, inflammation, granulosa cell apoptosis, hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis abnormalities, and tissue fibrosis. For transgenerational toxicity, premature mortality existed in the rodent offspring after maternal exposure to microplastics. Among the surviving offspring, metabolic disorders, reproductive dysfunction, immune, neurodevelopmental, and cognitive disorders were detected, and these events directly correlated with transgenerational translocation of MPs and NPs. Studies on human-derived cells or organoids demonstrated that transgenerational toxicity studies for both sexes are yet in the phase of exploring suitable experimental models, and more detailed research on the threat of MPs and NPs to human fertility is still urgently needed. Further studies will help assess the MPs and NPs threat to public fertility and reproductive health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchong He
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology of Jiangxi Provincial, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Ruocheng Yin
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
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13
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Hong Y, Wu S, Wei G. Adverse effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on the reproductive system: A comprehensive review of fertility and potential harmful interactions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166258. [PMID: 37579804 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have caused ubiquitous environmental pollution and raised widespread concern about their potential toxicity to human health, especially in the reproductive system. Moreover, infertility affects >15 % of couples worldwide, and the birth rate is decreasing. Environmental factors are some of the most important causes of infertility. However, little is known about the effects of MPs and NPs on the testes and ovaries. These particles can enter the body primarily via ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact, target the reproductive system in a size-dependent manner and disturb germ cell and other somatic cell development. Our study systematically reviewed the adverse effects of plastic particles on reproductive function and offers valuable insights into the different stages of germ cells and the potential mechanisms. Moreover, the synergistic reproductive toxicity of these particles and carried contaminants was summarized. Given the limited research scale, a shift toward innovative technologies and the adoption of multiple omics are recommended for advancing related studies. Further study is needed to explore the reproductive toxicity of MPs and NPs based on their size, polymer type, shape, and carried toxins, establish effective protective measures, and develop precision medicine for targeted reproductive damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Hong
- Department of Urology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Shengde Wu
- Department of Urology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China.
| | - Guanghui Wei
- Department of Urology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
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14
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Montano L, Giorgini E, Notarstefano V, Notari T, Ricciardi M, Piscopo M, Motta O. Raman Microspectroscopy evidence of microplastics in human semen. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 901:165922. [PMID: 37532047 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
The presence of microplastics (MPs) in human fluids and organs is a great concern, since, as highlighted by recent studies on animal models, they could cause alterations of several physiological functions, including reproduction. In this study, semen samples collected from men living in a polluted area of the Campania Region (Southern Italy), were analyzed to assess the presence of MPs. N. 16 pigmented microplastic fragments (ranging from 2 to 6 μm in size) with spheric or irregular shapes were found in six out of ten samples. All the detected MPs were characterized in terms of morphology (size, colour, and shape) and chemical composition by Raman Microspectroscopy. Chemical composition showed the presence of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polycarbonate (PC), polyoxymethylene (POM) and acrylic, suggesting ingestion and/or inhalation as a route of exposure to environmental MPs. In this work, we propose for the first time a mechanism by which MPs pass into the semen most likely through the epididymis and seminal vesicles, which are the most susceptible to inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Montano
- Andrology Unit and Service of Lifestyle Medicine in UroAndrology, Local Health Authority (ASL) Salerno, Coordination Unit of the Network for Environmental and Reproductive Health (Eco-Food Fertility Project), "S. Francesco di Assisi Hospital", 84020 Oliveto Citra, SA, Italy; PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Giorgini
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, DiSVA, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, AN, Italy
| | - Valentina Notarstefano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, DiSVA, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, AN, Italy.
| | - Tiziana Notari
- Check-Up PolyDiagnostics and Research Laboratory, Andrology Unit, Viale Andrea De Luca 5, 84131 Salerno, Italy
| | - Maria Ricciardi
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Marina Piscopo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Oriana Motta
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, SA, Italy
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15
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Li J, Jong MC, Gin KYH, He Y. Size-dominated biotoxicity of microplastics laden with benzophenone-3 and ciprofloxacin: Enhanced integrated biomarker evaluation on mussels. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 333:122018. [PMID: 37315882 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants with diverse sizes in aquatic environments. This paper investigates the toxicity of micron- and nano-scale polystyrene (50 μm, 5 μm, 0.5 μm) loaded with 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzophenone (BP-3) and ciprofloxacin (CIP) by eight biomarker responses in mussels, perna viridis. The mussels were exposed to MPs and chemicals for 7 days before 7 days of depuration. Eight biomarkers were measured to determine biotoxicity over time by using the weighted integrated biomarkers index evaluation (EIBR). Mussels exposed to MPs on a daily basis demonstrated a cumulative toxic effect. The toxicity of MPs for mussels was inversely related to the size at which they can be ingested. Then toxicity was reversed when exposure was halted. EIBR mold has shown a significant difference in the biotoxicity of each biological level under different exposure scenarios. In general, the mussel toxicity influenced by BP-3 and CIP exposure without an adsorbent was insignificant. MPs laden with them increased the toxicity of mussels. Under condition of lower concentration of ECs (Emerging contaminants), the presence of MPs as a component of a combined pollutant in water dominated the biotoxicity for mussels. The EIBR assessment further validated that the biotoxicity of mussels was size-dependent. Its application simplified the biomarkers' response index and enhanced the accuracy of evaluation by weighing on molecular, cellular and physiological level. Specifically, mussels were physiologically sensitive to nano-scale plastics, with nano-scale plastics causing a higher level of cellular immunity destruction and genotoxicity than micron-scale plastics. Enzymatic antioxidant systemswere upregulated based on size-differential plastics; however, the total antioxidant effect of non-enzymatic defenses appeared to be least affected by the size effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junnan Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China; Energy and Environmental Sustainability Solutions for Megacities, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise, Singapore, 138602, Singapore
| | - Mui-Choo Jong
- National University of Singapore Environment Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 1 Create Way, #15-02, Singapore, 138602, Singapore; Energy and Environmental Sustainability Solutions for Megacities, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise, Singapore, 138602, Singapore
| | - Karina Yew-Hoong Gin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Block E1A07-03, 1 Engineering Drive 2, Singapore, 117576, Singapore; Energy and Environmental Sustainability Solutions for Megacities, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise, Singapore, 138602, Singapore
| | - Yiliang He
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China; Energy and Environmental Sustainability Solutions for Megacities, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise, Singapore, 138602, Singapore.
