immunohistochemical evaluation in testicular tissue of male rats following PM2.5 particle inhalation

Exposure to suspended particles (PM2.5) and gaseous air pollution poses a serious threat to spermatogenesis in men. However, the specific molecular mechanism behind this remains largely unknown. This study aims to investigate the impact of PM2.5 and gas pollution on various aspects including the oxidant/antioxidant system, oxidative stress and also the changes in the expression level of aquaporin protein through immunohistochemistry and western blotting in testicular tissue were investigated.

A total of 36 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: a control group exposed to standard air conditions, a group exposed to gas pollutants alone (Gas), and a group exposed to both gas pollutants and PM2.5 (Gas+PM2.5). All groups were subjected to pollutant exposure for three months, four days a week, and five hours a day.

The findings revealed that co-exposure to gaseous pollutants and PM2.5 led to increased concentration of Malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as decreased in aquaporin 9 protein in immunohistochemistry and western blot, compared to the control group.

Therefore, exposure to PM2.5 and gaseous pollutants probably provokes oxidative stress in the testis, which leads to the reduction of aquaporin 9 protein through the activation of signaling pathways. Thus, PM2.5 pollution appears to play a crucial role in infertility by disrupting spermatogenesis.