1
|
Le VG, Nguyen MK, Lin C, Nguyen HL, Nguyen TQH, Hue NK, Truong QM, Chang SW, Nguyen XH, Nguyen DD. Review on personal protective equipment: Emerging concerns in micro(nano)plastic pollution and strategies for addressing environmental challenges. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 257:119345. [PMID: 38851370 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119345] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic was caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, marking one of the most catastrophic global health crises of the 21st century. Throughout this period, widespread use and improper disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE) emerged as a pressing environmental issue, significantly impacting various life forms. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a high rate of PEP disposal. An alarming 1.6 × 106 tons of plastic waste each day has been generated since the onset of the outbreak, predominantly from the inadequate disposal of PPE. The mismanagement and subsequent degradation of discarded PPE significantly contribute to increased non-biodegradable micro(nano)plastic (MNP) waste. This pollution has had profound adverse effects on terrestrial, marine, and aquatic ecosystems, which have been extensively of concern recently. Accumulated MNPs within aquatic organisms could serve as a potential route for human exposure when consuming seafood. This review presents a novel aspect concerning the pollution caused by MNPs, particularly remarking on their role during the pandemic and their detrimental effects on human health. These microplastic particles, through the process of fragmentation, transform into nanoparticles, persisting in the environment and posing potential hazards. The prevalence of MNP from PPE, notably masks, raises concerns about their plausible health risks, warranting global attention and comprehensive exploration. Conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the long-term effects of these processes and implementing effective management strategies is essential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Van-Giang Le
- Central Institute for Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, Vietnam National University (CRES-VNU), Hanoi, 111000, Viet Nam
| | - Minh-Ky Nguyen
- Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Nong Lam University, Hamlet 6, Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Viet Nam.
| | - Chitsan Lin
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, 81157, Taiwan
| | - Hoang-Lam Nguyen
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Tri Quang Hung Nguyen
- Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Nong Lam University, Hamlet 6, Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Nguyen K Hue
- Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Nong Lam University, Hamlet 6, Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Quoc-Minh Truong
- Faculty of Management Science, Thu Dau Mot University, Binh Duong, 75000, Viet Nam
| | - Soon W Chang
- Department of Civil & Energy System Engineering, Kyonggi University, Suwon, 16227, South Korea
| | - X Hoan Nguyen
- Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - D Duc Nguyen
- Department of Civil & Energy System Engineering, Kyonggi University, Suwon, 16227, South Korea; Institute of Applied Technology and Sustainable Development, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Glorio Patrucco S, Rivoira L, Bruzzoniti MC, Barbera S, Tassone S. Development and application of a novel extraction protocol for the monitoring of microplastic contamination in widely consumed ruminant feeds. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 947:174493. [PMID: 38969126 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Plastics and, in particular, microplastics (MPs) (< 5 mm) are emerging environmental pollutants responsible for interconnected risks to environmental, human, and animal health. The livestock sector is highly affected by these contaminants, with 50-60 % of the foreign bodies found in slaughtered domestic cattle being recognized as plastic-based materials. Additionally, microplastics were recently detected inside ruminant bodies and in their feces. MPs presence in ruminants could be explained by the intensive usage of plastic materials on farms, in particular to store feeds (i.e. to cover horizontal silos and to wrap hay bales). Although feed could be one of the main sources of plastics, especially of microplastics, a specific protocol to detect them in ruminant feeds is not actually present. Hence, the aim of this study was to optimize a specific protocol for the extraction, quantification, and identification of five microplastic polymers (high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polyamide fibers/particles, polyethylene terephthalate and polystyrene) from feeds typically used in ruminant diets (corn silage, hay, high protein feedstuff and total mixed ration). Several combinations of Fenton reactions and KOH digestion were tested. The final extraction protocol involved a KOH digestion (60 °C for 24 h), followed by two/three cycles of Fenton reactions. The extraction recoveries were of 100 % for high-density, low-density polyethylene, polyamide particles, and polystyrene and higher than 85 % for polyethylene terephthalate and polyamide fibers. Finally, the optimized protocol was successfully applied in the extraction of microplastics from real feed samples. All the feeds contained microplastics, particularly polyethylene, thus confirming the exposure of ruminants to MPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Glorio Patrucco
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Largo P. Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Luca Rivoira
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turin, Via Pietro Giuria 7, 10125 Turin, Italy.
