Evaluating the potential of daily intake of polystyrene microplastics via drinking water in inducing PCOS and its ovarian fibrosis progression using female zebrafish

Madhuchhanda Adhikari; Chayan Biswas; Piyali Mazumdar; Shampa Sarkar; Kousik Pramanick

doi:10.1016/j.impact.2024.100507

Evaluating the potential of daily intake of polystyrene microplastics via drinking water in inducing PCOS and its ovarian fibrosis progression using female zebrafish

NanoImpact. 2024 Apr 24:34:100507. doi: 10.1016/j.impact.2024.100507. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Madhuchhanda Adhikari¹, Chayan Biswas¹, Piyali Mazumdar², Shampa Sarkar², Kousik Pramanick³

Affiliations

¹ Integrative Biology Research Unit (IBRU), Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata 700073, India.
² Reproductive Endocrinology and Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata 700073, India.
³ Integrative Biology Research Unit (IBRU), Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata 700073, India. Electronic address: kousik.dbs@presiuniv.ac.in.

PMID: 38663500
DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2024.100507

Abstract

Polystyrene microplastics, extensively considered endocrine disrupting chemicals, disturb the reproductive system of living organisms. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the reproductive endocrinopathy, is longstanding concern due to its eternal impacts as reproductive disorder and infertility. Despite several reports in reproductive and endocrine toxicity, there is inadequate literature regarding the daily intake of polystyrene-microplastics via drinking water in causing PCOS and leading to ovarian fibrosis in long-term. The present study investigated whether daily consumption of polystyrene-microplastics at doses equivalent to human exposure can cause PCOS and progress to ovarian fibrosis, using female zebrafish as model. Resembling letrozole-PCOS zebrafish model, daily intake of polystyrene-microplastics displayed hallmark PCOS pathophysiology; like excess body weight and %Gonadosomatic index, decreased Follicle Stimulating Hormone and β-estradiol, increased Luteinising Hormone, brain and ovarian Testosterone (39.3% and 75% respectively). Correspondingly, ovarian histology revealed more developing (stage I and II) oocytes and less mature oocytes alongwith cystic lesions; like follicular membrane disorganization, zona pellucida invagination, theca hypertrophy, basophilic granular accumulation and oocyte buddings. Lipid deposition in intestinal and ovarian tissues was evidenced and increased fasting blood glucose manifesting insulin resistance. The expression of PCOS biomarkers (tox3, dennd1a, fem1a) was significantly disturbed. Polystyrene microplastics played vital role in inducing PCOS further enhancing oxidative stress, which positively influences inflammation and aggravate ovarian mitophagy, shedding light on its ability to harshen PCOS into ovarian fibrosis, which is characterized by collagen deposition and upregulation of pro-fibrogenic biomarker genes. These findings illustrate the potential of daily microplastics intake via drinking water in triggering PCOS and its progression to ovarian fibrosis.

Keywords: Drinking water; Female zebrafish; Letrozole; Microplastics; Ovarian fibrosis; Polycystic ovary syndrome; Zebrafish model.