P-54: Evaluation of The Acute and Chronic Effects of Different Gold Nanoparticle Doses on Sperm Parameters and Chromatin Structure in Mice

Background The solid and colloidal particles in the range of 1-100 nm are called nanoparticles. Recently, one of the most important metal nanoparticles, with wide usage is gold nanoparticle. Based on the previous studies, gold nanoparticles have spermatotoxic effects and can destroy sperm motility. The aim of present study is the effect of gold nanoparticles on chromatin quality and sperm parameters in mice as an experimental model. MaterialsAndMethods Seventy two bulb-c male mice were divided into nine groups, including four treatment groups, four sham and a control group. Treated group received gold nanoparticle solution with 40 and 200 μg / kg / day doses through intraperitoneal injection for seven and thirty five days. Sham groups was treated with 1.2 mM sodium citrate solution with 40 and 200 μg / kg / day doses for the same days and control group didn’t receive any materials. One day after the last injection, mice were sacrificed and the cauda epididymis of each animal was removed for sperm morphology, motility, count and viability analysis. Chromatin structure was assessed using aniline blue, toluidine blue, acridin orange and CMA3 staining. Results The results of the sperm analysis showed that sperm count, viability, motility and morphology especially in the 35- day group had statistically significant differences when compared with control group. It should be noted that reduction was prominent in progressive motility (P˂0.05). The results of toluidine blue staining was non-significant but regard to aniline blue, acridine orange and CMA3 we saw a significant increase in abnormal spermatozoa of Au-treated group. Conclusion Gold nanoparticles can create significant changes in sperm parameters and chromatin structure. These effects were more obvious in maximum dose (200 μg/kg/day) and chronic phase (35 days).