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16
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Tanveer M, Mansha N, Nimra A, Khawar MB, Afzal A, Afzal H, Farooq M, Ehsan S, Rana R, Shahzaman S. Microplastics: unraveling the signaling pathways involved in reproductive health. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:95077-95085. [PMID: 37584803 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29273-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are biologically active environmental pollutants having significant impact on the ecosystem and human health. MPs have been reported to increase oxidative stress, resulting in tissue damage, developmental abnormalities, metabolic disorders, epigenetic changes, abnormal reproduction, and reduced gamete quality. At present, most of the existing literature has focused on the effects of MPs on the reproduction of various aquatic organisms; however, the effects of MPs on mammalian reproduction specifically humans are least studied except a few ones fragmentally discussing the effects of MPs on gametogenesis in human. This review discusses effects of MPs on male and female reproduction with a focus on different metabolic pathways involved in compromised gamete quality, gamete toxicity, apoptosis, and DNA damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Tanveer
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Nimra Mansha
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Afzal Nimra
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Environmental Health and Wildlife, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Babar Khawar
- Applied Molecular Biology and Biomedicine Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Narowal, Narowal, Pakistan
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental and, Translational Non-Coding RNA Research, Yangzhou, China
| | - Ali Afzal
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Hanan Afzal
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Farooq
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sadia Ehsan
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Rabbia Rana
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sara Shahzaman
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
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17
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Rizwan A, Ijaz MU, Hamza A, Anwar H. Attenuative effect of astilbin on polystyrene microplastics induced testicular damage: Biochemical, spermatological and histopathological-based evidences. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2023; 471:116559. [PMID: 37217007 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) are the potential environmental pollutants that possess the ability to induce testicular damage. Astilbin (ASB) is a dihydroflavonol, abundantly reported in multiple plants that has various pharmacological properties. This research elucidated the mitigative potential of ASB against PS-MPs-instigated testicular toxicity. 48 adult male rats (200 ± 10 g) were distributed into 4 groups (n = 12): control, PS-MPs received (0.01 mg/kg), PS-MPs + ASB received (0.01 mg/kg + 20 mg/kg) and ASB supplemented group (20 mg/kg). After 56th day of the trial, animals were sacrificed and testes were harvested for the estimation of biochemical, hormonal, spermatogenic, steroidogenic, apoptotic and histological profiles. PS-MPs intoxication significantly (P < 0.05) lowered glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GSR) as well as catalase (CAT) activities, whereas elevated MDA as well as ROS levels. Besides, the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) along with cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity were raised. PS-MPs treatment reduced luteinizing hormone (LH), plasma testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level besides decreased epididymal sperm number, viability, motility as well as the count of HOS coil-tailed spermatozoa and increased sperm morphological irregularities. PS-MPs exposure lowered steroidogenic enzymes (17β-HSD, 3β-HSD and StAR protein along with Bcl-2 expression, besides increasing Caspase-3 and Bax expressions and histopathological alterations in testicular tissues. However, ASB treatment significantly reversed PS-MPs mediated damage. In conclusion, ASB administration is protective against PS-MPs-instigated testicular damage owing to its anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, antioxidant and androgenic nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arooj Rizwan
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Umar Ijaz
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
| | - Ali Hamza
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Haseeb Anwar
- Department of Physiology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
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18
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Jaafarzadeh Haghighi Fard N, Mohammadi MJ, Jahedi F. Effects of nano and microplastics on the reproduction system: In vitro and in vivo studies review. Food Chem Toxicol 2023:113938. [PMID: 37429406 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.113938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs), as their name suggest, are tiny plastic particles. The negative impact of MPs as an emerging pollutant on humans is not hidden from anyone. Recent research on how this pollutant affects the reproductive system and how it enters the blood, placenta, and semen has attracted the attention of scientists. This review study deals with the reproductive toxicity of MPs particles in terrestrial animals, aquatic animals, soil fauna, human cells, and human placenta. In vitro and in vivo animal studies showed that MPs can lead to reduced fertility in men, reduced ovarian capacity, apoptosis of granulosa cells, or even reduced sperm motility. They cause oxidative stress and cell apoptosis and inflammatory effects. The results of these animal studies show that MPs may have similar effects on the human reproductive system. However, not much research has been done on human reproductive toxicity by MPs. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the toxicity of the reproductive system by MPs. The purpose of this comprehensive study is to express the importance of the impact of MPs on the reproductive system. These results provide new insight into the potential dangers of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neamatollah Jaafarzadeh Haghighi Fard
- Environmental Technologies Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Mohammadi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Faezeh Jahedi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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19
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Song X, Du L, Si M, Zou D, Qiu X. Effects of Micro(nano)plastics on the reproductive system: A review. CHEMOSPHERE 2023:139138. [PMID: 37285987 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (100nm-5 mm) and nanoplastics (1-100 nm) are collectively referred to as micro(nano)plastics (MNPs), which are refractory to degradation, easy to migration, small in size, strong in adsorption, and can widely present in human living environment. A number of studies have confirmed that MNPs can be exposed to the human body through a variety of routes, and can penetrate various barriers to enter the reproductive system, suggesting that MNPs may pose potential harm to human reproductive health. Current studies most were limited to phenotypic studies and their subjects were basically lower marine organisms and mammals. Therefore, in order to provide theoretical base for further exploring the effects of MNPs on the human reproductive system, this paper searched the relevant literature at home and abroad, mainly analyzed rodent experiments, and concluded that the main exposure routes of MNPs are dietary intake, air inhalation, skin contact and medical plastics. After entering the reproductive system, MNPs produce reproductive toxicity mainly through oxidative stress, inflammation, metabolic disorders, cytotoxicity and other mechanisms. More work is required to comprehensively identify the exposure routes, improve the detection methods to evaluate the effective exposure and deeply study the specific mechanisms of toxic effects, withing the aim of conducting relevant studies at the population level in the next step.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Song
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Chengdu BOE Hospital, Chengdu, 610219, China.
