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Published on: March 6, 2018
Male reproductive toxicity of polystyrene microplastics: Study on the endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling pathway
Siyue Wen1, Yanbiao Chen1, Yizhou Tang1
1State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330047, China.
Abstract:
Microplastics (MPs) have raised health concerns in public for its potential reproductive toxicity. In this study, we subjected the Kunming mice to 0.01, 0.1 and 1.0 mg/day polystyrene MPs (10 μm, PS-MPs) for 35 days, aiming to investigate the relevant male reproductive toxicity and latent molecular mechanism. The results showed the decreased sperm counts and motility, while the elevated sperm abnormality in PS-MPs-exposed mice. Testicular H&E staining displayed the vacuolization, atrophy, and even shedding of germ cells in seminiferous tubule. And the testosterone content in serum also decreased with PS-MPs treatment. Moreover, molecular analysis indicated that PS-MPs upregulated the expression trait factors for ERS (e.g., immunoglobulin-binding protein [BIP], inositol-requiring protein 1α [IRE1α], X-box-binding protein 1 splicing [XBP1s], Jun kinase [JNK], and the transcription of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) homologous protein [CHOP]) and downstream apoptotic modulator (e.g., Caspase-12, -9, and -3) in the testis. The steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), the testosterone synthetic initiator, was also downregulated. With the supplementation of ERS inhibitor, the MPs-induced testicular damage and decreased testosterone were improved to almost normal level. Overall, this study suggested that PS-MPs generate reproductive toxicity possibly via activating ERS and apoptosis signaling pathway.
Insights
Polystyrene microplastics exposure in mice reduced sperm quality and testosterone levels. This reproductive toxicity is linked to endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis, but can be mitigated by ERS inhibitors.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Reproductive Biology
- Molecular Mechanisms
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) are emerging environmental contaminants of concern.
- Potential reproductive toxicity of MPs, particularly polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs), requires detailed investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the male reproductive toxicity of PS-MPs in Kunming mice.
- To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms, focusing on endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Kunming mice were exposed to varying doses of PS-MPs (0.01, 0.1, 1.0 mg/day) for 35 days.
- Evaluated sperm parameters (count, motility, abnormality), testicular histology (H&E staining), serum testosterone levels, and molecular markers of ERS and apoptosis.
- Investigated the effect of an ERS inhibitor on PS-MPs-induced toxicity.
Main Results:
- PS-MPs exposure led to decreased sperm count and motility, and increased sperm abnormality.
- Testicular histology revealed vacuolization, atrophy, and germ cell shedding.
- Reduced serum testosterone levels and downregulation of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR).
- Upregulation of ERS markers (BIP, IRE1α, XBP1s, JNK, CHOP) and apoptotic factors (Caspase-12, -9, -3) in testes.
- ERS inhibitor treatment ameliorated PS-MPs-induced testicular damage and testosterone reduction.
Conclusions:
- Polystyrene microplastics induce male reproductive toxicity in mice.
- The toxicity is associated with the activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis signaling pathways in the testis.
- Targeting ERS may offer a therapeutic strategy against microplastic-induced reproductive harm.
