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Combined exposure to titanium nanoparticles and nanoplastics damages the male reproductive system and sperm activity
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This study assessed the effects of combined TiO2 nanoparticles and polystyrene nanoplastics on male reproductive function in animal models, finding that co-exposure caused greater damage to sperm motility, testicular structure, and hormone levels than either material alone. The results raise concerns about combined environmental exposure to two common industrial nanomaterials.
Plastics (PS) and titanium (Ti) are utilized extensively in industrial, household, and medical applications due to their advantageous physicochemical properties. However, these materials have given rise to growing concerns regarding their biosafety. In this study, we investigated the impact of TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) and nanoplastics (nPS) on the reproductive function of male zebrafish (Danio rerio). Following a 30-day exposure period, the accumulation of both TiO2 NPs and nPS in testicular tissue was observed. Male zebrafish demonstrated significant decreases in secondary sexual characteristics, substantial reductions in sex hormone levels, and impaired sperm quality. While these effects were evident following individual exposures to either TiO2 NPs or nPS, co-exposure significantly intensified the extent of reproductive toxicity. Furthermore, the offspring of exposed males displayed pronounced developmental toxicity. Subsequent RNA sequencing analysis revealed significant upregulation of apoptosis-related genes in testicular tissue after exposure. Concomitant in vitro investigations employing GC-1 spermatogonial cells substantiated that co-exposure instigated apoptosis, plausibly through the activation of the PPARγ/RIPK3 signaling pathway. Collectively, our findings provide robust evidence that co-exposure to TiO2 NPs and nPS compromises male zebrafish reproductive function and induces transgenerational developmental toxicity, offering important theoretical insights for the prevention and risk assessment of emerging environmental co-contaminants.
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Combined effect of polystyrene nanoplastic and di-n-butyl phthalate on testicular health of male Swiss albino mice: analysis of sperm-related parameters and potential toxic effects
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This mouse study found that combined exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics and a common plasticizer chemical (DBP) caused worse damage to male reproductive health than either substance alone. The combination significantly reduced sperm quality, lowered antioxidant defenses, and damaged testicular tissue over 60 days. These findings are concerning because people are often exposed to both nanoplastics and plasticizer chemicals at the same time through food packaging and everyday products.
TiO2 nanoparticles combined with polystyrene nanoplastics aggravated reproductive toxicity in female mice via exacerbating intestinal barrier disruption
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Researchers found that co-exposure to TiO2 nanoparticles and polystyrene nanoplastics aggravated reproductive toxicity in female mice by disrupting the intestinal barrier, suggesting synergistic harmful effects from combined nanomaterial exposure.
Combined effects of polystyrene nanoplastics and lipopolysaccharide on testosterone biosynthesis and inflammation in mouse testis
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Researchers found that polystyrene nanoplastics combined with bacterial toxins (LPS) caused worse damage to mouse testicles than either substance alone, reducing sperm count, lowering testosterone levels, and increasing inflammation. Since microplastics in the environment can carry bacteria and their toxins, this combination exposure is realistic. The findings suggest that nanoplastic pollution could amplify the reproductive harm caused by bacterial infections in males.
Co-exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics and hexachlorocyclohexane induces enhanced human sperm toxicity in vitro
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Scientists found that when human sperm are exposed to both tiny plastic particles (nanoplastics) and a pesticide chemical at the same time, it causes much more damage than either substance alone. The combination severely reduced sperm's ability to swim and function properly, which could contribute to male fertility problems. This suggests that the growing presence of microplastics in our environment might make other harmful chemicals even more dangerous to reproductive health.
Polystyrene nanoparticles enhance the adverse effects of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate on male reproductive system in mice
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Researchers investigated the combined reproductive toxicity of polystyrene nanoparticles and the plasticizer DEHP in male mice over 35 days. The study found that co-exposure to nanoparticles and DEHP produced enhanced adverse effects on sperm quality and testicular tissue compared to either substance alone, suggesting nanoplastics may amplify the endocrine-disrupting effects of plasticizers.
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