Exploring the Biological Effects of Polystyrene Nanoplastics on Spermatogenesis: Insights From Transcriptomic Analysis in Mouse Spermatocytes

The presence of polystyrene plastics in the human testis has raised concerns, yet their biological activity remains poorly characterized. This study aimed to investigate the biological effects and potential regulatory genes of polystyrene nanoplastics on spermatocyte line, GC-2spd(ts). After a 24-h exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics, the results indicated cell membrane disruption, impairment of mitochondrial membrane potential, increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and induced DNA damage. Furthermore, a comprehensive transcriptomic analysis was conducted, revealing differential gene expression patterns in GC-2spd(ts) cells in response to polystyrene nanoplastics. A total of 134 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, with 48 genes upregulated and 86 genes downregulated. The Gene Ontology analysis highlighted the involvement of these genes in various spermatogenesis-related biological processes, including acrosome reaction, sperm mitochondrial organization, sperm annulus, and outer acrosomal membrane. Subsequently, the quantification of gene expression through qRT-PCR identified five key genes (NSUN7, SEPTIN4, TRIM36, EQTN, and SYT8) screened from the DEGs. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the biological effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on mouse spermatocytes using comprehensive transcriptomic analysis, contributing to the establishment of a foundation for future investigations into these relevant pathways.