Introduction: Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) are among the most commonly used nanoparticles in different fields. Zinc nanoparticles (Zn-NPs) are known for their antioxidant effect. This study was designed to investigate the adverse effects of Ag-NPs (50 nm) on the male reproductive system and also the ameliorative effect of Zn-NPs (100 nm) against these harmful effects. Methods: Forty adult male rats were used in this study; they were randomly divided into four equal groups: control group, Ag-NPs group, Zn-NPs group, Ag-NPs + Zn-NPs group. Ag-NPs (50 mg/kg) and/or Zn-NPs (30 mg/kg) were administered orally for 90 days. Results:The results revealed that exposure to Ag-NPs adversely affected sperm motility, morphology, viability, and concentration. Ag-NPs also induced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in testicular tissue. The exposure to Ag-NPs decreased serum FSH, LH, and testosterone hormones. Additionally, comet assay revealed DNA degeneration in the testicular tissue of rats exposed to Ag-NPs. Histopathological examination showed various histological alterations in the testes of rats intoxicated with Ag-NPs. Furthermore, coadministration of Zn-NPs ameliorated most of the toxic effects of Ag-NPs via their antioxidative capacity.

Background and Aim: Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is a widely used organophosphate insecticide. Nanoparticles of zinc oxide (ZnO NPs) physically showed effective adsorbing property for some insecticides. The study was conducted to estimate the potential effect of ZnO NPs against CPF toxicity. Materials and Methods: Four groups of male rats were used; control group and three groups received drinking water contained 75 mg/L CPF, combined 75 mg/L CPF and 200 mg/L ZnO NPs, and 200 mg/L ZnO NPs, respectively. Results: CPF significantly decreased macrophage activity, serum lysozyme activity, and levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-6; increased the percentage of DNA degeneration on comet assay of lymphocytes and significantly elevated hepatic and splenic malondialdehyde contents; and decreased their glutathione contents. The liver and spleen showed marked histological alterations after exposure to CPF with decreased expression of acetylcholinesterase. The coadministration of ZnO NPs ameliorated most of the undesirable effects of CPF, through elevation of macrophage and serum lysozyme activities, increased the levels of IL-2 and IL-6, corrected the oxidative stress markers, and alleviated most of the adverse effect exerted by CPF in liver and spleen tissues. Conclusion: The addition of ZnO NPs to CPF-contaminated drinking water may be useful as a powerful antioxidant agent against toxic damage induced by CPF particularly in individuals who are on daily occupational exposure to low doses of CPF.

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