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International Journal of Nanomedicine logoLink to International Journal of Nanomedicine
. 2021 Mar 31;16:2555–2568. doi: 10.2147/IJN.S307189

Zinc Nanoparticles Ameliorate the Reproductive Toxicity Induced by Silver Nanoparticles in Male Rats

Asmaa M Shehata 1, Fatma M S Salem 1, Eiman M El-Saied 1, Sahar S Abd El-Rahman 2, Mohamed Y Mahmoud 1, Peter A Noshy 1,✉
PMCID: PMC8020588  PMID: 33833511

Abstract

Introduction

Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) are among the most commonly used nanoparticles in different fields. Zinc nanoparticles (Zn-NPs) are known for their antioxidant effect. This study was designed to investigate the adverse effects of Ag-NPs (50 nm) on the male reproductive system and also the ameliorative effect of Zn-NPs (100 nm) against these harmful effects.

Methods

Forty adult male rats were used in this study; they were randomly divided into four equal groups: control group, Ag-NPs group, Zn-NPs group, Ag-NPs + Zn-NPs group. Ag-NPs (50 mg/kg) and/or Zn-NPs (30 mg/kg) were administered orally for 90 days.

Results

The results revealed that exposure to Ag-NPs adversely affected sperm motility, morphology, viability, and concentration. Ag-NPs also induced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in testicular tissue. The exposure to Ag-NPs decreased serum FSH, LH, and testosterone hormones. Additionally, comet assay revealed DNA degeneration in the testicular tissue of rats exposed to Ag-NPs. Histopathological examination showed various histological alterations in the testes of rats intoxicated with Ag-NPs. Furthermore, co-administration of Zn-NPs ameliorated most of the toxic effects of Ag-NPs via their antioxidative capacity.

Keywords: antioxidants, DNA damage, endocrinology, oxidative stress, sperm evaluation, testes

Introduction

Nano-materials have many applications in our daily practices. There are numerous advantages that nanomaterials, including nanoparticles (NPs), bring to the general public, for example in drug delivery networks, clinical devices, food items, and cosmetics. However, NPs expanding utilization raises worry about the dangers that they may cause to people. The danger of dermal, respiratory, and oral exposures to NPs exists at numerous phases of the NPs life cycle.1

Among different nanomaterials, silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) have become the generally utilized NPs in material science, and consumer items because of their antibacterial properties.2,3 Likewise, Ag-NPs are utilized in medication, as one of the constituents of dental combinations, catheters, embedding surfaces, drug delivery in malignancy and retinal treatments, and for treating wounds and burns-related infections.4,5 The vast majority of the research inspecting Ag-NPs toxicity is focused on in vitro models. Previous studies stated that Ag-NPs have cytotoxic and pro-inflammatory impacts, caused basically by the massive production of reactive oxygen species, the release of cytokines, and up-regulation of heat shock proteins.6–8 Furthermore, A few reports showed that Ag-NPs instigated apoptosis and necrosis, caused DNA damage, and upset cell cycle progression.9,10 Concerning the transfer of Ag-NPs across the blood-testis barrier, Castellini et al11 identified the presence of Ag-NPs in spermatids and ejaculated sperms by transmission electron microscope after intravenous injection in rabbits. Moreover, Van der Zande et al12 and Garcia et al13 suggested that clearance of silver through the blood-testis barrier is difficult, so the testicular silver concentrations were not decreased after cessation of Ag-NPs administration and caused higher toxicity. Yet again, Braydich-Stolle et al and Zhang et al14–16 reported inhibition of proliferation and viability of some cells of the testis after treatment with Ag-NPs. Additionally, Tiedemann et al17 built up an in vitro assay for surveying the reproductive toxic impacts of gold and silver NPs on mammalian gametes; they found that Ag-NPs administration induced harmful effects on porcine gametes. In turn, some studies have shown the size and dose-dependent effects of Ag-NPs on rat sperm parameters.18,19

Zn-NPs received more attention in commercial and biomedical applications as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic agents, and also for their ability to release zinc ions.20,21 Furthermore, Zn-NPs have a significant role in keeping up critical cellular processes like DNA replication, DNA repair, cell division, and protection against oxidative stress.22 Moreover, Dani and Dhawan23 and Malekirad et al24 stated that Zn is a protecting antioxidant because of its capacity to bring malondialdehyde (MDA) levels to approach their normal levels. Also, Raajshreer and Durairaj25 reported that synthesized ZnO-NPs showed antioxidant activity through chemical-reduction activities and scavenging of free radicals. Recently, Essa et al26 demonstrated that the addition of Zn-NPs to chlorpyrifos-contaminated drinking water was useful as a strong antioxidant agent against chlorpyrifos-induced toxic damage in rats.

