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Papers
19 resultsShowing papers from Ningxia Medical University
ClearNrf2-mediated ferroptosis of spermatogenic cells involved in male reproductive toxicity induced by polystyrene nanoplastics in mice
When polystyrene nanoplastics were injected into the bloodstream of mice, they accumulated in the testes and caused significant damage to sperm-producing cells through a process called ferroptosis, a type of iron-dependent cell death. The nanoplastics disrupted a key protective pathway (Nrf2) that normally prevents this type of cell death. These findings suggest that nanoplastic exposure could harm male fertility by directly damaging the cells responsible for producing sperm.
Microplastics cause reproductive toxicity in male mice through inducing apoptosis of spermatogenic cells via p53 signaling
In a mouse study, polystyrene micro and nanoplastics taken orally for 60 days caused damage to sperm-producing cells in the testes by triggering a cell-death pathway called p53. Both larger microplastics and smaller nanoplastics led to tissue damage and increased cell death in reproductive organs. This research suggests that microplastic exposure could be a meaningful risk factor for male reproductive health.
Effects of thermal exposure to disposable plastic tableware on human gut microbiota and metabolites: A quasi-experimental study
In a human study, people who ate hot food from disposable plastic tableware for one month had more microplastics in their stool and significant changes in their gut bacteria and urine metabolites compared to those using non-plastic dishes. The changes were linked to effects on the nervous system, energy metabolism, and inflammation, and some gut bacteria shifts persisted even after stopping plastic tableware use. This is one of the few direct human studies showing that everyday plastic food containers release microplastics that measurably change gut health.
Polystyrene bead ingestion promotes atherosclerosis plaque progression via BMP signaling in mice
Researchers found that mice fed polystyrene microplastics for 12 weeks developed worsened atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty plaques in blood vessels. The microplastics triggered oxidative stress and activated a signaling pathway (BMP) that caused blood vessel cells to change their identity, accelerating plaque formation. The study provides evidence that microplastic ingestion could contribute to cardiovascular problems by promoting inflammation and disrupting the normal function of blood vessel walls.
Toxicity to the Male Reproductive System after Exposure to Polystyrene Nanoplastics: A Macrogenomic and Metabolomic Analysis
Researchers exposed male mice to polystyrene nanoplastics of different sizes through their drinking water for four months and found significant harm to reproductive function. The nanoplastics disrupted gene activity and metabolic pathways in the gut, which was linked to reduced sperm quality and testicular damage. The study suggests that long-term nanoplastic exposure through drinking water may pose risks to male reproductive health.
Integrated fecal microbiome and metabolome analysis explore the link between polystyrene nanoplastics exposure and male reproductive toxicity in mice
Researchers exposed mice to polystyrene nanoplastics of different sizes and doses, then analyzed fecal microbiome and metabolome changes alongside reproductive outcomes. The study found that nanoplastic exposure disrupted gut microbiota balance and metabolic pathways, which correlated with reduced sperm count, viability, and testosterone levels. The findings suggest that gut microbiota-metabolite disruption may play an important role in nanoplastic-induced male reproductive toxicity.
Association between microplastics exposure and gut microbiota and metabolites in older adults: A cross-sectional study
Researchers analyzed fecal samples from 45 older adults to assess the relationship between microplastic exposure and gut microbiota. They found an average of 70 microplastic particles per gram of feces, primarily PVC, butadiene rubber, and polyethylene, and observed that microplastic exposure was associated with changes in gut microbial diversity and metabolite levels. The study suggests that microplastics may influence gut health in older adults by altering bacterial community composition and metabolic pathways.
Exploring alternatives for detecting microplastics in the human body: questionnaire survey
Researchers conducted a quasi-experimental study comparing microplastic levels in the feces of participants who ate meals from disposable plastic tableware versus non-plastic tableware for one month. They found statistically significant differences in both the total quantity and types of microplastics between exposure groups, particularly for PET and polyethylene polymers. The study suggests that questionnaire-based epidemiological tools may complement laboratory analysis for assessing population-level microplastic exposure.
