Fuel
fine particulate matter (FPM) is an important component of
ambient pollution, has wide biological activity, and can cause a variety
of diseases. Epidemiological studies have reported that FPM can decrease
human fertility rates, retard embryonic growth, cause adverse effects
on pregnancy outcomes, and result in male reproductive damage. However,
the effects of FPM on female ovary function and associated mechanisms
are still unclear. In this research, different concentrations of gasoline
and diesel FPM were chosen to treat female mice in vivo. Fuel FPM
can significantly inhibit ovarian function and follicle maturation.
The hypothalamus–pituitary–ovary axis was inhibited
significantly, with an increase in follicle-stimulating hormone and
luteinizing hormone levels and a decrease in estradiol levels, as
well as ovary weight loss, which was similar to the symptoms of premature
ovarian failure in humans. Fuel FPM can induce the accumulation of
copper and lead in the ovary and decrease the levels of zinc, magnesium,
and manganese. Simultaneously, the steroid biosynthesis signaling
pathway was downregulated, which can contribute to ovarian dysfunction.
This study provided a new perspective for understanding the ovarian
toxicity of fuel FPM and associated mechanisms, which will aid in
the development of new methods to treat ovarian dysfunction induced
by FPM.