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Co-exposure of cadmium and polystyrene nanoplastics: Induction pyroptosis and autophagy in mice testis
Summary
Researchers investigated the combined effects of cadmium and polystyrene nanoplastics on mouse testicular tissue. The study found that co-exposure produced more severe testicular damage than either substance alone, driven by the interplay between pyroptosis (inflammatory cell death) and autophagy. Inhibiting one of these cellular processes affected the other, suggesting they are closely interconnected in the toxicity response to nanoplastic and heavy metal co-exposure.
The results indicated substantial testicular injury in mice exposed to Cd and/or PSNPs, with co-exposure producing more pronounced toxicity than single-agent treatment. Both Cd and PSNPs altered the expression of genes and proteins implicated in pyroptosis and autophagy. In TM4 cells, pyroptosis and autophagy induced by Cd and PSNPs were closely interconnected. Specifically, inhibition of autophagy by 3-MA exacerbated pyroptosis, while inhibition of pyroptosis by YVAD attenuated the autophagic response to Cd and PSNPs exposure. In conclusion, co-exposure to Cd and PSNPs exacerbates testicular damage in mice compared to single exposures, a process regulated by the intricate cross-talk between pyroptosis and autophagy.
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