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Astragalus Polysaccharides Ameliorate the Toxic Effects of Polystyrene Nanoplastics on Boar Sperm
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Scientists found that tiny plastic particles called nanoplastics can damage sperm cells by causing harmful chemical reactions, but a natural compound from the Astragalus plant can help protect against this damage. This study used pig sperm in lab dishes, so we don't know yet if the same protection would work in humans. The findings matter because microplastics are everywhere in our environment and food, and this research suggests natural antioxidants might help reduce their potential harm to reproductive health.
Polystyrene nanoplastics are known to exert impact on the mammalian reproductive system, primarily via oxidative damage; however, the specific mechanisms underlying these effects have yet to be determined. Here, the mechanisms responsible for the oxidative damage experienced by mammalian sperm when exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics were investigated, along with how these effects could be mitigated by supplementation with antioxidants. The influence of Astragalus polysaccharides on the toxic effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on boar sperm was investigated by evaluating sperm quality, antioxidant functionality, and protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Exposure of capacitated boar sperm to polystyrene nanoplastics at doses of 1 and 2 μg/mL significantly reduced the proportion of progressive sperm, antioxidant capacity, and protein tyrosine phosphorylation in the sperm flagellum. Sperm were then exposed to different doses of Astragalus polysaccharides (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 mg/mL); analysis revealed that the supplementation of 1 mg/mL of Astragalus polysaccharides in the presence of 1 μg/mL of polystyrene nanoplastics increased the proportion of progressive sperm, antioxidant capacity, and protein tyrosine phosphorylation in the sperm flagellum. Collectively, Astragalus polysaccharides was confirmed to improve the quality, antioxidant capacity, and protein tyrosine phosphorylation of sperm exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics by increasing total antioxidative capacity activity and reducing total reactive oxygen species. The in vitro exposure of boar sperm to polystyrene nanoplastics was not affected by other metabolic factors and directly reflects the relationship between Astragalus polysaccharides and polystyrene nanoplastics exposed sperm. Cite this article as: Hu, Q., Li, Y., & Gao, Z. (2026). Astragalus polysaccharides ameliorate the toxic effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on boar sperm. Acta Veterinaria Eurasia, 51, 0153, doi:10.5152/actavet.2026.25153.
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The potential protective roles of Astragalus polysaccharides against toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics on mice sperm exposed
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Tiny plastic particles (nanoplastics) harmed sperm quality and testosterone levels in mice, but a natural plant compound called Astragalus polysaccharides largely reversed this damage. While this study was done in mice, not humans, it suggests certain plant-based supplements might one day help protect fertility from everyday plastic exposure.
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