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Disruption of early embryonic development in mice by polymethylmethacrylate nanoplastics in an oxidative stress mechanism
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Researchers found that nanoplastics made from polymethylmethacrylate (acrylic glass material) severely disrupted early embryo development in mice. The tiny particles entered embryo cells within 30 minutes and caused oxidative stress that reduced embryo quality and implantation rates by up to 70%. This study raises concerns that nanoplastics circulating in the body could threaten reproductive health and early pregnancy.
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) has been used in many products, such as acrylic glass, and is estimated to reach 5.7 million tons of production per year by 2028. Thus, nano-sized PMMA particles in the environment are highly likely due to the weathering process. However, information on the hazards of nanoplastics, including PMMA in mammals, especially reproductive toxicity and action mechanism, is scarce. Herein, we investigated the effect of PMMA nanoplastics on the female reproductive system of mice embryos during pre-implantation. The treated plastic particles in embryos (10, 100, and 1000 μg/mL) were endocytosed into the cytoplasm within 30 min, and the blastocyst development and indices of embryo quality were significantly decreased from at 100 μg/mL. Likewise, the transfer of nanoplastic-treated embryos at 100 μg/mL decreased the morula implantation rate on the oviduct of pseudopregnant mice by 70%, calculated by the pregnant individual, and 31.8% by the number of implanted embryos. The PMMA nanoplastics at 100 μg/mL significantly increased the cellular levels of reactive oxygen species in embryos, which was not related to the intrinsic oxidative potential of nanoplastics. This study highlights that the nanoplastics that enter systemic circulation can affect the early stage of embryos. Thus, suitable action mechanisms can be designed to address nanoplastic occurrence.
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Polystyrene nanoparticles impair endometrial decidualization in early pregnant mice via oxidative stress-driven autophagy suppression and ferroptosis induction
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In mice, tiny plastic particles called nanoplastics disrupted the womb's ability to prepare for pregnancy by triggering cell stress that damages cells and blocks their natural cleanup process. This led to fewer successful embryo implantations, suggesting nanoplastic exposure could be a hidden risk factor for early pregnancy problems, though more research is needed to confirm this happens in humans.
Transcriptomic analysis of preimplantation mouse embryos exposed to nanoplastics using RNA sequencing
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Researchers exposed mouse embryos at the earliest developmental stage to nanoplastics made of polymethylmethacrylate and performed RNA sequencing at the four-cell stage. They found concentration-dependent disruptions, with lower doses affecting DNA damage repair and transcriptional regulation genes, while higher doses altered genes involved in apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and blastocyst formation. The study suggests that nanoplastic exposure during preimplantation development can compromise genome integrity and embryonic viability.
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.
Maternal exposure to polystyrene nanoparticles retarded fetal growth and triggered metabolic disorders of placenta and fetus in mice
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Researchers exposed pregnant mice to polystyrene nanoplastics through drinking water and found that higher concentrations led to significantly reduced fetal weight. The nanoplastics caused abnormal cell structures in the placenta and disrupted metabolic processes in both placental tissue and fetal livers. The study suggests that maternal nanoplastic exposure during pregnancy can cross the placental barrier and interfere with normal fetal growth and metabolism.
Exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics impairs sperm metabolism and pre-implantation embryo development in mice
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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.
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