Despite the widespread use of Ag-NPs, few in vivo studies have been conducted to investigate their adverse effects on the male reproductive system. Therefore, the present study aims to determine the toxic effects of Ag-NPs on the male reproductive system of rats and also to explore their potential mechanism of action. Also, up to our knowledge, the ability of Zn-NPs to ameliorate the toxicity of Ag-NPs has not been investigated. So, we sought to assess the ameliorative effect of Zn-NPs against the toxicity of Ag-NPs on the male reproductive system of rats.

Materials and Methods

Animals

Forty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats of the same age (3 months) and weighing (200 ± 10 g) were used in this study. The animals were obtained from the laboratory animal house at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University. Rats were maintained in plastic cages and supplied with pelleted feed, and water ad libitum. They were kept under observation and acclimated to the laboratory environment (normal daylight – temperature of 25–30 °C) for one week before starting of the experiment. The institutional animal care and use committee at the faculty of veterinary medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt (Vet. Cu. IACUC) approved the experimental design (protocol number: 01102020220). All laboratory animals received humane care in compliance with the guidelines of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Chemicals

Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) were synthesized according to a previously described chemical reduction technique.27,28 Briefly, 0.14 M AgNO3 solution (purchased from Science Company®) was mixed with 0.01 M sodium borohydride and 10% polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) on ice. The color of the silver solution slowly turned into grayish to deep brown indicating the reduction of the silver ions to nanoparticles. Ag-NPs solution was frozen at −80 °C and lyophilized. Zinc nanoparticles were purchased from Nano-Tech, Dreamland, 6th October, Giza, Egypt.

The size and shape of Ag-NPs and Zn-NPs were determined by a high-resolution transmission electron microscope (JEOL, JEM-2100) at an accelerating voltage of 200 kV. Zeta potential and dynamic light scattering analyses were carried out on hydrated NPs to assess the surface charge and hydrodynamic diameter (Malvern, UK).

Experimental Design

Animals were classified into four equal groups; the groups were treated daily by oral gavage for 3 months as follow:

Group 1 (control group): received distilled water.

Group 2 (Ag-NPs group): received 50 mg/kg BW of silver nanoparticles. The investigated dose was selected in the range between the NOAEL (no observable adverse effect level) and the LOAEL (lowest observable adverse effect level) which were 30 mg/kg and 125 mg/kg respectively.29

Group 3 (Zn-NPs group): received 30 mg/kg BW of zinc nanoparticles. The selected size and dose of Zn-NPs are considered safe for rats.30

Group 4 (Ag-NPs + Zn-NPs group): received the previously mentioned doses of Ag-NPs and Zn-NPs.

Collection and Preparation of Samples

At the end of the exposure period, animals were anesthetized by intraperitoneal injection of 90 mg/kg ketamine + 10 mg/kg xylazine (in the same syringe). Blood samples were collected from the inner canthus of the eye and serum was separated by centrifugation and stored at −20 °C. Sperm samples were collected from the tail of the epididymis and used for sperm evaluation. Rats were then euthanized by cervical dislocation for collection of tissue samples; one testis was kept in Bouin’s solution for histopathological examination and the other testis was stored at −20 °C.

Testicular tissue (1 g) was homogenized in potassium phosphate buffer (5 mL) using tissue homogenizer followed by centrifugation and collection of the supernatant to be used in the comet assay and for determination of the oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation parameters.

Sperm Evaluation

Sperm samples were collected by maceration of the tail of the epididymis, and vas deferens and were used for sperm evaluation according to the method described by Bearden and Fuquay.31

For mass motility evaluation, a drop of physiological saline was added to the sperm sample on a warm slide followed by examination under the light microscope. For determination of sperm concentration, the sperm sample was diluted by physiological saline and stained with eosin 2%, and sperms were counted using a hemocytometer.32,33

Sperms also were examined for viability and different morphological abnormalities. Sperm smears were stained with eosin 1% and nigrosine 5%. One hundred sperms were examined in each slide and numbers of live sperms, dead sperms, curved tails, coiled tails, deformed heads, and detached heads were recorded.31

Estimation of Antioxidant Enzymes and Lipid Peroxidation Parameters

Reduced glutathione (GSH), Catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in testicular tissue homogenate using kits obtained from Biodiagnostic Co., Giza, Egypt.