| | - Lixia Du
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chengdu BOE Hospital, Chengdu, 610219, China
| | - Maling Si
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Chengdu BOE Hospital, Chengdu, 610219, China
| | - Dan Zou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chengdu BOE Hospital, Chengdu, 610219, China
| | - Xihong Qiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chengdu BOE Hospital, Chengdu, 610219, China
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20
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Liu W, Zhang B, Yao Q, Feng X, Shen T, Guo P, Wang P, Bai Y, Li B, Wang P, Li R, Qu Z, Liu N. Toxicological effects of micro/nano-plastics on mouse/rat models: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1103289. [PMID: 37275491 PMCID: PMC10233117 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1103289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Micro/nano-plastics (MNPs) are considered a heterogeneous class of environmental contaminants that cause multiple toxic effects on biological species. As the commonly used mammalian models to study the effects of MNPs with regard to their toxic effects, the mouse and rat models are making a great contribution to the disciplines of environmental toxicology and medical health. However, the toxic effects of MNPs have not been systematically summarized. Therefore, a systematic review and a meta-analysis of the toxic effects of MNPs on mouse/rat models were conducted. A total of seven main categories were established in this systematic review, and 24 subcategories were further divided according to the specific physiological significance of the endpoint or the classification of the physiological system, which covered all the selected pieces of literature. A total of 1,762 biological endpoints were found, and 52.78% of them were significantly affected. This fact indicates that there are relative factors, including the size, polymer type, concentration, and exposure time of MNPs and different sexes of mouse/rat models that could significantly affect the biological endpoints. These biological endpoints can be classified into various factors, such as the dose-response relationships between MNP concentration and physiological categories of the nervous system, growth, reproduction, digestive tract histopathology, and inflammatory cytokine level, among others. MNPs negatively affected the blood glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and reproductive function in mice. The reproductive function in male mice is more sensitive to the toxic effects of MNPs. These findings also provide insights into and directions for exploring the evidence and mechanisms of the toxic effects of MNPs on human health. It is clear that more research is required on the pathological mechanisms at the molecular level and the long-term effects of tissue accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijia Liu
- Institute of Environment and Health, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Chronic Disease Risks Assessment, School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Bowen Zhang
- Institute of Environment and Health, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qianqian Yao
- Institute of Environment and Health, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xihua Feng
- Institute of Environment and Health, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tianling Shen
- Institute of Environment and Health, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Peisen Guo
- Institute of Environment and Health, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Panpan Wang
- Institute of Environment and Health, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yitong Bai
- Institute of Environment and Health, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Chronic Disease Risks Assessment, School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Bo Li
- Institute of Environment and Health, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Peixi Wang
- Institute of Environment and Health, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ruiling Li
- Institute of Environment and Health, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhi Qu
- Institute of Environment and Health, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Nan Liu
- Institute of Environment and Health, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Chronic Disease Risks Assessment, School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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21
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Saeed A, Akhtar MF, Saleem A, Akhtar B, Sharif A. Reproductive and metabolic toxic effects of polystyrene microplastics in adult female Wistar rats: a mechanistic study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:63185-63199. [PMID: 36961641 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26565-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics, such as polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs), have become an emerging environmental hazard for animals and humans. Long-term exposure to PS-MPs has led to neurotoxicity, reproductive dysfunction, and carcinogenesis. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of sub-chronic exposure of PS-MPs on metabolic and reproductive functions in female rats. The PS-MPs were prepared by cryogenic technique. The PS-MPs were given orally to female Wistar rats for 45 days at 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg/day. The average PS-MPs' size diameter was 876 nm. The PS-MPs administration resulted in a significant decrease in the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the liver and ovary. The effect of PS-MPs on reduced glutathione and lipid peroxidation in the liver and ovarian tissues of rats was statistically insignificant. The PS-MP exposure exhibited an increase in the levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein and decrease in high-density lipoprotein. The PS-MPs caused glucose intolerance and increase in insulin. Moreover, the PS-MP exposure increased follicle stimulating hormone, estradiol, and testosterone. Serum level of interleukin-6 and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) was elevated in animals treated with PS-MPs. The PS-MP exposed rats showed normal ovarian histology, but activated hepatic stellate cells and liver fibrosis. It is concluded that the sub-chronic exposure to PS-MPs resulted in metabolic and endocrine disruption in female rats through oxidative damage, hormonal imbalance, and chronic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anam Saeed
- Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Furqan Akhtar
- Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Ammara Saleem
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Bushra Akhtar
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Ali Sharif
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical and Allied Health Sciences, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan
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22
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Ijaz MU, Najam S, Hamza A, Azmat R, Ashraf A, Unuofin JO, Lebelo SL, Simal-Gandara J. Pinostrobin alleviates testicular and spermatological damage induced by polystyrene microplastics in adult albino rats. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 162:114686. [PMID: 37044025 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) have become major environmental pollutants that adversely effects multiple organs specifically testicles. Pinostrobin (PN) is an important flavonoid which, shows several pharmacological potentials. PURPOSE The current study was designed to elucidate the mitigative effects of PN against PS-MPs induced testicular toxicities in rats. METHODS 48 male albino rats were randomly distributed into 4 groups, control, PS-MPs group (0.01 mg/kg), PS-MPs + PN group (0.01 mg/kg of PS-MPs; 40 mg/kg of PN) and PN group (40 mg/kg). RESULTS PS-MPs intoxication substantially lessened the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GSR), superoxide dismutase (SOD) along with catalase (CAT) while, raised the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, PS-MPs reduced luteinizing hormone (LH), plasma testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentration, sperm motility, sperm count, expression of steroidogenic enzymes and Bcl-2 (anti-apoptotic protein) along with the count of spermatogenic cells. While, dead sperm count, sperm abnormalities (tail, neck and head), Bax and caspase-3 (apoptotic proteins) expression along with histopathological anomalies were elevated. Moreover, PS-MPs exposure increased the level of inflammatory markers. However, PN treatment considerably decreased oxidative stress (OS) by reducing ROS as well as increased sperm motility and alleviated all the damages induced by the PS-MPs. CONCLUSION Therefore, it is concluded that PN may prove a potential therapeutic candidate to restore all the PS-MPs-induced testicular toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Umar Ijaz
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Saira Najam
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Ali Hamza
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Rabia Azmat
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Asma Ashraf
- Department of Zoology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
| | - Jeremiah Oshiomame Unuofin
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Private Bag X06, Florida 1710, South Africa
| | - Sogolo Lucky Lebelo
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Private Bag X06, Florida 1710, South Africa
| | - Jesus Simal-Gandara
- Universidade de Vigo, Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Analytical Chemistry and Food Science Department, Faculty of Science, Ourense E32004, Spain.
