Histopathological Effects of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles and The Possible Protective Role of N-Acetylcysteine on The Testes of Male Albino Rats

Objective Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a white pigment which is used in paints, plastics, etc. It is reported to induce ‎oxidative stress and DNA damage. The N-acetylcysteine (NAC) was used to fight oxidative stress-induced ‎damage in various tissues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxic effects of TiO2 nanoparticles by oral ‎administration and the protective role of NAC on testes of adult male albino rats. ‎ MaterialsAndMethods Fifty adult male albino rats were classified into five groups i.e. group I was the negative control, group II was ‎treated with gum acacia solution‎, group III was treated with NAC, group IV was treated with TiO2 ‎nanoparticles, and group V was treated with TiO2+ NAC. Total testosterone, glutathione (GSH), and serum ‎malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were estimated. The testes were subjected to histopathological, electron ‎microscopic examination, and immunohistochemical detection of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Cell ‎suspension from the testes was examined to determine the extent of DNA damage by the Comet assay. ‎ Results TiO2 nanoparticles induced histopathological and ultrastructure changes in the testes as well as positive TNF-α ‎immunoreaction in the testicular tissue. Moreover, there was an increase in serum MDA and decrease in ‎testosterone and GSH levels in TiO2 nanoparticles treated group. TiO2 resulted in DNA damage. Administration ‎of NAC with TiO2 led to the improvement of the previous parameters with moderate protective effects against ‎DNA damage.‎ Conclusion TiO2 induced damage to the testes caused by oxidative stress. Meanwhile, administration of NAC protects ‎against TiO2’s damaging effect.‎