Exploring the potential protective role of anthocyanins in mitigating micro/nanoplastic-induced reproductive toxicity: A steroid receptor perspective

Jiaojiao Zhang; Wenyi Liu; Fuqiang Cui; Marjukka Kolehmainen; Jing Chen; Lei Zhang; Iman Zarei

doi:10.1016/j.jpha.2024.101148

Volume 15 Issue 2

Feb. 2025

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Article Navigation > Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis > 2025 > 15(2): 101148

Jiaojiao Zhang, Wenyi Liu, Fuqiang Cui, Marjukka Kolehmainen, Jing Chen, Lei Zhang, Iman Zarei. Exploring the potential protective role of anthocyanins in mitigating micro/nanoplastic-induced reproductive toxicity: A steroid receptor perspective[J]. Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis, 2025, 15(2): 101148. doi: 10.1016/j.jpha.2024.101148

Citation:

Jiaojiao Zhang, Wenyi Liu, Fuqiang Cui, Marjukka Kolehmainen, Jing Chen, Lei Zhang, Iman Zarei. Exploring the potential protective role of anthocyanins in mitigating micro/nanoplastic-induced reproductive toxicity: A steroid receptor perspective[J]. Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis, 2025, 15(2): 101148. doi: 10.1016/j.jpha.2024.101148

Citation:

Jiaojiao Zhang, Wenyi Liu, Fuqiang Cui, Marjukka Kolehmainen, Jing Chen, Lei Zhang, Iman Zarei. Exploring the potential protective role of anthocyanins in mitigating micro/nanoplastic-induced reproductive toxicity: A steroid receptor perspective[J]. Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis, 2025, 15(2): 101148. doi: 10.1016/j.jpha.2024.101148

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Exploring the potential protective role of anthocyanins in mitigating micro/nanoplastic-induced reproductive toxicity: A steroid receptor perspective

doi: 10.1016/j.jpha.2024.101148

a. College of Food and Health, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China;
b. College of Forestry and Biotechnology, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, China;
c. Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Science, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland;
d. Department of Chemical Engineering and Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, N2L3G1, Canada

Funds:

This work was supported by two grants: the Ministry of Education and Culture, Finland Seed Funding - Finland-China Food and Health Network (FCFH) 2023, University of Eastern Finland

and the Scientific Research Foundation of Zhejiang A&

F University, China (Grant No.: 2023CFR008).

Received Date: May 17, 2024
Accepted Date: Nov. 10, 2024
Rev Recd Date: Oct. 28, 2024
Publish Date: Nov. 14, 2024

Abstract

Abstract

Microplastics and nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants that act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), raising significant concerns about their impact on human health. Research highlights the hazardous effects of MPs/NPs on both male and female reproductive systems, influencing germ cells, embryo development, and progeny. Additionally, studies show that MPs/NPs affect the gene expression of anabolic steroid hormones in vitro and in vivo, inducing reproductive toxicity through mechanisms such as oxidative stress and inflammation. Considering these adverse effects, identifying natural compounds that can mitigate the toxicity of MPs/NPs is increasingly important. Plants offer a wealth of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can counteract these harmful effects. Among these, anthocyanins, natural colorants responsible for the vibrant hues of fruits and flowers, exhibit a wide range of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-neoplastic properties. Moreover, anthocyanins can modulate sex hormone levels and alleviate reproductive toxicity. Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), one of the most extensively studied anthocyanins, shows promise in reducing reproductive toxicity, particularly in females, and in protecting male reproductive organs, including the testis and epididymis. This protective effect is believed to result from its interaction with steroid receptors, specifically the androgen and estrogen receptors (ERs). These findings highlight the need to explore the mechanisms by which anthocyanins mitigate the reproductive toxicity caused by MPs/NPs. This review provides novel insights into how natural compounds can be leveraged to lessen the impact of environmental contaminants on human health, especially concerning reproductive health.
- Microplastics and nanoplastics,
- Anthocyanin,
- Endocrine-disrupting chemicals,
- Reproductive toxicity,
- Steroid receptors,
- Environmental contaminants/pollutants

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References(89)

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