Adolescent exposure to environmental silver nanoparticles induces spermatogenic impairment and Sertoli cell dysfunction: Integrative single-cell transcriptomics, metabolomics and mechanistic dissectio
4 days ago
- #Testicular toxicity
- #Spermatogenesis
- #Silver nanoparticles
- Adolescent exposure to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) leads to spermatogenic impairment and Sertoli cell dysfunction.
- AgNPs traverse the blood-testis barrier (BTB), accumulate in the testes, and impair fertility.
- Single-cell transcriptomics and metabolomics reveal altered metabolic milieu and reprogrammed lipid metabolism.
- Spermatogenic cells and Sertoli cells are highly susceptible to AgNPs, with reduced spermatogonial stem cells.
- AgNPs induce mitochondrial dysfunction, glutathione metabolism dysregulation, and PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy.
- Toxicity includes suppressed proliferation, elevated apoptosis, oxidative stress, and disrupted BTB integrity.
- Findings provide insights into cellular vulnerabilities and potential therapeutic countermeasures for male infertility.