Gut-Ovary Axis Mediated Synergistic Reproductive Toxicity of Polystyrene Nanoplastics and Perfluorobutanoic Acid Co-Exposure: Pyroptotic Signaling and Probiotic Mitigation

Scout Impact

This study examines the combined effects of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPLs) and perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) on female reproductive health. It demonstrates that co-exposure leads to significant ovarian toxicity, including decreased primordial follicles and increased follicular atresia, through mechanisms involving gut barrier damage and inflammation. Scout penalizes products containing these contaminants due to their confirmed reproductive harm.

Key Findings

• Finding 1: Co-exposure to PS-NPLs (0.04 mg/d) and PFBA (0.28 mg/d) for 28 days decreased primordial follicles and increased follicular atresia in rats.
• Finding 2: Co-exposure caused sex hormone abnormalities.
• Finding 3: Co-exposure was linked to gut barrier damage and elevated lipopolysaccharide levels in the bloodstream.
• Finding 4: Inflammation and NLRP3/caspase-1-related pyroptosis were observed in the ovary.
• Finding 5: Probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101 partially mitigated ovarian injury by modulating the gut microbiota.

Limitations

• Limitation 1: The study was conducted on rats, which may limit direct applicability to humans.
• Limitation 2: The study duration was 28 days, which may not capture long-term effects.