| | | | - Salvatore Barbera
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Largo P. Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Sonia Tassone
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Largo P. Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang B, Junaid M, Imran M, Wei L, Chen G, Wang J. Environmental and Sublethal Concentrations of Polystyrene Nanoplastics Induced Antioxidant System, Transcriptomic Responses, and Disturbed Gut Microbiota in Oyster Magallana Hongkongensis. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024. [PMID: 38832813 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c02895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) are emerging contaminants having persistent nature, diverse ecological impacts, and potential food safety risks. Here, we examined the ecotoxicity of 80 nm polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) at environmentally relevant concentrations (ERCs, 10 and 100 μg/L), and sublethal concentrations (SLCs, 500 and 2500 μg/L) in Magallana hongkongensis. Results showed that SLCs significantly (p < 0.05) increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activities and altered tnfα, cat, gst, sod, and se-gpx genetic expressions. Further, PS-NP exposure at both levels reduced beneficial bacteria and increased potentially pathogenic bacteria in the gut. In transcriptomic analysis, 5118 and 4180 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified at ERCs, while 5665 and 4817 DEGs were found at SLCs, respectively. Upregulated DEGs enriched lysosomes, ABC transporters, and apoptosis pathways, while downregulated DEGs enriched ribosomal pathways. Overall, ERCs significantly altered gut microbiota and transcriptomic responses, while SLCs, in addition, also impacted the antioxidant and immune systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Muhammad Junaid
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Utilization and Conservation of Food and Medicinal Resources in Northern Region, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan 512005, China
| | - Muhammad Imran
- Department of Crop Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Liangfu Wei
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Utilization and Conservation of Food and Medicinal Resources in Northern Region, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan 512005, China
| | - Guanglong Chen
- Institute of Eco-Environmental Research, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China
| | - Jun Wang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
- Institute of Eco-Environmental Research, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Albendea P, Conchione C, Menegoz Ursol L, Moret S. A Study on Mineral Oil Hydrocarbons (MOH) Contamination in Pig Diets and Its Transfer to Back Fat and Loin Tissues. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1450. [PMID: 38791667 PMCID: PMC11117217 DOI: 10.3390/ani14101450] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This study assessed saturated mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOSH) and aromatic mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOAH) levels in grower-finisher feeds for pigs supplemented with 5% crude palm oil (CP), crude olive pomace oil (COP), olive pomace acid oil (OPA), or a blend of CP and OPA (50:50, w/w); the contribution of the lipid source to that contamination; and the ability of pigs to accumulate MOH in back fat and loin tissues after 60 days of trial. MOSH and MOAH were analyzed with liquid chromatography (LC)-gas chromatography (GC)-flame ionization detection (FID) after sample preparation. Among the lipid sources, CP had the lowest MOH levels, but CP feeds showed the highest contamination. This, along with the different MOSH profiles, indicated the presence of more significant contamination sources in the feeds than the lipid source. The higher MOH contamination in CP feeds was reflected in the highest MOSH levels in pig back fat, whereas MOAH were not detected in animal tissues. Also, MOSH bioaccumulation in pig tissues was influenced by the carbon chain length. In conclusion, feed manufacturing processes can determine the MOSH contamination present in animal adipose tissues that can be included in human diets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Albendea
- Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Chiara Conchione
- Department of Agri-Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; (C.C.); (L.M.U.); (S.M.)
| | - Luca Menegoz Ursol
- Department of Agri-Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; (C.C.); (L.M.U.); (S.M.)