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23
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Hassine MBH, Venditti M, Rhouma MB, Minucci S, Messaoudi I. Combined effect of polystyrene microplastics and cadmium on rat blood-testis barrier integrity and sperm quality. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:56700-56712. [PMID: 36928700 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26429-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The harmful effects of microplastics and Cd on the testicular activity of sexually mature rats are here documented. Oral treatment with both substances caused testicular impairment that was evidenced by histological and biomolecular alterations, such as MP accumulation in the seminiferous epithelium, imbalance of oxidative status, and reduced sperm quality. Importantly, the cytoarchitecture of the blood-testis barrier was compromised, as revealed by the down-regulation of protein levels of structural occludin, Van Gogh-like protein 2, and connexin 43 and activation of regulative kinases proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase and focal adhesion kinase. Interestingly, for the first time, MPs are reported to activate the autophagy pathway in germ cells, to reduce damaged organelles and molecules, probably in an attempt to avoid apoptosis. Surprisingly, the results obtained with the simultaneous Cd + MPs treatment showed more harmful effects than those produced by MPs alone but less severe than with Cd alone. This might be due to the different ways of administration to rats (oral gavage for MPs and in drinking water for Cd), which might favor the adsorption, in the gastrointestinal tract, of Cd by MPs, which, by exploiting the Trojan horse effect, reduces the bioavailability of Cd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majida Ben Hadj Hassine
- Laboratoire LR11ES41 Génétique Biodiversité Et Valorisation Des Bio-Ressourcés, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Rue Taher Haddad, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento Di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana E Funzioni Biologiche Integrate "F. Bottazzi, Università Degli Studi Della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli,", Via Costantinopoli, 16, 80138, Naples, NA, Italy
| | - Mariem Ben Rhouma
- Laboratoire LR11ES41 Génétique Biodiversité Et Valorisation Des Bio-Ressourcés, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Rue Taher Haddad, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Dipartimento Di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana E Funzioni Biologiche Integrate "F. Bottazzi, Università Degli Studi Della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli,", Via Costantinopoli, 16, 80138, Naples, NA, Italy.
| | - Imed Messaoudi
- Laboratoire LR11ES41 Génétique Biodiversité Et Valorisation Des Bio-Ressourcés, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Rue Taher Haddad, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
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24
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Amran NH, Zaid SSM, Meng GY, Salleh A, Mokhtar MH. Protective Role of Kelulut Honey against Toxicity Effects of Polystyrene Microplastics on Morphology, Hormones, and Sex Steroid Receptor Expression in the Uterus of Rats. TOXICS 2023; 11:324. [PMID: 37112551 PMCID: PMC10141738 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11040324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging global pollutant. Previous studies have revealed that chronic exposure to MPs can affect animal and human reproductive health, particularly by impairing the reproductive system's normal functions, which may increase the risk of infertility in both males and females. Kelulut honey (KH), an excellent source of antioxidants, has been used to counteract the disruptive effects of Polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) in the rat uterus. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of Kelulut honey against PS-MPs-induced uterine toxicity in pubertal rats. METHODS Prepubertal female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups (n = 8): (i) normal control group (NC: treated with deionized water), MPs-exposed group (M: exposed to PS-MPs at 2.5 mg/kg), (iii) Kelulut honey group (DM: pretreated with 1200 mg/kg of KH 30 minutes before they were administered with PS-MPs at 2.5 mg/kg), and (iv) Kelulut honey control group (DC: only treated with KH at 2.5 mg/kg). The rats were treated orally once daily for six consecutive weeks. RESULTS Uterine abnormalities in PS-MPs-exposed rats were significantly improved after concurrent treatment with Kelulut honey. Morphology improvement was observed and luminal epithelial cells seemed thicker with more goblet cells, glandular cells had a more regular and circular shape, stromal cell increased in size, interstitial gaps between stromal cells expanded, and the myometrium layer was thicker. Kelulut honey treatment also effectively normalized the suppressive effect of PS-MPs on the expression and distribution of sex steroid receptors (ERα and ERβ), as well as the level of serum gonadotropin (LH and FSH) and sex steroid (estradiol and progesterone) hormones. CONCLUSION Kelulut honey can protect the female reproductive system against the disruptive effects of PS-MPs. The phytochemical properties of Kelulut honey might be responsible for these beneficial benefits. However, future studies are warranted to identify the mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Hanisah Amran
- Department of Environment, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Siti Sarah Mohamad Zaid
- Department of Environment, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Goh Yong Meng
- Department of Veterinary Pre-Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Annas Salleh
- Department of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnostic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Helmy Mokhtar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
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25
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Sui A, Yao C, Chen Y, Li Y, Yu S, Qu J, Wei H, Tang J, Chen G. Polystyrene nanoplastics inhibit StAR expression by activating HIF-1α via ERK1/2 MAPK and AKT pathways in TM3 Leydig cells and testicular tissues of mice. Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 173:113634. [PMID: 36709824 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.113634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are widely found in water, food and air, and have been found in human blood, lung and feces. Several studies in vivo have shown that MPs and NPs decrease testosterone level. However, the molecular mechanism of MPs and NPs leading to testosterone reduction remains unclear. In the present study, mice were treated with 50 μg/kg·day polystyrene (PS)-NPs by tail vein injection once daily for two consecutive days, the mRNA and protein levels of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) decreased significantly in testis. TM3 Leydig cells were treated with non-toxic doses of PS-NPs, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) mRNA translation was induced by PS-NPs through mTOR/4E-BP1 pathway, which was activated by the ERK1/2 MAPK and AKT pathways. Simultaneously, increased HIF-1α protein inhibited StAR transcription. Additionally, reactive oxygen species production induced by PS-NPs played a central role in the activation of ERK1/2 MAPK/mTOR and AKT/mTOR signaling pathways. These results suggest that PS-NPs down-regulate StAR expression by increasing HIF-1α, which is induced by activation of mTOR/4E-BP1 through the ERK1/2 MAPK and AKT signaling pathways. Our findings provide new insight into the potential molecular mechanism by which PS-NPs impair testosterone synthesis and male reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiyi Sui
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, College of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226019, China
| | - Chenjuan Yao
- Department of Molecular Oral Physiology, Institute of Health Biosciences, University of Tokushima Graduate School, Tokushima-Shi, Tokushima, 770-8504, Japan
| | - Yanhong Chen
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, College of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226019, China
| | - Yanli Li
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, College of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226019, China
| | - Shali Yu
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, College of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226019, China
| | - Jianhua Qu
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, College of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226019, China
| | - Haiyan Wei
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, College of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226019, China
| | - Juan Tang
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, College of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226019, China.