Reduced Glutathione

GSH concentration was determined according to the method of Beutler et al,34 which depends on the reduction of 5,5-dithiosbis-2-nitrobenzoic acid with GSH producing a yellow compound. The intensity of the yellow color is directly proportional to GSH concentration. Absorbance was measured at 405 nm.

Catalase

CAT activity was determined according to the method of Fossati et al,35 which depends on the ability of CAT to destroy H2O2 followed by the addition of CAT inhibitor to stop the reaction after 1 min. The remaining H2O2 reacts with 3.5-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzene sulfonic acid and 4-aminophenazone in the presence of peroxidases to produce a chromophore. The color intensity of the chromophore is inversely proportional to CAT activity. Absorbance was measured at 510 nm.

Malondialdehyde

MDA content was determined according to the method of Livingstone et al,36 which depends on the reaction between MDA and thiobarbituric acid in an acidic medium to produce a reactive colored product. The color intensity of this product is directly proportional to MDA content. Absorbance was measured at 534 nm.

Hormonal Assessment

Testosterone Hormone

Serum testosterone was estimated according to the method described by Demetrious37 using a competitive-ELISA kit obtained from Leader Trade Co., Giza, Egypt. Testosterone in the sample competes with a testosterone horseradish peroxidase conjugate for binding to the coated antibodies. Then, a substrate is added and a color develops which is inversely proportional to the concentration of testosterone in the sample.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Serum gonadotropins (LH and FSH) were estimated according to the method described by Beastall38 using two different sandwich-ELISA kits obtained from Leader Trade Co., Giza, Egypt. Gonadotropins (LH or FSH) in the sample combine with the antibodies on the solid phase of the ELISA kit. Then, biotinylated detection antibodies specific for different hormones and avidin conjugated to horseradish peroxidase are added. Finally, a substrate is added and a color develops which is directly proportional to the concentration of different hormones in the sample.

Comet Assay

Assessment of DNA damage in testicular tissue was performed using comet assay according to the method of Tice et al.39 Testicular tissue homogenate was embedded in agarose gel on a microscope slide. Slides were then placed in a lysing solution composed of 10% DMSO and 1%Triton X-100 base for lysing cells and exposing DNA. Subsequently, alkaline electrophoresis was conducted, and slides were stained with ethidium bromide and examined by fluorescence microscope. Comet 5 image analysis software developed by Kinetic Imaging Ltd. (Liverpool, UK) was used for the evaluation of results.

Histopathological Examination

Twenty-four hours post-fixation in Bouin’s solution, the testis was routinely processed through graded alcohol and embedded in paraffin. The paraffin blocks were cut in slices of 4–5 µm thickness and then the obtained sections were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E).40 Finally, sections were examined under a light microscope (Olympus, Warsaw, Poland).

Ten seminiferous tubules were randomly selected from each testis and the parameters, including area, circumference, and diameter were determined using image analysis software (ImageJ, 1.46a, NIH, USA).

Statistical Analysis

The obtained values were presented as mean ± SD. Comparisons between different groups were carried out by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey post hoc test [SPSS software (version 20)]. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Chemicals

Ag-NPs demonstrated a spherical morphology and their average size measured from TEM images was 50 nm (Figure 1). Additionally, Zn-NPs showed a spherical morphology with average size 100 nm obtained from TEM images (Figure 2). The average hydrated diameters of Ag-NPs and Zn-NPs were 113.4 ± 12.1 nm and 74.5 ± 6.4 nm, respectively. Ag-NPs and Zn-NPs had zeta potentials of −12.30 ± 0.4 mV and −4.16 ± 0.5 mV, respectively (Table 1).

Figure 1.

Figure 1

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TEM image of Ag-NPs.

Figure 2.

Figure 2

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TEM image of Zn-NPs.

Table 1.

Hydrated Diameter (nm) and Zeta Potential (mv) of Ag-NPs and Zn-NPs

NPs Type Hydrated Diameter
(nm)		 Zeta Potential
(mv)
Ag-NPs 113.4 ± 12.1 −12.30 ± 0.4
Zn-NPs 74.5 ± 6.4 −4.16 ± 0.5
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Note: Values are presented as mean ± SD.

Sperm Evaluation

Sperm Motility, Concentration, and Viability

Exposure to Ag-NPs resulted in a significant decrease in sperm motility, concentration, and viability compared to the control group. While exposure to Zn-NPs resulted in a non-significant change in sperm motility, concentration, and viability compared to the control group. On the other hand, co-administration of Zn-NPs with Ag-NPs resulted in a significant increase in sperm motility, concentration, and viability compared to Ag-NPs group (Table 2).

Table 2.

Effects of Exposure to Ag-NPs and/or Zn-NPs on Sperm Motility (%), Concentration (× 106/Epididymis), and Live Sperms (%)

Group Motility Concentration Live Sperms
Control 74.7 ± 5.33 107.5 ± 9.43 89.6 ± 2.76
Ag-NPs 54 ± 5.40a 73.9 ± 10.76a 69.3 ± 3.09a
Zn-NPs 72.9 ± 6.82b 105.7 ± 10.61b 89 ± 2.26b
Ag-NPs + Zn-NPs 63.5 ± 7.52ab 96.7 ± 6.07b 82.9 ± 1.79ab
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Notes: Values are presented as mean ± SD (n = 10 rats/group). aIndicates presence of a statistically significant difference from the control group and bindicates presence of a statistically significant difference from Ag-NPs group at p< 0.05.

Morphological Abnormalities

Ag-NPs induced a significant increase in sperm morphological abnormalities in comparison with the control group. While exposure to Zn-NPs resulted in a non-significant change in sperm morphological abnormalities compared to the control group. Moreover, concurrent administration of Zn-NPs with Ag-NPs resulted in a significant decrease in sperm morphological abnormalities in comparison with the group that received Ag-NPs only (Table 3) (Figures 3 and 4).

Table 3.

Effects of Exposure to Ag-NPs and/or Zn-NPs on Sperm Morphological Abnormalities (%)

Group Deformed Head Detached Head Coiled Tail Curved Tail
Control 1.54 ± 0.39 1.60 ± 0.18 1.57 ± 1.09 1.86 ± 0.36
Ag-NPs 6.42 ± 1.11a 7.52 ± 1.12a 5.98 ± 1.22a 6.07 ± 0.94a
Zn-NPs 1.48 ± 0.40b 1.68 ± 0.21b 1.31 ± 0.45b 1.69 ± 0.37b
Ag-NPs + Zn-NPs 2.41± 0.34ab 2.15 ± 0.53b 2.54 ± 0.68b 2.80 ± 0.48ab
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Notes: Values are presented as mean ± SD (n = 10 rats/group). aIndicates presence of a statistically significant difference from the control group and bindicates presence of a statistically significant difference from Ag-NPs group at p< 0.05.

Figure 3.

Figure 3

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Sperms of rats exposed to Ag-NPs showing an increased incidence of head and tail deformities and decreased viability: live sperm (yellow arrow), dead sperm (red arrow), coiled tail (white arrow), curved tail (black arrow) and detached head (blue arrow).

Figure 4.

Figure 4

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(A, B) sperms of control rats showing normal morphology; (C) sperms of rats exposed to Zn-NPs showing normal morphology; (D–F) sperms of rats exposed to Ag-NPs and Zn-NPs showing a decreased incidence of head and tail deformities and increased viability compared to Ag-NPs group: live sperm (yellow arrow), dead sperm (red arrow), coiled tail (white arrow), curved tail (black arrow) and detached head (blue arrow).

Antioxidant Enzymes and Lipid Peroxidation in Testicular Tissue

Ag-NPs induced a non-significant change in GSH concentration, a significant decrease in CAT activity and a significant increase in MDA content in testicular tissue compared to the control group. While there was no significant difference in oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation parameters between the control group and Zn-NPs group. Otherwise, administration of Zn-NPs with Ag-NPs resulted in a non-significant change in GSH concentration, a significant increase in CAT activity, and a significant decrease in MDA content compared to Ag-NPs group (Figure 5).

Figure 5.

Figure 5

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Effects of exposure to Ag-NPs and/or Zn-NPs on (A) GSH, (B) CAT, and (C) MDA levels in testicular tissue. Values are presented as mean ± SD (n = 10 rats/group). (a) indicates presence of a statistically significant difference from the control group and (b) indicates presence of a statistically significant difference from Ag-NPs group at p< 0.05.

Serum Hormones

Ag-NPs induced a significant decrease in serum testosterone, FSH, and LH compared to the control group. While exposure to Zn-NPs resulted in a non-significant change in serum hormones compared to the control group. On the other hand, concurrent administration of Zn-NPs and Ag-NPs resulted in a significant increase in serum hormones compared to the group that received Ag-NPs only (Figure 6).

Figure 6.

Figure 6

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Effects of exposure to Ag-NPs and/or Zn-NPs on (A) testosterone, (B) FSH, and (C) LH levels in serum. Values are presented as mean ± SD (n = 10 rats/group). (a) indicates presence of a statistically significant difference from the control group and (b) indicates presence of a statistically significant difference from Ag-NPs group at p< 0.05.

Comet Assay on Testicular Tissue

Ag-NPs induced a significant increase in all comet assay parameters except the percent of DNA in tail that was non-significantly different compared to the control group. While the group that received Zn-NPs only showed a non-significant change in all comet assay parameters compared to the control group. Furthermore, the administration of Zn-NPs with Ag-NPs showed a significant decrease in tail length and percent of DNA damage, while other parameters were non-significantly changed, in comparison with the group that exposed to Ag-NPs only (Table 4) (Figure 7).

Table 4.

Effects of Exposure to Ag-NPs and/or Zn-NPs on Comet Assay Parameters on Testicular Tissue

Group Damage (%) Tail Length (px) DNA in Tail (%) Tail Moment Olive Tail Moment
Control 10.33 ± 2.38 7.13 ± 0.15 10.15 ± 1.51 0.75 ± 0.09 1.49 ± 0.43
Ag-NPs 18.50 ± 0.82a 18.25 ± 4.45a 13.44 ± 1.67 2.08 ± 0.85a 2.49 ± 0.34a
Zn-NPs 9.03 ± 1.50b 6.64 ± 0.34b 7.87 ± 2.55b 0.67 ± 0.10b 1.52 ± 0.24b
Ag-NPs + Zn-NPs 13.33 ± 0.32b 7.78 ± 0.30b 9.80 ± 0.59 0.97 ± 0.17 1.96 ± 0.08
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Notes: Values are presented as mean ± SD (n = 10 rats/group). aIndicates presence of a statistically significant difference from the control group and bindicates presence of a statistically significant difference from Ag-NPs group at p< 0.05.

Figure 7.

Figure 7

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Comet assay in testicular tissue of rats showing the effects of exposure to Ag-NPs and/or Zn-NPs on DNA damage: (A) control group; (B) Ag-NPs group; (C) Zn-NPs group; (D) Ag-NPs + Zn-NPs group. Yellow arrow indicates a nucleus without tail (intact DNA). Blue arrow indicates a nucleus with tail (DNA break).

Histopathological Examination

Microscopic examination of testes of control rats revealed normal histological structure (Figure 8A) of densely packed seminiferous tubules with spermatogonial cells’ layers. Moreover, testicular tissue of Zn-NPs administrated rats showed normal appearance of spermatogonial cells’ layers with active spermatogenesis along most of the seminiferous tubules (Figure 8B). While testicular tissue of Ag-NPs administered rats revealed marked histological alterations. Thickening of the testicular capsule (tunica albuginea) was observed with congested capsular blood vessels which showed thickening and edema of their walls (Figure 8C). The seminiferous tubules showed disorganized spermatogonial cells’ layers with disorganized, widely separated, and detached germinal epithelium from the basement membrane and mild interstitial edema (Figure 8D). Most of the spermatogonial cells showed degenerative changes, pyknotic nuclei, and necrosis (Figure 8E) with some exfoliated cells. Generally, most of the seminiferous tubules showed defective spermatogenesis and cellular loss with the appearance of multinucleated spermatid giant cells (Figure 8F) in some tubules. The interstitium showed a presence of acidophilic vacuolated hyaline material. Some seminiferous tubules appeared with irregular contour with a marked wideness of the spaces between the tubules (Figure 8G) and disorganized separated germinal epithelium from their basement membranes distorted and separated by wide spaces. Whereas the testes of Ag-NPs and Zn-NPs co-administrated rats showed near to normal appearance of the testicular tissue with preservation of the normal histological structure of most of the spermatogonial cells’ layers, spermatogenesis (Figure 8H and I) within the seminiferous tubules and mild edema in inter-tubular space.

Figure 8.

Figure 8

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H&E-stained testicular sections. Effect of exposure to Ag-NPs and/or Zn-NPs on the microscopic appearance of testicular tissue. (A) Testis of control rat showing normal seminiferous tubules with densely packed spermatogonial cells’ layers, spermatogenesis and normal sperms in the lumen (arrow). (B) Testis of Zn-NPs administered rat showing normal seminiferous tubules with active spermatogenesis. (C–G) testis of Ag-NPs administrated rat showing; (C) Thickening of the testicular capsule (arrow) and congested capsular blood vessels with thickening and edema (dotted arrow) of their walls, (D) Disorganized spermatogonial cells’ layers and detached germinal epithelium (dotted arrow) from the basement membrane of the seminiferous tubules and mild interstitial edema (arrow), (E) Degeneration, necrosis and nuclear pyknosis of the spermatogonial cells, (F) Defective spermatogenesis and presence of multinucleated spermatid giant cells (arrow), (G) Seminiferous tubules appeared with irregular contour (arrow) of seminiferous tubules with marked wide spaces between them. (H and I) Testis of Ag-NPs and Zn-NPs co-administered rat showing near to normal appearance of seminiferous tubules with active spermatogenesis, active sperms (dotted arrow) in the lumen of seminiferous tubules and spermatogonial cells (arrow).

Regarding the results of the morphometric analysis, a significant reduction in the area, circumference and mean diameter of seminiferous tubules was observed in the Ag-NPs group compared to the control group. Zn-NPs administrated group was non-significantly different from the control group. While, a significant amendment in the measured parameters was noticed in the combined Ag-NPs and Zn-NPs group compared to Ag-NPs administrated group (Table 5).

Table 5.

Effects of Exposure to Ag-NPs and/or Zn-NPs on Morphometric Parameters of Seminiferous Tubules Including Area, Circumference, and Mean Diameter

Group Area
(×10−8 m2)		 Circumference
(×10−3 m)		 Mean Diameter
(×10−3 m)
Control 8.69 ± 0.635 1.198 ± 0.107 0.333 ± 0.009
Ag-NPs 7.23 ± 0.426a 1.086 ± 0.031a 0.298 ± 0.020a
Zn-NPs 9.02 ± 0.412b 1.228 ± 0.035b 0.329 ± 0.006b
Ag-NPs + Zn-NPs 8.25 ± 0.460b 1.194 ± 0.019b 0.324 ± 0.005b
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Notes: Values are presented as mean ± SD (n = 10 rats/group). aIndicates presence of a statistically significant difference from the control group and bindicates presence of a statistically significant difference from Ag-NPs group at p< 0.05.

Discussion

Nanoparticles, including Ag-NPs, have become an important part of daily life and this directed the scientist’s trials to find out the possible mechanisms, benefits, and adverse effects of these materials.

The current study demonstrated that when male rats were orally intoxicated with 50 mg/kg Ag-NPs (50 nm) for 90 days, we showed a significant decrease in sperm concentration, viability, and motility and a significant increase in the incidence of sperm abnormalities. Besides, a significant decrease in serum hormones and testicular antioxidants was observed. Moreover, a significant increase in MDA, DNA degeneration, and histological alterations, was demonstrated.

Consistent with our results, several studies reported that exposure to Ag-NPs resulted in a decrease in sperm motility and an increase in sperm abnormalities.41–43 Recently, Fathi et al44 mentioned that exposure to Ag-NPs decreases sperm concentration and viability. Besides, Carlson et al45 performed an in vitro study and found that mitochondrial activity of macrophages was decreased after exposure to Ag-NPs, which is important for sperm viability and is essential for sperm production and testicular structure in rats.46

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are normally produced as a result of cellular metabolism. They are highly reactive and can cause damage to different cellular structures. The body cells can protect themselves from free radicals by their natural antioxidants. Under normal conditions, there is a balance between ROS and antioxidants, but overproduction of ROS leads to a shift in this balance and this is known as oxidative stress.47 The cellular antioxidants are either enzymatic such as catalase (CAT) or non-enzymatic such as reduced glutathione (GSH). CAT is responsible for the destruction of H2O2 and it also binds to NADPH for enzyme protection from oxidative inactivation.48 GSH acts as a co-substrate for the antioxidative enzymes (glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase) and it also scavenges free radicals through its SH group.49–52

