Effect of Molybdenum Trioxide Nanoparticles on Ovary Function in Female Rats

Background & Objective:  Molybdenum trioxide nanoparticles (MoO3 NPs) have widespread applications in industries. However, the toxic and non-toxic effects of MoO3 NPs have not been fully investigated yet. In this study, effects of MoO3 NPs on ovary function of female rats were studied.  Materials & Methods:  In this study, 21 female rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=7): the first group did not receive any treatment, the second one received normal saline, and the third group received 5 mg/kg MoO3 NPs in normal saline via intraperitoneal injection during a period of 28 days. Serum concentrations of estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle stimulating hormone were measured. Also, changes of ovaries, uterine weights, uterine, and length of uterine horns were studied. Results:  The serum level of estrogen in the MoO3 NPs exposed group was significantly attenuated; those of luteinizing hormones and follicle stimulating hormone were elevated while progesterone level change was insignificant. The weights of the right ovary and the uterine body decreased significantly in the exposed group. Conclusion:  Our data showed that MoO3 nanoparticle exposure could cause an imbalance of sex hormones and decrease in body and ovarian weights in thefemale rats.