| | - Sabrina Moret
- Department of Agri-Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; (C.C.); (L.M.U.); (S.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Paul I, Mondal P, Haldar D, Halder G. Beyond the cradle - Amidst microplastics and the ongoing peril during pregnancy and neonatal stages: A holistic review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:133963. [PMID: 38461669 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133963] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Advancements in research concerning the occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in human blood, sputum, urine, and breast milk samples have piqued the interest of the scientific community, prompting further investigation. MPs present in the placenta, amniotic fluid, and meconium raise concerns about interference with embryonic development, leading to preeclampsia, stillbirth, preterm birth, and spontaneous abortion. The challenges posed by MPs extend beyond pregnancy, affecting the digestive, reproductive, circulatory, immune, and central nervous systems. This has spurred scientists to examine the origins of MPs in distinct environmental layers, including air, water, and soil. These risks continue after birth, as neonates are continuously exposed to MPs through everyday items such as breast milk, cow milk and infant milk powder, as well as plastic-based products like feeding bottles and breast milk storage bags. It is the need of the hour to strike a balance amidst lifestyle changes, alternative choices to traditional plastic products, raising awareness about plastic-related health risks, and fostering collaboration between the scientific community and policymakers. This review aims to provide fresh insights into potential sources of MP pollution, with a specific focus on pregnancy and neonates. It is the first compilation of its kind so far that includes critical studies on recently reported discoveries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Indrani Paul
- Department of Biotechnology, Brainware University, Kolkata 700125, West Bengal, India
| | - Pritam Mondal
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Durgapur 713209, West Bengal, India
| | - Dibyajyoti Haldar
- Division of Biotechnology, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore 641114, India
| | - Gopinath Halder
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Durgapur 713209, West Bengal, India.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Corte Pause F, Urli S, Crociati M, Stradaioli G, Baufeld A. Connecting the Dots: Livestock Animals as Missing Links in the Chain of Microplastic Contamination and Human Health. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:350. [PMID: 38275809 PMCID: PMC10812800 DOI: 10.3390/ani14020350] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a global diffuse threat, especially considering its fragmentation into microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs). Since the contamination of the aquatic environment is already well studied, most studies have now focused on the soil. Moreover, the number of studies on the exposure routes and toxic effects of MNPs in humans is continuously increasing. Although MNPs can cause inflammation, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and immune toxicity in livestock animals, which can accumulate ingested/inhaled plastic particles and transfer them to humans through the food chain, research on this topic is still lacking. In considering farm animals as the missing link between soil/plant contamination and human health effects, this paper aims to describe their importance as carriers and vectors of MNP contamination. As research on this topic is in its early stages, there is no standard method to quantify the amount and the characteristics of MNPs in different matrices. Therefore, the creation of a common database where researchers can report data on MNP characteristics and quantification methods could be helpful for both method standardization and the future training of an AI tool for predicting the most abundant/dangerous polymer(s), thus supporting policy decisions to reduce plastic pollution and perfectly fitting with One Health principles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Corte Pause
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Via Delle Scienze 206, 33100 Udine, Italy; (F.C.P.); (S.U.)
| | - Susy Urli
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Via Delle Scienze 206, 33100 Udine, Italy; (F.C.P.); (S.U.)
| | - Martina Crociati
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via S. Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy;
- Centre for Perinatal and Reproductive Medicine, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Stradaioli
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Via Delle Scienze 206, 33100 Udine, Italy; (F.C.P.); (S.U.)
| | - Anja Baufeld
- Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Contino M, Ferruggia G, Indelicato S, Pecoraro R, Scalisi EM, Salvaggio A, Brundo MV. Sublethal Effects of Polystyrene Nanoplastics on the Embryonic Development of Artemia salina (Linnaeus, 1758). Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3152. [PMID: 37835758 PMCID: PMC10572060 DOI: 10.3390/ani13193152] [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: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Currents, wave motion, solar radiation, and abrasion are mechanisms responsible for the degradation of large plastic artifacts and contribute to the dispersion of micro and nanoplastics into aquatic ecosystems, which are, currently, the most dangerous threats due to their invisibility and persistence. The present work evaluated the possible lethal and sublethal effects of amino-modified polystyrene nanoplastics (nPS-NH2) with diameters of 50 nm and 100 nm on Artemia salina (A. salina), an organism at the base of the trophic chain of the aquatic system, using a widely used model for the analysis of embryotoxicity from environmental pollutants. For this purpose, after evaluating the biodistribution of nanoplastics in the body of the tested animals, several endpoints such as anomalies, apoptosis, and ROS production were assessed. In addition, particular attention was dedicated to evaluating the correlation between toxicity and the particle size tested. The results reported that, despite the absence of a lethal impact, several sublethal effects involving gut and body size malformations, as well as the enhancement of apoptosis and oxidative stress in relation to an increase in tested concentration and a decrease in nanoparticle size.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Contino
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124 Catania, Italy; (G.F.); (S.I.); (R.P.); (E.M.S.); (M.V.B.)
| | - Greta Ferruggia
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124 Catania, Italy; (G.F.); (S.I.); (R.P.); (E.M.S.); (M.V.B.)
| | - Stefania Indelicato
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124 Catania, Italy; (G.F.); (S.I.); (R.P.); (E.M.S.); (M.V.B.)
| | - Roberta Pecoraro
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124 Catania, Italy; (G.F.); (S.I.); (R.P.); (E.M.S.); (M.V.B.)
| | - Elena Maria Scalisi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124 Catania, Italy; (G.F.); (S.I.); (R.P.); (E.M.S.); (M.V.B.)
