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Published on: October 2, 2018
Low-dose polystyrene microplastics exposure impairs fertility in male mice with high-fat diet-induced obesity by
Dajun Gao1, Caoxu Zhang2, Huaqi Guo3
1Department of Urology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.
Abstract:
The harmful effects of microplastics (MPs) on male fertility are receiving more and more attention. However, the impact of low-dose MPs exposure on the reproductive function of male mice is still unclear. In this study, we exposed male mice to low-dose MPs (25-30 μg/kg body weight/day) or low-dose MPs combined with high-fat diet (HFD) feeding. Our results showed that low-dose MPs exposure or HFD feeding significantly reduced sperm quality and the number of offspring born, while low-dose MPs exposure combined with HFD feeding further enhanced the above effects. The combination of low-dose MPs exposure and HFD feeding resulted in a notable elevation of inflammatory level within the prostate of mice and induced apoptosis of prostate epithelium and a decrease in nutrients (zinc, citrate) in seminal plasma fluid. Our findings in this study could provide valuable clues for better understanding the influence of low-dose MPs exposure on the reproductive system under metabolic disorders and facilitate the development of the prevention of reproductive toxicity caused by MPs exposure.
Insights
Low-dose microplastics (MPs) and high-fat diets (HFD) harm male fertility. Combining MPs and HFD worsens sperm quality, reduces offspring, and increases prostate inflammation and apoptosis.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Reproductive Biology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) pose increasing risks to male reproductive health.
- The effects of low-dose MPs exposure on male fertility remain largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of low-dose MPs exposure on male mouse reproductive function.
- To assess the combined effects of low-dose MPs and high-fat diet (HFD) on male fertility.
Main Methods:
- Male mice were exposed to low-dose MPs (25-30 μg/kg/day) alone or with HFD.
- Evaluated sperm quality, offspring numbers, prostate inflammation, apoptosis, and seminal plasma nutrient levels.
Main Results:
- Low-dose MPs or HFD alone reduced sperm quality and offspring.
- Combined MPs and HFD exposure exacerbated these negative effects.
- Combined exposure elevated prostate inflammation, induced prostate epithelial apoptosis, and decreased seminal zinc and citrate.
Conclusions:
- Low-dose MPs exposure, especially with HFD, significantly impairs male reproductive function.
- Metabolic disorders may exacerbate MPs' reproductive toxicity.
- Findings aid in understanding and preventing MPs-induced reproductive toxicity.
