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Exposure to Polystyrene Nanoplastics Compromise Ovarian Reserve Function and Endometrial Decidualization in Early Pregnant Mice
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Female mice exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics for 90 days before pregnancy had fewer successful pregnancies, smaller pups, and damaged ovaries with reduced egg counts. The nanoplastics disrupted key reproductive hormones and interfered with the uterine process needed for embryo implantation. This study raises concerns that nanoplastic exposure through food and water could harm female fertility and pregnancy outcomes in humans.
In the environment, nanoplastics (NPs) have been shown to adversely impact reproductive health, yet research on their effects during early pregnancy is scarce. This study investigated the impact of NPs on endometrial decidualization in early pregnant mice and fertility. Female mice were administered polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) orally for 90 days before pregnancy. Our findings indicated that PS-NPs exposure decreased the live birth rate and neonatal crown-rump length. Decreased embryo implantation sites and uterine wet weight were observed post PS-NPs exposure. Histological examination revealed structural defects in the uteri of early pregnant mice and a significant reduction in follicular count across all stages in the PS-NPs-treated groups. Serum levels of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) were elevated, while follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were diminished post-exposure. Additionally, PS-NPs exposure upregulated the expression of the endometrial decidualization marker HOXA10 in uterine decidua. In conclusion, our results suggest that exposure to PS-NPs may disrupt endometrial decidualization during early pregnancy. This disruption is likely due to the perturbation of hormonal balance within the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary including FSH, LH, E2, and P levels. These hormonal alterations may arrest follicular development, consequently leading to detrimental pregnancy outcomes and compromised neonatal birth conditions. Our study provided a new perspective on understanding the possible effects of microplastics on female fertility.
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Maternal exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics during gestation and lactation caused fertility decline in female mouse offspring
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When pregnant mice were exposed to nanoplastics during pregnancy and nursing, their female offspring had significantly reduced fertility as adults. The nanoplastics caused premature activation of egg cells in the ovaries and damaged crucial connections between eggs and their supporting cells. This raises concerns that a mother's exposure to nanoplastics could have lasting effects on her daughters' ability to have children.
Effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on the female reproductive system in mice: Implications for ovarian function and follicular development
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Researchers exposed female mice to polystyrene nanoplastics orally for 29 days and examined the effects on their reproductive systems. They found that nanoplastic exposure disrupted estrous cycles, impaired follicle development, and altered hormone levels in a dose-dependent manner. The study suggests that nanoplastics, due to their extremely small size, may cross biological barriers and accumulate in reproductive tissues, raising concerns about potential effects on fertility.
Polystyrene microplastics impaired decidualization in mice via oxidative stress and inflammation and disrupted the reproductive function of their female offspring
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Mouse experiments found that polystyrene microplastics impaired uterine decidualization and embryo implantation via oxidative stress and inflammation, and that maternal PS-MP exposure also disrupted the reproductive function of female offspring.
The ovarian-related effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on human ovarian granulosa cells and female mice
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This study tested the effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on both human ovarian cells in the lab and on female mice. The nanoplastics accumulated in ovarian tissue, caused cell death, disrupted hormone levels, and reduced egg quality and fertility in mice. These findings suggest that nanoplastic exposure could threaten female reproductive health by damaging the ovaries.
Maternal exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics leads to ovotoxicity in female mouse offspring
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Researchers exposed pregnant mice to polystyrene nanoplastics throughout mating, pregnancy, and nursing, then examined the ovaries of their female offspring. They found that maternal nanoplastic exposure significantly reduced ovarian weight and follicle numbers in the offspring and lowered the expression of key antioxidant genes. The study suggests that nanoplastic exposure during pregnancy may pose risks to the reproductive development of female offspring.
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