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Plastic tableware use, microplastic accumulation, and sperm quality: from epidemiological evidence to FOXA1/p38
Jiayuan Qu1,2, Jiayue Zeng3, Li Mou4
1NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute, Chongqing, China.
Abstract:
Microplastics (MPs), as emerging contaminants, may adversely affect male reproductive health. This study investigated the potential association between MP accumulation in human semen and sperm quality. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms underlying MPs-induced sperm quality impairment were characterized using representative polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs), murine models, and spermatogonial cell cultures. Among 200 semen samples, the overall detection rate of MPs was 55.5% (111/200). A total of 128 MPs were identified in semen, with PS (32.03%) and PVC (36.72%) being the predominant microplastic polymers. Epidemiological analyses revealed a significant positive association between plastic tableware (PT) use frequency and MP accumulation in semen. Stratified analyses further revealed a strong association between total MPs exposure and reduced sperm concentration among individuals with BMI < 24 kg/m² and frequent PT use. In murine models, exposure to PS-MPs induced reduced sperm quality, elevated sperm abnormalities, and increased levels of autophagy and apoptosis. Mechanistically, PS-MPs activated the MAP3K1/p38/c-fos pathway via the transcription factor FOXA1, thereby inducing the autophagy and apoptosis of spermatogonia. Collectively, this study provides direct human evidence that MP accumulation in semen is associated with impaired sperm quality, particularly in individuals with certain lifestyle factors such as frequent PT use. Moreover, our findings further demonstrate the potential reproductive toxicity of MPs and, for the first time, elucidate the critical role of the FOXA1/MAP3K1/p38 cascade in PS-MPs-mediated decline in sperm quality.
Insights
Microplastic accumulation in human semen is linked to reduced sperm quality, especially with frequent plastic tableware use. Polystyrene microplastics trigger sperm cell damage via the FOXA1/MAP3K1/p38 pathway, impacting male reproductive health.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Sperm Biology
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) are emerging environmental contaminants.
- Potential adverse effects of MPs on male reproductive health are a growing concern.
- The presence and impact of MPs in human semen require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between MP accumulation in human semen and sperm quality.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of MP-induced sperm quality impairment.
- To identify lifestyle factors associated with MP accumulation in semen.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 200 human semen samples for MP detection and polymer identification.
- Epidemiological analysis correlating MP levels with lifestyle factors (e.g., plastic tableware use, BMI).
- In vivo (murine models) and in vitro (spermatogonial cell cultures) studies using polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) to assess toxicity and molecular pathways.
Main Results:
- MPs were detected in 55.5% of semen samples, with PS and PVC being predominant.
- Frequent plastic tableware use was significantly associated with higher MP accumulation in semen.
- MP exposure in mice led to reduced sperm quality, increased abnormalities, and elevated autophagy/apoptosis.
- PS-MPs activated the FOXA1/MAP3K1/p38/c-fos pathway, inducing spermatogonial cell autophagy and apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- Direct human evidence links MP accumulation in semen to impaired sperm quality.
- Frequent plastic tableware use is a significant risk factor for MP semen contamination.
- The study elucidates the FOXA1/MAP3K1/p38 signaling pathway as a critical mechanism in PS-MP-induced reproductive toxicity.
