Polystyrene microplastics and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate co-exposure: Implications for female reproductive health.

ABSTRACT: Microplastics and phthalates are prevalent and emerging pollutants that pose a potential impact on human health. Previous studies suggest that both microplastics and phthalates can adversely affect the reproductive systems of humans and mammals. However, the combined impact of these pollutants on the female reproductive system remains unclear. Here we show the impacts of exposure to polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) on female Sprague-Dawley rats' reproductive systems. We find that co-exposure to PS-MPs and DEHP results in a marked increase in cystic and atretic follicles, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and dysregulation of serum sex hormone homeostasis in the ovaries of the rats. Proteomic analysis identified differentially expressed proteins that were pr

SUBMITTER: Xu K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11363624 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature