We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
The Effect of Sub-Acute Inhalation Exposure to Polyethylene and Polyvinyl Chloride Micro-Nano Plastics on the Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Level and Malondialdehyde (MDA) Level in Rat Ovary
Summary
Researchers exposed rats to sub-acute inhalation of polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride micro-nano plastics and measured superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in ovarian tissue as markers of oxidative stress. Plastic inhalation significantly elevated MDA and reduced SOD in ovarian tissue, indicating that inhaled microplastics induce oxidative damage in female reproductive organs.
Plastic is a synthetic or semi-synthetic organic polymer that is widely used in daily life and in industrial production. Microplastics are widespread contaminants and can enter the human body through the consumption of foods containing microplastics, inhalation of microplastics in the air, and skin contact with microplastic particles present in products. Microplastics can enter the ovaries as foreign bodies and can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and even ovarian granulosa cell death. Polyethylene plastic shards generally have a higher ability to absorb environmental toxins than other types of plastic. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is one of the oldest thermoplastic polymers that is often used as water pipes. PVC has carcinogenic monomers and some harmful additives. This study aims to determine the effect of subacute exposure to micro-nanoplastics per inhalation on SOD and MDA levels in rat ovaries. The research method used is a true experimental design with a Randomize Post Test Only Group Design research design. This study used the ovarian organs of female white rats that had been exposed to PVC and PE for 28 days. The number of samples used in this study amounted to 18 female rats. Subacute exposure to micro-nanoplastics per inhalation can lower SOD levels and significantly increase MDA levels in rat ovaries. This study is expected to provide knowledge and an overview for future research on the mechanism of toxicity of micro-nanoplastic exposure that has an impact on female infertility through free radicals in the ovaries.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Is microplastic an oxidative stressor? Evidence from a meta-analysis on bivalves
Microplastics induce time-dependent oxidative stress in bivalves, with antioxidant enzymes (GPx, GST, SOD) increasing during short-term exposure but declining after long-term exposure, while glutathione levels and catalase activity remained elevated throughout and may serve as reliable biomarkers of sublethal microplastic effects.
Sub-acute polyethylene microplastic inhalation exposure induced pulmonary toxicity in wistar rats through inflammation and oxidative stress
Researchers exposed rats to airborne polyethylene microplastics through inhalation for 28 days and found significant signs of lung damage. The exposed animals showed increased inflammation markers, elevated oxidative stress, and tissue changes in the lungs compared to controls. The study provides evidence that breathing in microplastic particles from degraded plastic bags and bottles may cause pulmonary toxicity.
Uptake of Breathable Nano- and Micro-Sized Polystyrene Particles: Comparison of Virgin and Oxidised nPS/mPS in Human Alveolar Cells
Researchers found that environmentally aged (oxidised) nano- and microplastics were rapidly taken up by human lung cells and caused significantly greater DNA damage, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial impairment compared to pristine particles, highlighting the heightened health risks of weathered airborne plastics.
Exposure to microplastics leads to a defective ovarian function and change in cytoskeleton protein expression in rat
Researchers exposed female rats to polystyrene microplastics over multiple reproductive cycles and found, for the first time, that the particles accumulated in different parts of the ovarian tissue. The microplastics reduced ovarian weight, disrupted the normal development of egg follicles, altered the reproductive cycle, and lowered estrogen levels. The study suggests these effects are driven by oxidative stress and changes in key structural proteins within the ovary.
Concerning influences of micro/nano plastics on female reproductive health: focusing on cellular and molecular pathways from animal models to human studies
This review summarizes research showing that micro- and nanoplastics can harm the female reproductive system in multiple ways, from reducing ovarian reserves and disrupting hormone balance to accumulating in the placenta and breast milk. Animal studies show these particles trigger oxidative stress and inflammation in reproductive tissues, and human studies have confirmed their presence in placental tissue and infant feces, raising concerns about effects on fertility and fetal development.