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Polystyrene Microplastics Exposure Disrupts Blood-Testis Barrier Via Oma1-Dependent Cleavage of Dele1 and Protective Effect of N-Acetylcysteine in Mice
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Scientists exposed pregnant mice to nanoplastics (tiny plastic particles found in our environment, blood, and even placentas) and found their male offspring had slowed growth before birth, hit puberty earlier, and had reduced fertility as adults. The nanoplastics appeared to disrupt key genes and cells needed for normal testicle development and hormone production. While this is animal research, it adds to growing evidence that plastic exposure during pregnancy could affect a baby's reproductive development later in life.
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