Cell and Tissue Journal

Abstract Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the negative effects of different doses of silvernanoparticles on fertility potential, chromatin structureand DNA integrity of epididymal sperm in mice.
Material and Methods: Twenty four male mice were divided into 4 groups (n=6) including one control and three experimental groups for orally administration of silver nanoparticles with three different doses (50, 100 and 200 μl/kg/day) for 5 weeks. Then, cauda epididymal spermatozoa were aspirated for analysis of sperm parameters using general microscopy methods and according to WHO criteria. Chromatin condensation, intensity of sperm chromatin abnormalities and protamine deficiency were assessed by three different cytochemical tests including aniline blue (AB), toluidine blue (TB) and chromomycin A3 (CMA3) tests respectively.
Results: Results showed that third group (treated with the highest silvernanoparticles dose), had the lowest sperm number, the lowest of sperm fast motility percentage and the lowest sperm percentage having normal morphology significantly in comparison with control and others groups. The II and III groups significantly showed differences in sperm chromatin condensation and deficiency comparing to other groups.
Conclusion: In this study the negative effect of silver nanoparticles on mice sperm parameters, sperm chromatin structure and DNA integrity were observed. It is believed that the negative effects of silver nanoparticles on sperm quality are significant and depend on used doses.
 

Abstract Aim: Due to the role of silver nanoparticles on elevation of reactive oxygen species, and high sensitivity of spermatozoa to these agents, it is possible that silver nanoparticles reduce the fertility potential of spermatozoa. The aim of present study was to evaluate the effects of silver nanoparticles on sperm parameters and the concentration of reactive oxygen species in mouse serum and seminal fluid.
Material and Methods: In this experimental study, 24 adult male Syrian mice were divided into a control and three experimental groups. The experimental groups received silver nanoparticles orally at different doses (0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 ml orally) for 5 weeks. Then blood samples were taken from hearts to examine the Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration by spectrophotometry. In addition, to analyze the sperm parameter cauda epididymis was dissected and swim-out spermatozoa were analyzed.
Results: The 3rd experimental group (highest dose) significantly showed the lowest mean of sperm count (16±2.6), the lowest percentage of rapid progressive motile spermatozoa (18.16±5.45), the highest rates of abnormal spermatozoa (35.83±4.4) and the highest concentrations of MDA in serum and seminal plasma compared to the control and other experimental groups.
Conclusion: The silver nanoparticles as a factor which increase the effects of free radicals and reactive oxygen species in serum and seminal fluid caused reduction of sperm parameters.