Abstract
Plastics, especially polystyrene nanoplastic particles (PSNPs), are known for their durability and absorption properties, allowing them to interact with environmental pollutants such as di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP). Previous research has highlighted the potential of these particles as carriers for various pollutants, emphasizing the need to understand their environmental impact comprehensively. This study focuses on the subchronic exposure of male Swiss albino mice to PSNP and DBP, aiming to investigate their reproductive toxicity between these pollutants in mammalian models. The primary objective of this study is to examine the reproductive toxicity resulting from simultaneous exposure to PSNP and DBP in male Swiss albino mice. The study aims to analyze sperm parameters, measure antioxidant enzyme activity, and conduct histopathological and morphometric examinations of the testis. By investigating the individual and combined effects of PSNP and DBP, the study seeks to gain insights into their impact on the reproductive profile of male mice, emphasizing potential synergistic interactions between these environmental pollutants. Male Swiss albino mice were subjected to subchronic exposure (60 days) of PSNP (0.2 mg/m, 50 nm size) and DBP (900 mg/kg bw), both individually and in combination. Various parameters, including sperm parameters, antioxidant enzyme activity, histopathological changes, and morphometric characteristics of the testis, were evaluated. The Johnsen scoring system and histomorphometric parameters were employed for a comprehensive assessment of spermatogenesis and testicular structure. The study revealed non-lethal effects within the tested doses of PSNP and DBP alone and in combination, showing reductions in body weight gain and testis weight compared to the control. Individual exposures and the combination group exhibited adverse effects on sperm parameters, with the combination exposure demonstrating more severe outcomes. Structural abnormalities, including vascular congestion, Leydig cell hyperplasia, and the extensive congestion in tunica albuginea along with both ST and Leydig cell damage, were observed in the testis, underscoring the reproductive toxicity potential of PSNP and DBP. The Johnsen scoring system and histomorphometric parameters confirmed these findings, providing interconnected results aligning with observed structural abnormalities. The study concludes that simultaneous exposure to PSNP and DBP induces reproductive toxicity in male Swiss albino mice. The combination of these environmental pollutants leads to more severe disruptions in sperm parameters, testicular structure, and antioxidant defense mechanisms compared to individual exposures. The findings emphasize the importance of understanding the interactive mechanisms between different environmental pollutants and their collective impact on male reproductive health. The use of the Johnsen scoring system and histomorphometric parameters provides a comprehensive evaluation of spermatogenesis and testicular structure, contributing valuable insights to the field of environmental toxicology.
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Abbreviations
- NPs :
-
Nanoplastics
- MPs :
-
Microplastics
- DBP :
-
Di-n-butyl-phthalate
- PSNP :
-
Polystyrene nanoplastic
- PET :
-
Polyethylene terephthalate
- PS :
-
Polystyrene
- PE :
-
Polyethylene
- PVC :
-
Polyvinyl chloride
- EDC :
-
Endocrine-disrupting chemical
- ECHA :
-
European Chemical Agency
- CPCSEA :
-
Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals
- IAEC :
-
Institutional Animal Ethics Committee
- dh :
-
Hydrodynamic diameter
- TBARS :
-
Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances
- MDA :
-
Malondialdehyde
- LPO :
-
Lipid peroxidation
- CAT :
-
Catalase
- SOD :
-
Superoxide dismutase
- GSH :
-
Glutathione peroxidase
- ANOVA :
-
One-way analysis of variance
- ROS :
-
Reactive oxygen species
- FSH :
-
Follicle-stimulating hormones
- MTBS :
-
Mean testicular biopsy score
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Acknowledgements
The authors are thankful to the Department of Zoology, Research & Developmental cells of IIS (Deemed to be University), Jaipur, for providing necessary facilities to carry out research work. The authors are also thankful to Manjyot Kaur for providing help in histopathological and morphometric study of manuscript.
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The present research received infrastructural financial support from IIS (deemed to be University), Jaipur, India (File No. DST/CURIE-02/2023/IISU), under the CURIE programme from the WISE-KIRAN division of the Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi, India.
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All the authors have contributed towards this paper. Material preparation, data collection, and analysis were conducted by Kirti Sharma. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Kirti Sharma and Anju Sharma and critically reviewed by Anju Sharma and Pradeep Bhatnagar. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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Sharma, K., Sharma, A. & Bhatnagar, P. Combined effect of polystyrene nanoplastic and di-n-butyl phthalate on testicular health of male Swiss albino mice: analysis of sperm-related parameters and potential toxic effects. Environ Sci Pollut Res 31, 23680–23696 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-024-32697-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-024-32697-0