Background: A significant environmental health issue is the exposure to polystyrene nanoparticles
(PS-PNs), degradation products of plastic waste into nanoparticles (< 100 nm), that are present in
soil, water, and the atmosphere. Chronic exposure to PS-PNs produces toxic effects in tissues due to
oxidative stress and induced inflammation, ending in organ damage. Current work aimed to assess
possible chronic toxic effects of PS-PNs on testicular tissue, associated mechanisms, and the effect
of PS-PNs withdrawal on tissue recovery. Methods: The total experiment period was 6 months, with
one month for withdrawal. 28 adult male albino rats were grouped into a negative control, a positive
control (given Tween 80), a PS-PNs treated group (given 10 mg/kg orally of Ps-NPs for six months),
and a recovery group (given 10 mg/kg orally of Ps-NPs for six months and then left without
exposure for a further month). The experiment assessed semen analysis, follicular stimulating
hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone serum levels, malondialdehyde (MDA)
and glutathione (GSH) levels in testicular tissue homogenate, and examination of testicular tissue by
light microscope. Results of the work showed a decrease in sperm parameters, serum FSH, LH, and
testosterone, and testicular GSH and an increase in testicular MDA associated with degenerative
changes in testicular tissue in PS-PNs treated rats. These adverse effects were significantly
ameliorated in the recovery group. Conclusion: PS-PNs induce chronic toxic effects on the testes
that are reversible following cessation of exposure |