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, College of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226019, China.
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26
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Zhao N, Zhao M, Jin H. Microplastic-induced gut microbiota and serum metabolic disruption in Sprague-Dawley rats. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 320:121071. [PMID: 36646405 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Toxic effects of exposure to microplastics (MPs) on living organisms and humans have attracted global concern. However, most previous studies exposed animals to only one type of MP (mainly polystyrene) to assess the health risk of MPs for animals. Therefore, we conducted a laboratory gavage experiment on rats based on the types and concentration of MPs to which humans are exposed in their daily life. The purpose of this study is to use Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat models to assess the potential health risks in mammals from co-exposure to various MPs. In the present study, SD rats were exposed to 12 mg/kg bw/day mixed-MPs (containing 10 types of MPs) for 42 days, and then examined the alteration of gut microbes and serum metabolites. The results showed that 6 gut microbes at the family level (f_Muribaculaceae, f_Oscillospiraceae, f_Bacteroidaceae, f_Neisseriaceae, f_Prevotellaceae, and f_Veillonellaceae) were significantly perturbed (t-test, p < 0.05) in rats after MP exposure. After MP intervention, 47 metabolites significantly regulated in SD rat serum, mainly including lipids and lipid-like molecules (e.g., fatty acids), organic acids and derivatives (e.g., phosphoric acids), and isoflavonoids (e.g., daidzein). These findings contribute to assessing the health risks of various MP co-exposure in mammals in the actual environment and provide a novel insight into the toxicity mechanism of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, PR China
| | - Meirong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, PR China
| | - Hangbiao Jin
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, PR China.
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27
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Wang W, Guan J, Feng Y, Liu S, Zhao Y, Xu Y, Xu H, Fu F. Polystyrene Microplastics Induced Ovarian Toxicity in Juvenile Rats Associated with Oxidative Stress and Activation of the PERK-eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP Signaling Pathway. TOXICS 2023; 11:toxics11030225. [PMID: 36976990 PMCID: PMC10057489 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11030225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Numerous reports confirm that microplastics exposure could induce reproductive toxicity in mammals. However, the effects of microplastics exposure during juveniles on ovarian apoptosis through oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stresses remains unclear, which is the focus of our study. In the present study, female rats (4 weeks old) were exposed to polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs, 1 μm) at different dosages (0, 0.5, and 2.0 mg/kg) for 28 days. Findings revealed that 2.0 mg/kg of PS-MPs distinctly increased the atretic follicle ratio in the ovary and dramatically reduced the serum levels of estrogen and progesterone. Additionally, the oxidative stress indicators declined, including the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase, whereas the malondialdehyde content in the ovary was considerably enhanced in the 2.0 mg/kg PS-MPs group. Furthermore, the expressions of genes related to ER stress (PERK, eIF2α, ATF4, and CHOP) and apoptosis were remarkably elevated in the 2.0 mg/kg PS-MPs group compared with those in the control group. We found that PS-MPs induced oxidative stress and activated the PERK-eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP signaling pathway in juvenile rats. Moreover, with the oxidative stress inhibitor N-acetyl-cysteine and eIF2α dephosphorylation blocker Salubrinal treatment, ovarian damage induced by PS-MPs was repaired and associated enzyme activities were improved. Overall, our results indicated that PS-MPs exposure induced ovarian injury associated with oxidative stress and activation of the PERK-eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP signaling pathway in juvenile rats, providing new prospects for assessing the health risks of children exposed to microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanzhen Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 235 Nanjing East Road, Nanchang 330047, China
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, 235 Nanjing East Road, Nanchang 330047, China
| | - Jiafu Guan
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 235 Nanjing East Road, Nanchang 330047, China
| | - Yueying Feng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 235 Nanjing East Road, Nanchang 330047, China
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, 235 Nanjing East Road, Nanchang 330047, China
| | - Shanji Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 235 Nanjing East Road, Nanchang 330047, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 235 Nanjing East Road, Nanchang 330047, China
| | - Yuanyuan Xu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 235 Nanjing East Road, Nanchang 330047, China
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, 235 Nanjing East Road, Nanchang 330047, China
| | - Hengyi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, 235 Nanjing East Road, Nanchang 330047, China
| | - Fen Fu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 235 Nanjing East Road, Nanchang 330047, China
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28
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Ijaz MU, Haider S, Tahir A, Afsar T, Almajwal A, Amor H, Razak S. Mechanistic insight into the protective effects of fisetin against arsenic-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3080. [PMID: 36813806 PMCID: PMC9947136 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30302-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Arsenic is one of the most hazardous environmental contaminants, which adversely affects the dynamics of male reproductive system. Fisetin (FIS) is a bioactive flavonoid, which is known to exert strong antioxidative effects. Therefore, the current research was planned to evaluate the alleviative efficacy of FIS against arsenic-induced reproductive damages. Forty-eight male albino rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 12), which were treated as follows: (1) Control, (2) Arsenic-intoxicated group (8 mg kg-1), (3) Arsenic + FIS-treated group (8 mg kg-1 + 10 mg kg-1), and (4) FIS-treated group (10 mgkg-1). After 56 days of treatment, the biochemical, lipidemic, steroidogenic, hormonal, spermatological, apoptotic and histoarchitectural profiles of rats were analyzed. Arsenic intoxication reduced the enzymatic activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GSR), in addition to glutathione (GSH) level. Conversely, the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were increased. Moreover, it escalated the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides and total cholesterol, while declining the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Furthermore, steroidogenic enzymes expressions, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD), 17β-HSD, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (CYP11A1) and 17α-hydroxylase/17, 20-lyase (CYP17A1), were found to be reduced, which brought down the level of testosterone. Besides, the levels of gonadotropins (LH and FSH) were decreased. Additionally, a decline in sperm mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), motility, epididymal sperm count and hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) coil-tailed sperms was observed, whereas the dead sperms and structural damages (head, midpiece and tail) of sperms were escalated. Moreover, arsenic exposure up-regulated the mRNA expressions of apoptotic markers, namely Bax and caspase-3, whereas lowered the expression of anti-apoptotic marker, Bcl-2. In addition, it induced histoarchitectural changes in testes of rats. However, FIS treatment resulted in remarkable improvements in testicular and sperm parameters. Therefore, it was inferred that FIS could serve as a therapeutic candidate against arsenic-generated male reproductive toxicity attributing to its anti-oxidant, anti-lipoperoxidative, anti-apoptotic, and androgenic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Umar Ijaz
