Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 15, 2026
Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants
Published on: March 6, 2018
Reproductive toxicity of polystyrene microplastics: In vivo experimental study on testicular toxicity in mice
Baolian Hou1, Fangyi Wang1, Tao Liu1
1Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China.
Abstract:
Microplastics (MPS) are widespread in our environment and have a potential impact on the reproductive development of humans and mammals. In this study, we evaluated the effect of 5 µm polystyrene microplastics(PS-MPS) on spermatogenesis in mice. The damage by PS-MPS to epididymal sperm was studied using blood cell counts. The results showed that the number of viable epididymis sperm after PS-MPS exposure was significantly reduced. Using Duff-Quik staining, we found that the PS-MPS exposure increased the rate of sperm deformity. The testis is an important organ responsible for normal spermatogenesis. HE and TUNEL staining showed atrophy, shedding, and apoptosis of sperm cells at all levels of the testis after exposure to PS-MPS. Western blot and qPCR analysis were used to detect Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB. The results showed that after PS-MPS exposure, the expression of the pro-inflammatory molecule NF-κB and that of the inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 increased significantly, whereas that of the anti-inflammatory molecule Nrf2/HO-1 decreased. These results indicate that the abnormal sperm quality in ICR mice caused by PS-MPS exposure is closely related to the Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB pathway.
Insights
Exposure to polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPS) significantly reduces viable sperm count and increases sperm deformity in mice. This damage is linked to inflammation and apoptosis in testicular cells via the Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB pathway.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants.
- Potential impacts of MPs on mammalian reproductive health are a growing concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of 5 µm polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPS) on spermatogenesis in mice.
- To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms, including inflammatory pathways.
Main Methods:
- Mice were exposed to PS-MPS.
- Sperm quality was assessed via epididymal sperm counts and deformity rates (Duff-Quik staining).
- Testicular tissue damage was evaluated using Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) and TUNEL staining.
- Molecular analysis involved Western blot and qPCR to detect Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB pathway components.
Main Results:
- PS-MPS exposure significantly reduced the number of viable epididymal sperm and increased sperm deformity.
- Testicular histology revealed atrophy, shedding, and apoptosis of sperm cells.
- Inflammatory markers (NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-6) were significantly upregulated, while anti-inflammatory markers (Nrf2/HO-1) were downregulated.
Conclusions:
- Polystyrene microplastics induce abnormal sperm quality in mice.
- The observed reproductive toxicity is associated with the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB inflammatory pathway.
