Chronic Exposure to Polyethylene Terephthalate Microplastics Induces Endocrine and Inflammatory Dysregulation in Female Albino Rats: Implications for Reproductive and Public Health

Background: The widespread use of plastics has led to an increased environmental presence of microplastics, with potential adverse effects. This study was conducted to assess the effects of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics on reproductive hormones and Interleukin-۱β in chronically-exposed female albino rats.Methods: Forty female albino rats were selected for the study. Polyethylene terephthalate pellets were obtained, crushed, dissolved in water, and passed through a ۵µm sieve to obtain particles with a size of ≤ ۵µm which were used for the study.  Twelve rats were used for a pilot study, while the remaining twenty-eight rats were randomly assigned into four experimental groups (n = ۷). The PET treatment was administered orally using gavage tubes for ۹۰-days. ۴۰mg/kg, ۸۰mg/kg, and ۱۲۰mg/kg PET-microplastics were given to rats in groups ۲, ۳, and ۴, respectively, while group ۱ received only food and water (negative control). After the duration of treatments, blood samples were collected for analysis of estradiol, progesterone, prolactin, and IL-۱β levels using ELISA methods. Statistical analysis was computed using GraphPad Prism Software. Differences were considered significant at P ≤ ۰.۰۵. Results: The mean levels of estradiol, progesterone, and IL-۱β in the PET-treated rats were significantly higher than the levels in the control group (p < ۰.۰۰۰۱). However, the mean levels of prolactin in PET-treated groups were not significantly different from those in the control rats (p = ۰.۲۱۵۷).Conclusion: These findings suggest that chronic PET-microplastic exposure may induce inflammatory responses and endocrine disruption in the animal model, as evidenced by alterations in hormone levels and IL-۱β concentration, highlighting potential health risks that may be associated with prolonged PET microplastic exposure.

کلیدواژه ها:

Estradiol ، Progesterone ، Interleukin ۱β ، Plastic Particles ، Toxicity