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
| | - Saqlain Haider
- grid.413016.10000 0004 0607 1563Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Arfa Tahir
- grid.413016.10000 0004 0607 1563Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Tayyaba Afsar
- grid.56302.320000 0004 1773 5396Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Almajwal
- grid.56302.320000 0004 1773 5396Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Houda Amor
- grid.11749.3a0000 0001 2167 7588Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Saarland University Clinic, Homburg, Germany
| | - Suhail Razak
- Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Efficient extraction of small microplastic particles from rat feed and feces for quantification. Heliyon 2023; 9:e12811. [PMID: 36711289 PMCID: PMC9876835 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e12811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, microplastic is ubiquitously encountered in the environment. Studies analyzing microplastic in terrestrial ecosystems, including animal feces and feed, are few. Microplastic quantification method validation and harmonization are not yet far developed. For the analysis of small microplastic, approximately <0.5 mm, extraction from organic and inorganic materials is fundamental prior to quantitative and qualitative analysis. Method validation, including recovery studies, are necessary throughout the analytical chain. In this study, we developed an optimized, efficient protocol with a duration of 72 h for the digestion of laboratory rat feed and feces. A combination of a mild acidic (H2O2 15%; HNO3 5%) and an alkaline treatment (10% KOH) dissolving the previous filter, followed by enzymatic digestion (Viscozyme®L) proved to be efficient for the extraction and identification of spiked polyamide (15-20 μm) and polyethylene (40-48 μm) from feed and feces samples from rats, showing high recovery rates. Extracted rat feces samples from an in vivo study in which Wistar rats were fed with feed containing microplastic were analyzed with pyrolysis-gas chromatography-Orbitrap™ mass spectrometry, quantifying recovered microplastic in rat feces in environmentally relevant concentrations. The presented three-step protocol provides a suitable, time and cost-effective method to extract microplastic from rat feed and feces.
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30
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Hamza A, Ijaz MU, Anwar H. Rhamnetin alleviates polystyrene microplastics-induced testicular damage by restoring biochemical, steroidogenic, hormonal, apoptotic, inflammatory, spermatogenic and histological profile in male albino rats. Hum Exp Toxicol 2023; 42:9603271231173378. [PMID: 37122069 DOI: 10.1177/09603271231173378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The current research was performed to evaluate the ameliorative effects of Rhamnetin (RHM) on polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs)-instigated testicular dysfunction in male albino rats. 48 albino rats were distributed in four groups, i.e., control, PS-MPs treated, PS-MPs + RHM co-treated and RHM only supplemented group. PS-MPs exposure considerably reduced anti-oxidant enzymes i.e., catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSR), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GPx) activities. Whereas, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level along with malondialdehyde (MDA) was considerably escalated in PS-MPs treated rats as well as a potential decline was observed in sperm progressive motility. Additionally, a substantial upsurge was noticed in the count of dead sperms, deformity in the tail, mid-piece and head of sperms in PS-MPs treated rats. PS-MPs exposure also decreased steroidogenic enzymes, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) expressions. Moreover, the levels of inflammatory indices i.e., Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity were also increased in PS-MPs administrated group. Besides it increased the expression of apoptotic markers (Bax and caspase-3) expression. Whereas, anti-apoptotic marker i.e., Bcl-2 expression was reduced. Moreover, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) as well as plasma testosterone levels were also decreased. PS-MPs exposure also led to a substantial histopathological damage in testicular tissues. However, RHM supplementation potentially reduced the damaging effects of PS-MPs in the reproductive tissues of male albino rats. Thus, the current study revealed, RHM possesses potential to prevent PS-MPs-induced testicular damage due to its anti-oxidant anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory as well as androgenic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Hamza
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Umar Ijaz
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Haseeb Anwar
- Department of Physiology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
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Hu R, Yao C, Li Y, Qu J, Yu S, Han Y, Chen G, Tang J, Wei H. Polystyrene nanoplastics promote CHIP-mediated degradation of tight junction proteins by activating IRE1α/XBP1s pathway in mouse Sertoli cells. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 248:114332. [PMID: 36446169 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) widely exist in human living environment and enter the body through water, food chain and breathing. Several studies have shown that MPs or NPs disrupt the blood-testis barrier in rodents. However, the molecular mechanism by which MPs and NPs damage the blood-testis barrier remains unclear. In the present study, our aim was to investigate the molecular mechanism of the destruction of blood-testis barrier induced by polystyrene (PS)-NPs. Mice were treated with 50 μg/kg·day PS-NPs by tail vein injection once daily for two consecutive days. The results showed that PS-NPs exposure significantly decreased the levels of tight junction (TJ) proteins ZO-2, occludin and claudin-11 in testis of mice. In vitro, we used TM4 Sertoli cells to explore the underlying mechanism of the decrease in TJ proteins induced by PS-NPs. We found that PS-NPs activated IRE1α and induced its downstream XBP1 splicing, which in turn elevated the expression of the E3 ubiquitin ligase CHIP, then CHIP triggers proteasomal degradation of ZO-2, occludin, and claudin-11 proteins. Our findings suggest that IRE1α/XBP1s/CHIP pathway is a pivotal mechanism of TJ proteins degradation induced by PS-NPs in mouse Sertoli cells. In conclusion, our results reveal that the degradation of TJ proteins is one of the mechanisms of blood-testis barrier destruction caused by acute exposure to PS-NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runzhi Hu
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, College of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019, China
| | - Chenjuan Yao
- Department of Molecular Oral Physiology, Institute of Health Biosciences, University of Tokushima Graduate School, Tokushima-Shi, Tokushima 770-8504, Japan
| | - Yanli Li
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, College of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019, China
| | - Jianhua Qu
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, College of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019, China
| | - Shali Yu
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, College of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019, China
| | - Yu Han
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, College of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, College of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019, China.
