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Gut microbiota participates in polystyrene microplastics-induced defective implantation through impairing uterine

Jiani Sun1, Lulu Geng1, Dan Zhou1

  • 1Centre for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.

Journal of Environmental Management
|March 18, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Microplastic exposure in mice impaired uterine receptivity and implantation by altering gut microbiota and inducing ferroptosis. This study highlights the critical role of gut bacteria in microplastic-induced reproductive toxicity.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Reproductive Biology
  • Microbiome Research

Background:

  • Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants with potential human health risks.
  • The impact of microplastic exposure on female reproductive health is not well understood.
  • Gut microbiota alterations are increasingly linked to various health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of oral polystyrene microplastic (PS-MP) exposure on female reproductive health in a mouse model.
  • To explore the role of gut microbiota changes in mediating these effects.
  • To determine if ferroptosis is involved in microplastic-induced reproductive impairment.

Main Methods:

  • Oral administration of PS-MPs to mice to create an exposure model.
  • Assessment of uterine receptivity and implantation success.
  • Fecal sample analysis using metagenomic sequencing to profile gut microbiota.
  • Detection of ferroptosis markers (MDA, ferroptosis-related proteins).

Main Results:

  • PS-MP exposure led to impaired uterine receptivity and defective implantation in mice.
  • Accumulation of PS-MPs was observed in the intestines.
  • Significant alterations in gut microbiota structure and function were detected, with an increase in Alistipes and ACSL genes.
  • Evidence of ferroptosis activation, indicated by increased MDA levels and ferroptosis-related proteins.

Conclusions:

  • Oral exposure to microplastics impairs female reproductive health, specifically uterine receptivity and implantation.
  • Gut microbiota dysbiosis plays a crucial role in microplastic-induced reproductive toxicity.
  • Ferroptosis is a key mechanism underlying microplastic-induced reproductive impairment.
Keywords:
Female reproductive healthFerroptosisGut microbiotaMicroplasticsUterine receptivity

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