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Impact of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on the entire female mouse reproductive cycle: Assessing reproductive toxicity of microplastics through in vitro follicle culture
Summary
Female mice exposed to polystyrene microplastics suffered significant damage to their reproductive systems, including ovarian cell death, abnormal egg development, and fewer offspring. The microplastics accumulated in the ovaries and triggered cell death pathways while disrupting survival signaling in the cells that support egg development, suggesting microplastic exposure could contribute to declining fertility.
This study aims to investigate the effects of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on the entire female reproductive cycle and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying their adverse impact on female ovaries. Additionally, it develops an in vitro follicle culture system as a novel methodological approach to evaluate reproductive toxicity, mimicking in vivo reproductive outcomes. First, PS-MPs were characterized using FTIR spectroscopy, TEM, and fluorescence microscopy. To assess reproductive toxicity, female mice were exposed to polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) at a dose of 30 mg/kg with an average particle size of 1 μm for 35 days. As a result, PS-MPs accumulated in the ovaries, leading to increased follicular atresia and apoptosis of granulosa cells. TEM revealed abnormal mitochondrial morphology in granulosa cells. Post-superovulation treatment, significant differences were noted in the number of ovulated metaphase II (MII) oocytes, spindle chromosome integrity, mitochondrial patterns, and ROS levels compared to controls. Mating with PS-MPs-exposed females led to fewer offspring. The in vitro follicle culture system proved promising for assessing PS-MPs reproductive toxicity. Immunohistochemistry showed increased Cleaved Caspase 3 and decreased Bcl2 levels in PS-MPs-treated groups, indicating apoptosis in granulosa cells. PS-MPs activate JNK and ERK pathways to mediate cell death, while impairing AKT signaling, reducing granulosa cell survival and ovarian function. This study highlights PS-MPs adverse reproductive effects and aids in developing strategies to protect female reproductive health.