We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Transcriptome and proteome analyses reveal the mechanisms involved in polystyrene nanoplastics disrupt spermatogenesis in mice
AI summary Read the abstract
Using advanced genetic and protein analysis, researchers found that polystyrene nanoplastics disrupted sperm production in male mice after 28 days of exposure. The nanoplastics reduced sperm count and movement, damaged the structure of sperm-producing tubes, triggered cell death, and lowered hormone levels needed for male fertility. This study provides detailed molecular evidence for how nanoplastic exposure could contribute to male reproductive problems.
Nanoplastics have been demonstrated to be reproductively toxic to mammals. However, the mechanisms of nanoplastics induce reproductive damage in mammals, especially their effects on spermatogenesis, remain elusive. Herein, we explored the effects and underlying mechanisms of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) on the testicular development of male mice after 28 days of exposure, representing the first systematic study of PS-NPs-induced male reproductive injury by integrating histomorphology, transcriptomics and proteomics. PS-NPs decreased the sperm concentration, sperm motility, and disrupted the structure of the seminiferous tubules of the mice. Besides, transcriptome and proteome analyses revealed that PS-NPs disrupted spermatogenesis by inhibiting the transcription of Prm3/Tnp1/Aurkc/Mea1/Mettl14 and the expression of Pmfbp1/Ggn/Fsip2. Furthermore, PS-NPs enabled Hsd3b5 protein expression to reduce dihydrotestosterone levels, and affected sperm flagellar assembly by decreasing the expression of Dnah8/Tekt5/Rsph6a. Moreover, PS-NPs induced testicular cell apoptosis by up-regulating the expression of cathepsins (B/F/H). In addition, PS-NPs destroyed tight junctions by reducing the expression of the Claudin family (3/5/15). In conclusion, PS-NPs can disrupt spermatogenesis by altering the expression patterns of transcriptome and proteome, inducing testicular cell apoptosis and destroying tight junctions.
More Papers Like This
Exploring the Biological Effects of Polystyrene Nanoplastics on Spermatogenesis: Insights From Transcriptomic Analysis in Mouse Spermatocytes
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed mouse spermatocytes to polystyrene nanoplastics and observed membrane disruption, mitochondrial damage, increased oxidative stress, and DNA damage within 24 hours. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 134 genes with altered expression, many linked to critical reproductive processes like sperm development and mitochondrial organization. The study suggests that nanoplastic exposure may interfere with male reproductive health at the cellular and genetic level.
Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis reveals the underlying mechanisms for male reproductive toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics in mouse spermatocyte-derived GC-2spd(ts) cells
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis to investigate how polystyrene nanoplastics affect mouse spermatocyte cells. They found that nanoplastic exposure disrupted lipid metabolism, triggered oxidative stress, and activated cell death pathways in the reproductive cells. The study suggests that nanoplastic exposure may pose risks to male reproductive health by interfering with critical metabolic and gene expression processes in developing sperm cells.
Exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics impairs sperm metabolism and pre-implantation embryo development in mice
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
The mouse model of induced sperm DNA damage caused by polystyrene microplastics exhibited distinct transcriptomic and proteomic features
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers established a mouse model of polystyrene microplastic-induced sperm DNA damage by administering 1 mg/kg/day for 60 days, which significantly elevated the sperm DNA fragmentation index, and characterized the transcriptomic and proteomic profiles associated with this reproductive toxicity.
Polystyrene microplastics cause reproductive toxicity in male mice
AI summary Read the abstract
Male mice exposed to polystyrene microplastics for six weeks showed significant reproductive damage, including reduced sperm count and motility, lower testosterone levels, and visible tissue damage in the testes. The microplastics caused oxidative stress and triggered cell death pathways in the reproductive tissue. These findings add to growing evidence that microplastic exposure could contribute to declining male fertility.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.