Evaluation of the Testicular Alterations Induced By Silver Nanoparticles in Male Mice: Biochemical, Histological and Ultrastructural Studies

Despite of many benefits of nanoparticles induced, their increasing usage raises concern about the consequences and health threats that it might bring to humans. So, the current study evaluated the testicular defects after i.p. injection of silver naoparticles (AgNPs). Male mice, weighing 31-34 g, and of 3 months old were randomly assigned into three groups with respect to concentration of nanoparticles (100, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) for 28 days. Control animals received saline solution as a vehicle. Sperm aspects, oxidative stress, testosterone assay and the testicular histopathology were performed. Results obtained no significant differences in body weight, testes and epididymes weights in all treatments, compared to the control. Silver nanoparticles deteriorated reproductive function of male mice by reduction daily sperm production, viability, progressive sperm motility, and increased sperm DNA integrity and sperm shape abnormalities. All these could affect the fertility. High concentrations (500 & 1000 mg/kg) of AgNPs induced reduction in testosterone hormone, reduced the activity of superoxide dismutase, and increased the level of lipid peroxidation. Histologically, high concentrations of AgNPs caused some disruption in the testicular architecture, testicular atrophy, sloughing and detachment the spermatogenic epithelium. Ultrastructurally, there was an increase in the intercellular spaces between spermatogenic cells, and a considerable degree of deformation in the acrosomal sheath. In conclusion, AgNPs could impair stability of sperm chromatin and stimulated oxidative damage, resulting in the disruption of spermatogenesis at any stage of cell differentiation.