| | - Antonio Salvaggio
- Zooprophylactic Institute of Sicily “A. Mirri”, Via Gino Marinuzzi, 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Maria Violetta Brundo
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124 Catania, Italy; (G.F.); (S.I.); (R.P.); (E.M.S.); (M.V.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Haque MK, Uddin M, Kormoker T, Ahmed T, Zaman MRU, Rahman MS, Rahman MA, Hossain MY, Rana MM, Tsang YF. Occurrences, sources, fate and impacts of plastic on aquatic organisms and human health in global perspectives: What Bangladesh can do in future? ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:5531-5556. [PMID: 37382719 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01646-0] [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: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Bangladesh is not an exception to the growing global environmental problem of plastic pollution. Plastics have been deemed a blessing for today's world thanks to their inexpensive production costs, low weight, toughness, and flexibility, but poor biodegradability and massive misuse of plastics are to blame for widespread contamination of the environmental components. Plastic as well as microplastic pollution and its adverse consequences have attracted significant investigative attention all over the world. Plastic pollution is a rising concern in Bangladesh, but scientific studies, data, and related information are very scarce in numerous areas of the plastic pollution problem. The current study examined the effects of plastic and microplastic pollution on the environment and human health, and it examined Bangladesh's existing knowledge of plastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems in light of the rapidly expanding international research in this field. We also made an effort to investigate the current shortcomings in Bangladesh's assessment of plastic pollution. This study proposed several management approaches to the persistent plastic pollution problem by analyzing studies from industrialized and emerging countries. Finally, this work pushed investigators to investigate Bangladesh's plastic contamination thoroughly and develop guidelines and policies to address the issue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Kamrul Haque
- Institute of Bangabandhu War of Liberation Bangladesh Studies, National University, Dhaka, 1209, Bangladesh
| | - Minhaz Uddin
- Department of Environmental Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Tapos Kormoker
- Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, New Territories, 999077, Hong Kong.
| | - Tareq Ahmed
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological Science, University of London, Birkbeck, UK
| | - Md Rahat Uz Zaman
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, 3100, Bangladesh
| | - M Safiur Rahman
- Chemistry Division, Atomic Energy Centre, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, Shahbag, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Md Ashekur Rahman
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Md Yeamin Hossain
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh.
| | - Md Masud Rana
- Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Yiu Fai Tsang
- Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, New Territories, 999077, Hong Kong
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Contino M, Ferruggia G, Indelicato S, Pecoraro R, Scalisi EM, Bracchitta G, Dragotto J, Salvaggio A, Brundo MV. In Vitro Nano-Polystyrene Toxicity: Metabolic Dysfunctions and Cytoprotective Responses of Human Spermatozoa. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12040624. [PMID: 37106824 PMCID: PMC10136234 DOI: 10.3390/biology12040624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquitous spread of Polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) has rendered chronic human exposure an unavoidable phenomenon. The biodistribution of such particles leads to bioaccumulation in target organs including the testis, the site of sperm maturation. The purpose of this research has been to estimate the impact of PS-NPs (50 and 100 nm) on the metabolism of mature spermatozoa. The analysis of the semen parameters has revealed a higher toxicity of the smaller sized PS-NPs, which have negatively affected major organelles, leading to increased acrosomal damage, oxidative stress with the production of ROS, DNA fragmentation, and decreased mitochondrial activity. PS-NPs of 100 nm, on the other hand, have mainly affected the acrosome and induced a general state of stress. An attempt has also been made to highlight possible protective mechanisms such as the expression of HSP70s and their correlation among various parameters. The results have evinced a marked production of HSP70s in the samples exposed to the smaller PS-NPs, negatively correlated with the worsening in oxidative stress, DNA fragmentation, and mitochondrial anomalies. In conclusion, our results have confirmed the toxicity of PS-NPs on human spermatozoa but have also demonstrated the presence of mechanisms capable of counteracting at least in part these injuries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Contino
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Greta Ferruggia
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Stefania Indelicato
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Roberta Pecoraro
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Elena Maria Scalisi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanni Bracchitta
- U.O. Fisiopatologia della Riproduzione Umana-Clinica del Mediterraneo, 97100 Ragusa, Italy
| | - Jessica Dragotto
- U.O. Fisiopatologia della Riproduzione Umana-Clinica del Mediterraneo, 97100 Ragusa, Italy
| | - Antonio Salvaggio
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Sicily "A. Mirri", 90129 Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Violetta Brundo
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
| |
Collapse
|