Chronic exposure to polystyrene microplastics induced male reproductive toxicity and decreased testosterone levels via the LH-mediated LHR/cAMP/PKA/StAR pathway.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Microplastics (MPs), which are smaller in size and difficult to degrade, can be easily ingested by marine life and enter mammals through the food chain. Our previous study demonstrated that following acute exposure to MPs, the serum testosterone content reduced and sperm quality declined, resulting in male reproductive dysfunction in mice. However, the toxic effect of long-term exposure to MPs at environmental exposure levels on the reproductive system of mammals remains unclear.

Results

In vivo, mice were given drinking water containing 100 μg/L and 1000 μg/L polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs) with particle sizes of 0.5 μm, 4 μm, and 10 μm for 180 consecutive days. We observed alterations in testicular morphology and reductions in testosterone, LH and FSH contents in serum

SUBMITTER: Jin H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8851716 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature