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The mouse model of induced sperm DNA damage caused by polystyrene microplastics exhibited distinct transcriptomic and
Chenming Zhang1, Xiaofei Han2, Yifei Wang2
1Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, PR China; The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan 450099, PR China.
Abstract:
Polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) are extensively utilized in plastic goods worldwide. The ingestion of PS-MPs has resulted in a high rate of DNA fragmentation index (DFI), which can potentially result in infertility and recurrent spontaneous abortion. This study established and characterized a mouse model of polystyrene microplastic (PS-MP)-induced sperm DNA damage (DnaD), and concurrently analyzed the associated transcriptomic and proteomic profiles. Over a period of 60 days, male mice assigned to the PS group were given PS-MPs at a dose of 1 mg/kg/d while the control group was administered an equivalent volume of normal saline. Sperm DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) was then assessed using the Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA).The testis was examined using RNA-seq and data-independent acquisition (DIA) to detect the patterns of mRNA and protein expression. The PS group exhibited an significant increase in the sperm DFI. Compared with the control group, 874 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 164 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified in the PS group. These included Agt, Gstt1, Fetub, Akr1c12, Eln, Gaa, Ppic and Ltbp2. The PI3K/Akt and metabolic pathways exhibited significant enrichment of these genes. After a 60-day period of intragastric injection, our findings indicated that the administration of PS-MPs at a 1 mg/kg/d dosage can lead to DnaD in the sperm of male mice. The metabolic and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways could be associated with the reproductive toxicity of PS-MPs. SUMMARY SENTENCE: The intake of PS-MPs mainly reduces DFI in mice via the metabolic and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways.
Insights
Polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) increase sperm DNA damage in male mice. This reproductive toxicity is linked to alterations in metabolic and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways, potentially impacting fertility.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants.
- PS-MP ingestion is linked to increased sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI), potentially causing infertility and spontaneous abortion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and characterize a mouse model of PS-MP-induced sperm DNA damage (DnaD).
- To analyze the transcriptomic and proteomic profiles associated with PS-MP exposure.
- To identify the molecular pathways involved in PS-MP reproductive toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Male mice were administered PS-MPs (1 mg/kg/d) or saline for 60 days.
- Sperm DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) was assessed using the Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA).
- Testicular transcriptomic (RNA-seq) and proteomic (DIA) analyses were performed.
Main Results:
- PS-MP exposure significantly increased DFI in male mice.
- 874 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 164 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified in the PS-MP group.
- Enrichment analysis revealed significant involvement of PI3K/Akt and metabolic pathways.
Conclusions:
- PS-MP administration at 1 mg/kg/d induces sperm DNA damage in male mice.
- Metabolic and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways are implicated in PS-MP-induced reproductive toxicity.
- These findings highlight the potential risks of PS-MPs to male reproductive health.