Nel et al53 and Bressan et al54 conducted trials to find out the mechanism of toxicity of Ag-NPs and they found that Ag-NPs cause mitochondrial damage and negatively affect the cell respiratory chain leading to the generation of ROS and oxidative stress. ROS generated after exposure to Ag-NPs have an adverse effect on sperms and may be the cause of the observed sperm abnormalities either through a direct effect on the membrane and flagellum of the sperm or an indirect effect on the epididymis.55,56 Additionally, ROS can disrupt the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane and induce lipid peroxidation resulting in the production of some products, including malondialdehyde (MDA).57 Consequently, the MDA level can be used as an indicator of cell damage due to oxidative stress. For the detection of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in testicular tissue, we have measured the levels of CAT and GSH and it was found that exposure to Ag-NPs decreases the levels of testicular antioxidants and increases MDA content. These results are in agreement with the results demonstrated by Arisha et al58 and Elsharkawy et al.59

The endocrine control of reproduction in male starts with the secretion of GnRH from the hypothalamus, which stimulates the pituitary gland to synthesize and secrete gonadotropins (LH and FSH). Under the stimulation of LH, Leydig cells secrete testosterone which acts with FSH to regulate the function of Sertoli cells.60,61 The observed decrease in sperm concentration may result from the decrease in FSH and testosterone levels. The results of this study showed that exposure to Ag-NPs induced a decrease in the levels of FSH, LH, and testosterone. In line with these results, several studies reported a change in FSH, LH, and testosterone following exposure to Ag-NPs.41,58,59,62 The decreased levels of LH and FSH may result from Ag-NPs-induced damage of the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland. According to Trickler et al,63 Ag-NPs increase the permeability of the blood-brain barrier and can easily cross it and cause damage to these glands.

The comet assay is frequently used as a rapid, sensitive, and quantitative method for the detection of DNA damage in eukaryotic cells. It is based on the measurement of broken DNA strands extending from the cell nucleus during electrophoresis.64 In the present study, exposure to Ag-NPs increased DNA damage as indicated by an increase in all comet assay parameters in testicular tissue. Several studies demonstrated that the increased production of ROS and the interruption of ATP synthesis are the causes of DNA damage.8,65,66

Ag-NPs can cross the blood-testis barrier12,67 causing histological alterations and necrosis. Our results are consistent with the results of Arisha et al58 who demonstrated that oral exposure to Ag-NPs for 8 weeks resulted in alterations of the normal histological structure of testes. Additionally, Thakur et al68 found many pathological lesions, including atrophy of seminiferous tubules and disorganization of germinal epithelium, after oral exposure to Ag-NPs for 90 days. The direct effect of Ag-NPs on testicular cells, including Leydig cells, may be the cause of decreased testosterone in addition to the effect of decreased LH level.

Otherwise, administration of Zn-NPs with Ag-NPs showed an improvement in spermogram and histological appearance of the testes, in addition to a decrease in oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and DNA damage, and an increase in levels of serum hormones. All these protective results may be due to the androgenic and antioxidant effects of Zn-NPs which in turn decreases ROS generation and ameliorates the effect of Ag-NPs. Several studies demonstrated the antioxidative and androgenic properties of Zn-NPs. El-Maddawy and Abd El Naby69 reported that Zn-NPs ameliorated the adverse effects of doxorubicin, improved reproductive parameters, and increase testosterone level. Yet again, Mohamed and Abdelrahman70 also mentioned that administration of Zn-NPs with nicotine ameliorated the undesirable effects of nicotine, decreased oxidative stress, and increased LH, FSH, and testosterone levels. Moreover, Essa et al26 reported that Zn-NPs have an antioxidant effect against chlorpyrifos-contaminated drinking water. Additionally, Fathi et al71 mentioned that Zn-NPs decreased the level of MDA and increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzymes in broiler chickens.

Conclusion

We concluded that exposure to Ag-NPs for 90 days resulted in obvious adverse effects on sperm morphology, concentration, motility, and viability. Ag-NPs also induced oxidative stress, DNA damage, and pathological injuries in testicular tissue. Moreover, the level of serum reproductive hormones was reduced following exposure to Ag-NPs. On the other hand, concurrent administration of Zn-NPs mitigated the toxic effects induced by Ag-NPs as indicated by an improvement in sperm parameters, serum hormones, and histopathological picture; in addition to a decrease in oxidative stress and DNA damage in testicular tissue possibly due to the antioxidative properties of Zn-NPs.

Funding Statement

This research work was financially supported by Cairo University.

Disclosure

The authors declare no conflicts of interest for this work.

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