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Updated: Jul 1, 2025
A Hyperandrogenic Mouse Model to Study Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Published on: October 2, 2018
Combined effects of polystyrene nanoplastics and lipopolysaccharide on testosterone biosynthesis and inflammation in
Yanli Li1, Yingqi Liu2, Yanhong Chen1
1Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, College of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019, China.
Abstract:
Microplastics (MPs)/nanoplastics (NPs), as a source and vector of pathogenic bacteria, are widely distributed in the natural environments. Here, we investigated the combined effects of polystyrene NPs (PS-NPs) and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) on testicular function in mice for the first time. 24 male mice were randomly assigned into 4 groups, control, PS-NPs, LPS, and PS-NPs + LPS, respectively. Histological alterations of the testes were observed in mice exposed to PS-NPs, LPS or PS-NPs + LPS. Total sperm count, the levels of testosterone in plasma and testes, the expression levels of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) decreased more remarkable in testes of mice treated with PS-NPs and LPS than the treatment with LPS or PS-NPs alone. Compared with PS-NPs treatment, LPS treatment induced more sever inflammatory response in testes of mice. Moreover, PS-NPs combined with LPS treatment increased the expression of these inflammatory factors more significantly than LPS treatment alone. In addition, PS-NPs or LPS treatment induced oxidative stress in testes of mice, but their combined effect is not significantly different from LPS treatment alone. These results suggest that PS-NPs exacerbate LPS-induced testicular dysfunction. Our results provide new evidence for the threats to male reproductive function induced by both NPs and bacterial infection in human health.
Insights
Polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) worsen lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced testicular dysfunction in mice. This study highlights the combined risks of nanoplastics and bacterial infections to male reproductive health.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Microplastics and nanoplastics are ubiquitous environmental contaminants.
- Pathogenic bacteria can colonize and be transported by microplastics/nanoplastics.
- The combined impact of nanoplastics and bacterial components on male reproductive health is largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the synergistic effects of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) on testicular function in a mouse model.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying PS-NPs and LPS-induced testicular damage, including inflammation and oxidative stress.
Main Methods:
- Male mice were exposed to PS-NPs, LPS, or a combination of both.
- Histological examination of testicular tissues was performed.
- Sperm count, plasma and testicular testosterone levels, and StAR expression were quantified.
- Inflammatory markers and indicators of oxidative stress were assessed.
Main Results:
- PS-NPs and LPS exposure induced significant histological alterations in the testes.
- Combined PS-NPs and LPS treatment led to a greater decrease in sperm count, testosterone levels, and StAR expression compared to individual treatments.
- LPS induced a more severe inflammatory response than PS-NPs alone, and this was exacerbated by co-exposure to PS-NPs.
- Both PS-NPs and LPS induced oxidative stress, but their combined effect was not significantly different from LPS alone.
Conclusions:
- Polystyrene nanoplastics exacerbate LPS-induced testicular dysfunction in mice.
- The findings suggest that co-exposure to nanoplastics and bacterial infections poses a significant threat to male reproductive health.
- This research provides critical insights into the combined environmental and biological risks to human health.
