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Chronic toxic effects of polystyrene microplastics on reproductive parameters of male rats

Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology 2022 56 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 55 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.

Ifenna Ilechukwu, Chinedu J. Okonkwo, Ifenna Ilechukwu, Ifenna Ilechukwu, Ifenna Ilechukwu, Ifenna Ilechukwu, Ifenna Ilechukwu, Ben Enoluomen Ehigiator, Chinedu J. Okonkwo, Ifenna Ilechukwu, Ben Enoluomen Ehigiator, Inemesit Okon Ben, Chinedu J. Okonkwo, Ifenna Ilechukwu, Oluwakemi S. Olorunfemi, Oluwakemi S. Olorunfemi, Ifenna Ilechukwu, Uchechukwu Emmanuel Modo, Chibuamam Ezinwanneamaka Ilechukwu, Chibuamam Ezinwanneamaka Ilechukwu, Ngozika Juliet Ohagwa, Ifenna Ilechukwu, Ngozika Juliet Ohagwa

Summary

Researchers studied the chronic toxic effects of polystyrene microplastics on the reproductive system of male rats over 90 days. The study found significant reductions in sperm volume, motility, epididymal count, and serum testosterone levels, along with disrupted testicular architecture and decreased antioxidant capacity. The findings suggest that chronic microplastic exposure may adversely affect male reproductive parameters in mammals.

Polymers

Body Systems

Reproductive

Models

Rat

Microplastics have become a significant environmental concern. However, information on toxicity of microplastics in terrestrial organisms is limited. In this study, the chronic toxic effects of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on the reproductive system and serum antioxidants of male albino Wistar rats fed for 90 days with standard rat feed containing 1-10% granules of crushed polystyrene disposable plates were evaluated. Significant reductions in volume, motility, epididymal sperm count and serum testosterone level were observed. Histological examination of testicular architecture showed distorted testes with vacuolated seminiferous tubules at the highest percentage, together with increased catalase and decreased superoxide dismutase activities. This study showed that ingestion of PS-MPs caused reproductive dysfunction in male rats and contributes to understanding the potential toxicity of microplastics in terrestrial animals.

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