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Article Tier 2 Human Health Effects Nanoplastics Reproductive & Development Sign in to save

Exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics impairs sperm metabolism and pre-implantation embryo development in mice

Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology 2025 10 citations

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This study found that male mice given polystyrene nanoplastics by mouth showed significant harm to sperm function and early embryo development, with changes in gene expression that could affect offspring. The findings raise concerns that nanoplastic exposure could impair male fertility and potentially pass harmful effects to the next generation.

Polymers
Body Systems
Models

In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the oral gavage administration of polystyrene nanoplastics to male mice significantly affects male reproductive function, resulting in abnormalities in early embryonic development and alterations in associated gene expression profiles. These findings offer essential scientific insights for future research into sperm-mediated transgenerational effects and their impact on early embryonic development.

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Maternal exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics during gestation and lactation induces hepatic and testicular toxicity in male mouse offspring

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Researchers exposed pregnant and nursing mice to polystyrene nanoplastics and studied the effects on their male offspring. The offspring showed reduced body weight, liver damage with inflammation and disrupted sugar metabolism, and testicular harm including decreased sperm counts. The findings suggest that nanoplastic exposure during pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause significant organ damage in the next generation.

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Oral exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics reduced male fertility and even caused male infertility by inducing testicular and sperm toxicities in mice

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Researchers fed male mice polystyrene nanoplastics of different sizes (25, 50, and 100 nm) for 56 days and found that all sizes reduced fertility and some caused complete infertility. The nanoplastics accumulated in the testes, causing oxidative stress, cell death, and inflammation that damaged sperm and reproductive tissue. This study raises concerns that human exposure to nanoplastics through food and water could contribute to declining male fertility.

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Transcriptome and proteome analyses reveal the mechanisms involved in polystyrene nanoplastics disrupt spermatogenesis in mice

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Using advanced genetic and protein analysis, researchers found that polystyrene nanoplastics disrupted sperm production in male mice after 28 days of exposure. The nanoplastics reduced sperm count and movement, damaged the structure of sperm-producing tubes, triggered cell death, and lowered hormone levels needed for male fertility. This study provides detailed molecular evidence for how nanoplastic exposure could contribute to male reproductive problems.

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Toxicity to the Male Reproductive System after Exposure to Polystyrene Nanoplastics: A Macrogenomic and Metabolomic Analysis

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Researchers exposed male mice to polystyrene nanoplastics of different sizes through their drinking water for four months and found significant harm to reproductive function. The nanoplastics disrupted gene activity and metabolic pathways in the gut, which was linked to reduced sperm quality and testicular damage. The study suggests that long-term nanoplastic exposure through drinking water may pose risks to male reproductive health.

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Prenatal and postnatal exposure to polystyrene microplastics induces testis developmental disorder and affects male fertility in mice

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Researchers exposed pregnant mice and their offspring to polystyrene microplastics from gestation through early life and found significant disruption to testicular development and male reproductive function. The exposed males showed reduced sperm quality, lower testosterone levels, and structural damage to testicular tissue. The study suggests that early-life microplastic exposure may have lasting effects on male fertility.

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