Determination of Biological and Molecular Attributes Related to Polystyrene Microplastic-Induced Reproductive Toxicity and Its Reversibility in Male Mice

Abstract

Microplastics exist not only in the natural environment, but also in human tissue such as blood and even placenta. Polystyrene microplastic exposure can cause abnormal sperm quality in mice; however, the mechanism is unclear, and whether sperm abnormalities can be restored has not been reported. ICR mice were exposed to 5 μm polystyrene microplastics through the drinking water. After one spermatogenic cycle, mitochondrial damage was observed to explain the possible cause of sperm damage. After 1–2 spermatogenic cycles of recovery, whether the damaged sperm could be recovered was observed. The results show that polystyrene microplastics caused a decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential, an imbalance of kinetic homeostasis, a change in genetic characteristics, mitophagy, and a decrease in the ATP content in mouse testicular tissue. Oxidative stress may be the cause of mitochondrial damage. After 1–2 spermatogenic cycles, mitochondrial damage was restored and sperm quality was improved. This study explored the mitochondrial causes of reproductive toxicity of polystyrene microplastics and the reversibility of reproductive toxicity, providing data for further research on the toxicity of microplastics and the prevention and treatment of its harm.