| | - Juan Tang
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, College of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019, China.
| | - Haiyan Wei
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, College of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019, China.
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Yuan Y, Qin Y, Wang M, Xu W, Chen Y, Zheng L, Chen W, Luo T. Microplastics from agricultural plastic mulch films: A mini-review of their impacts on the animal reproductive system. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 244:114030. [PMID: 36058163 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plastic mulch films (PMFs) are widely used to improve crop quality and quantity. Although they provide a range of benefits, they degrade into widespread microplastics (MPs), which can cause an unavoidable risk of environmental problems. The residue of PMFs is a significant source of MPs in soils, which can then spread into various ecosystems and be easily absorbed by organisms due to their small size, and subsequently transported through food chain. Notably, MPs have been found in the human placenta, stool and blood, raising an urgent reminder of the potential dangers of MPs to human health. This review summarizes recent studies concerning the effects of MPs on the reproductive system in soil invertebrates, aquatic animals and rodents of both sexes and the mechanisms by which MPs affect the animal reproductive system. The studies on females demonstrated that MPs decrease oocyte quantity and quality, and induce ovary fibrosis, pyroptosis and apoptosis of granulosa cells. In addition, disrupted integrity of the blood-testis barrier, damaged spermatogenesis and compromised sperm quality have been shown in most studies on male animals. The studies on the mechanisms of these effects have provided evidence that MPs act on the animal reproductive system through reactive oxygen species-related mechanisms by initiating the Wnt/β-Catenin and NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathways in females, and the Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB, p38 MAPK and MAPK/Nrf2 pathways in males. Taken together, these studies reveal the reproductive toxicity of MPs from PMF on animals and serve as a reminder to properly dispose of PMF waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Yuan
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, PR China
| | - Yiwen Qin
- School of Software, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330047, PR China
| | - Meng Wang
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, PR China
| | - Wenqing Xu
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, PR China
| | - Ying Chen
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, PR China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology in Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, PR China
| | - Liping Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology in Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, PR China
| | - Wen Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, PR China.
| | - Tao Luo
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, PR China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology in Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, PR China.
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Toto B, Refosco A, O'Keeffe M, Barkhald ØH, Brønstad A, Lied GA, Yadetie F, Goksøyr A, Kögel T, Dierkes J. Intestinal permeability and gene expression after polyethylene and polyamide microplastic ingestion in Wistar rats. Toxicol Lett 2022; 370:35-41. [PMID: 36089169 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Microplastic particles are ubiquitous in the environment. However, little is known about their uptake and effects in humans or mammalian model organisms. Here, we studied the effects of pristine polyamide (15-20 µm) and polyethylene (40-48 µm) particles after oral ingestion in rats. The animals received feed containing microplastic particles (0.1% polyamide or polyethylene, or a mixture of both polymers) or a control diet without microplastic particles, for 5 weeks. The permeability of the duodenum was investigated in an Ussing chamber, whereas gene expression and concentration of tight junction proteins were measured in gut tissue and plasma. Microplastic particles were quantified by pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in rats' feces. Rats fed with microplastic particles had higher duodenal permeability. Expression of gene coding for the tight junction protein occludin (OCLN) was higher in PE treated animals compared to control or the PA group. No changes in the expression of the gene coding for zonula occludens protein 1 were detected. Occludin protein concentrations were below the limit of detection of the applied method in both gut and plasma. Zonula occludens protein 1 concentrations in the gut were significantly higher in groups exposed to PA and PE as compared to control, while zonula occludens protein 1 concentrations in plasma did not show significant changes. These results demonstrated that short-term exposure to a dose of 0.1% (w/w) microplastic particles in feed had limited effects on duodenal permeability, expression of pro-inflammatory protein genes and tight junction protein genes in the duodenum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benuarda Toto
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Centre for Nutrition, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Alice Refosco
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Centre for Nutrition, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Maria O'Keeffe
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Centre for Nutrition, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Aurora Brønstad
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Laboratory Animal Facility, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Gülen Arslan Lied
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Centre for Nutrition, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Fekadu Yadetie
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anders Goksøyr
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Tanja Kögel
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jutta Dierkes
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Centre for Nutrition, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Medical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Dubey I, Khan S, Kushwaha S. Developmental and reproductive toxic effects of exposure to microplastics: A review of associated signaling pathways. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:901798. [PMID: 36119356 PMCID: PMC9471315 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.901798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), small pieces of plastic (∼5 mm), are released into the environment not only as a result of the decomposition of large-sized plastics but also from day-to-day use of plastic products. Chronic exposure to MPs has been attributed to harmful effects on aquatic organisms and rodents. Effects include gastrointestinal toxicity, hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and reproductive and developmental toxicities. Exposure to MPs may also potentially affect human health. Herein, we reviewed the impact of MPs on male and female reproductive systems and the associated mechanisms involved in the reproductive and developmental toxicities of MPs. We performed a literature search in Google Scholar and PubMed using the following keywords: MPs and reproductive toxicity; MPs and developmental studies; MPs and infertility; MPs and aquatics; and MPs and rodents. Evidence of MPs accumulation has been reported in many organs of humans and experimental models. The harmful effects of MPs have been manifested in male and female reproductive systems of mammalian and aquatic animals, including developmental effects on gametes, embryos, and their offspring. This review describes various signaling pathways involved in MPs-associated male and female reproductive and developmental toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itishree Dubey
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Raebareli (NIPER-R), Transit Campus, Raebareli, India
| | - Sabbir Khan
- Department of Neuro-Oncology The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Sapana Kushwaha
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Raebareli (NIPER-R), Transit Campus, Raebareli, India
- *Correspondence: Sapana Kushwaha,
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Zhang C, Chen J, Ma S, Sun Z, Wang Z. Microplastics May Be a Significant Cause of Male Infertility. Am J Mens Health 2022; 16:15579883221096549. [PMID: 35608037 PMCID: PMC9134445 DOI: 10.1177/15579883221096549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the problematic degradation properties of plastics, the decomposition of
plastic results in the formation of numerous microplastics (MPs), less than 5 mm
in diameter. These MPs enter the soil and the ocean, eventually passing through
the air, water, or food chain back to the human body and harming human health.
