Potential of Red Seaweed (Dichotomania obtusata) on Immune Response and Histopathology of Rat Testis Exposed to Nanoplastics

Abstract

Polystyrene nanoplastics (NP) are often found in aquatic environments. The accumulation of nanoplastics in aquatic biota such as fish, shrimp, squid, shellfish, etc. can reduce the health of humans who consume them. The purpose of this study was to observe the red seaweed’s potential as a source of antioxidants in improving the immune system and reproductive health of rats (Rattus novergicus) exposed to nanoplastics. Twenty-five rats (Rattus norvegicus) were divided into five groups with various treatments, namely control, negative control (2 µL/kg BW NP), and three combined treatments of 2 µL/kg BW NP with varying concentrations of seaweed extract (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg BW), were treated to determine levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, histopathology, size, and weight of the testes. The results showed that exposure to 2 µL/kg BW NP increased levels of cytokines (TNF-α and IFN-γ) and affected the histology and size of the rat testes. Administration of seaweed extract (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg BW) could improve cytokine levels by decreasing IFN-γ and repair rat testicular histology by increasing spermatid number and thickness of seminiferous tubule epithelium.