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Induction of Male Reproductive Toxicity in Mice by Differentially Charged Polystyrene Microplastics
Summary
This study exposed male mice to polystyrene microplastics carrying different surface charges (positive, negative, or neutral) and found that all types caused reproductive toxicity, including damage to sperm quality and testicular tissue. Surface charge influenced the severity and mechanism of harm, with positively charged particles showing the strongest effects, suggesting that the chemical surface properties of microplastics — not just particle size — determine their toxicity. These findings are concerning given widespread human exposure to microplastics via food, water, and air, and the ongoing global decline in male fertility.
Xinghua Yu*, Rui Yao, Shumin Zhou, Ge Meng, Amali Upekshika Wijayaraja, Lei Yao, Jiaxue Shuai, Pengyu Gu, Hongsu Wang and Fei Sun*Prof. X. Yu, R. Yao, S. Zhou, G. Meng, A. Wijayaraja, L. Yao, J Shuai, Prof. P. Gu, Prof. F. SunDepartment of Urology & Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China.E-mail: yuxinghua@zju.edu.cn; sunfeisrrsh@zju.edu.cn;R. YaoWenzhou Medical University, School of Optometry&Ophthalmology, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China.Prof. H. WangCollege of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China.Keywords: surface charge, polystyrene microplastics, male reproduction, toxicity, mammals
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