In the last 80 years, male semen analysis parameters have shown a significant
decline for unknown reasons, speculated to be caused by pollutants. No studies
examined the relationship between human MP exposure and male infertility. In
this article, we reviewed the relevant animal experimental research literature
in recent years and calculated that the minimum human equivalent dose of MPs
leading to abnormal male semen quality is 0.016 mg/kg/d. The literature
comparison found that MP exposure in Japan and South Korea was close to this
value. These results suggest that MPs can affect male semen quality and that MPs
may significantly impact male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenming Zhang
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jianshe Chen
- Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Sicheng Ma
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zixue Sun
- Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zulong Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Jewett E, Arnott G, Connolly L, Vasudevan N, Kevei E. Microplastics and Their Impact on Reproduction—Can we Learn From the C. elegans Model? FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:748912. [PMID: 35399297 PMCID: PMC8987311 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.748912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Biologically active environmental pollutants have significant impact on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Microplastic (MP) and nanoplastic (NP) particles are pollutants that are present in the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems at virtually every level of the food chain. Moreover, recently, airborne microplastic particles have been shown to reach and potentially damage respiratory systems. Microplastics and nanoplastics have been shown to cause increased oxidative stress, inflammation, altered metabolism leading to cellular damage, which ultimately affects tissue and organismal homeostasis in numerous animal species and human cells. However, the full impact of these plastic particles on living organisms is not completely understood. The ability of MPs/NPs to carry contaminants, toxic chemicals, pesticides, and bioactive compounds, such as endocrine disrupting chemicals, present an additional risk to animal and human health. This review will discusses the current knowledge on pathways by which microplastic and nanoplastic particles impact reproduction and reproductive behaviors from the level of the whole organism down to plastics-induced cellular defects, while also identifying gaps in current knowledge regarding mechanisms of action. Furthermore, we suggest that the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans provides an advantageous high-throughput model system for determining the effect of plastic particles on animal reproduction, using reproductive behavioral end points and cellular readouts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elysia Jewett
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Gareth Arnott
- The Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Connolly
- The Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Nandini Vasudevan
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Eva Kevei
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Eva Kevei,
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The Pressing Issue of Micro- and Nanoplastic Contamination: Profiling the Reproductive Alterations Mediated by Oxidative Stress. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11020193. [PMID: 35204076 PMCID: PMC8868557 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11020193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) are among the most widely distributed pollutants in the environment. It has been suggested that exposure to MPs/NPs can trigger toxicity pathways among which inflammation and oxidative stress (OS) play a pivotal role. Once absorbed, MPs/NPs may act locally or access the bloodstream and, following the translocation process, reach several organs and tissues, including the gonads. Notably, MPs/NPs can bioaccumulate in human and murine placenta, opening new scenarios for toxicological evaluations. We review recent studies on the effects of MPs/NPs on the reproductive health in aquatic and terrestrial organisms of both sexes, focusing on the role of OS and the antioxidant defence system failure as the main underlying mechanisms. Alterations in gametogenesis, embryonic and offspring development, and survival have been shown in most studies and often related to a broken redox balance. All these detrimental effects are inversely related to particle size, whereas they are closely linked to shape, plastic polymer type, superficial functionalization, concentration, and time of exposure. To date, the studies provide insights into the health impacts, but no conclusions can be drawn for reproduction toxicity. The main implication of the few studies on antioxidant substances reveals their potential role in mitigating MP-induced toxic effects.
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Palaniappan S, Sadacharan CM, Rostama B. Polystyrene and Polyethylene Microplastics Decrease Cell Viability and Dysregulate Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Markers of MDCK and L929 Cells In Vitro. EXPOSURE AND HEALTH 2022; 14:75-85. [PMID: 34337190 PMCID: PMC8310682 DOI: 10.1007/s12403-021-00419-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous environmental pollutants that are a growing concern to many ecosystems, as well as human health. Many of the effects of microplastics on mammalian cells and tissues remain unknown. To address this, we treated L929 murine fibroblasts and Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cell lines with 1 μg/mL, 10 μg/mL, or 20 μg/mL of polyethylene (PE) or polystyrene (PS) microspheres in vitro for 6 and 24 h and measured the resulting changes in cell viability, metabolism, and transcriptional expression of inflammatory cytokines and antioxidant enzymes. We observed dose-dependent decreases in cell viability corresponding to increases in doses of both PE and PS. We conducted cell metabolism assays and observed dose-dependent increases in metabolism per cell with increasing doses of both PE and PS. Similarly, we also observed increased expression of the superoxide dismutase-3 gene (SOD3), indicating oxidative stress caused by the microplastics treatments. We also observed increased expression of TNFα, but decreased expression of IFNβ, suggesting different mechanisms by which the microplastics regulate inflammatory responses in mammalian cells. Our results contribute new data to the growing understanding of the effects of microplastics on mammalian cells and indicate complex cellular stress responses to microplastics in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bahman Rostama
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of New England, Biddeford, ME 04005 USA
- 11 Hills Beach Road, Stella Maris #408, Biddeford, ME 04005-9526 USA
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