The mechanism of monobutyl phthalate -induced ferroptosis via TNF/IL6/STAT3 signal pathway in TM-3 cells
Researchers elucidated the mechanism by which monobutyl phthalate induces ferroptosis in Leydig cells through the TNF/IL6/STAT3 signaling pathway, revealing how this common plasticizer causes reproductive damage via iron-dependent oxidative cell death.
Polystyrene nanoplastics disrupt ovarian development via cytoskeletal remodeling and epigenetic reprogramming particularly in granulosa cells
Researchers used single-cell RNA sequencing to map polystyrene nanoplastic toxicity in mouse ovaries, identifying granulosa cells as the primary target and showing that 100 nm particles trigger F-actin cytoskeletal remodeling, STAT1-driven epigenetic reprogramming, and necroptosis, disrupting follicle development and hormone production.
Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis reveals the underlying mechanisms for male reproductive toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics in mouse spermatocyte-derived GC-2spd(ts) cells
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.
Polystyrene nanoplastics disrupt iron homeostasis by promoting FPN1 ubiquitination in GC-2spd(ts) cells
Researchers showed that polystyrene nanoplastics induce ferroptosis — an iron-dependent form of cell death — in mouse sperm precursor cells by promoting the ubiquitin-tagged degradation of the iron-export protein ferroportin1, causing iron to accumulate inside cells, driving lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial damage.
Distribution Characteristics and Impact of Microplastics: A Literature Review
This literature review summarizes the types, sources, distribution, and pollution status of microplastics in marine and lake environments, their interactions with other contaminants, and removal technologies. It finds MPs are prevalent across aquatic environments and harmful to biological and human health, with some effective removal technologies available but implementation remaining limited.
Integration of transcriptomics and metabolomics reveals the mechanism of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides inhibited MCF-7 cell proliferation
Researchers used transcriptomics and metabolomics to investigate how Lycium barbarum polysaccharides inhibit MCF-7 breast cancer cell proliferation, identifying the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways responsible for the compound's anticancer activity at an optimal dose of 8 mg/mL.
Bisphenol A disrupts cartilage homeostasis through dual targeting of TP53 and PTGS2 signaling networks
This network toxicology and molecular docking study found that bisphenol A (a plasticizer found in many plastics) interacts with key osteoarthritis-associated targets including TP53 and PTGS2, suggesting BPA may contribute to cartilage breakdown by disrupting inflammation and apoptosis signaling pathways.
Research tendency of microplastics and nanoplastics based on bibliometric analysis and perspective of the influence of human health
This review uses bibliometric analysis of over 7,000 scientific publications from 2004 to 2021 to map global research trends in microplastics and nanoplastics, identifying key topics, leading research nations, and emerging areas of concern related to human health impacts.
Cisplatin promotes pyroptosis of gastric cancer cells by activating GSDME
This paper is not about microplastics; it investigates how the chemotherapy drug cisplatin kills gastric cancer cells via a cell death pathway called pyroptosis, identifying the GSDME gene as a key mediator and independent prognostic marker in gastric cancer patients.
Feedback Regulation of sPLA2-COX/5-LOX-Ca2+ in Seminal Plasma and Its Impact on Sperm Quality Parameters
Researchers investigated feedback regulation of the sPLA2-COX/5-LOX-Ca2+ pathway in seminal plasma and its impact on sperm quality parameters. The study found that arachidonic acid metabolism in seminal plasma strongly influences sperm quality, with the PL-AA-COX1 model proposed as a sperm quality predictor and AA/COX1 supplementation shown to protect sperm under heat stress.
A Molecular Understanding of the Flame Retardant Mechanism of Zinc Stannate/Polypropylene Composites via ReaxFF Simulations
Researchers used ReaxFF reactive molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the flame retardant mechanism of zinc stannate/polypropylene composites, developing a new force field for Sn/Zn/C/H/O combustion reactions. Simulations across 20 composite formulations revealed that combustion temperature controls oxygen consumption rates and that the proportion of PP relative to zinc stannate governs overall oxidation dynamics.