Toxicity mechanisms of nanoparticles in the male reproductive system

Abstract

The field of nanotechnology has allowed for increasing nanoparticle (NP) exposure to the male reproductive system. Certain NPs have been reported to have adverse consequences on male germ and somatic cells. Germ cells are the bridge between generations and are responsible for the transmission of genetic and epigenetic information to future generations. A number of NPs have negative impacts on male germ and somatic cells which could ultimately affect fertility or the ability to produce healthy offspring. These impacts are related to NP composition, modification, concentration, agglomeration, and route of administration. NPs can induce severe toxic effects on the male reproduction system after passing through the blood-testis barrier and ultimately damaging the spermatozoa. Therefore, understanding the impacts of NPs on reproduction is necessary. This review will provide a comprehensive overview on the current state of knowledge derived from the previous in vivo and in vitro research on effects of NPs on the male reproductive system at the genetic, cellular, and molecular levels.

The effect of exposure to MoO3-NP and common bean fertilized by MoO3-NPs on biochemical, hematological, and histopathological parameters in rats

“…Nanoparticles can negatively affect and decrease testosterone secretion in the cells by exerting disruptive effects on mitochondria 53 . Another possible mechanism is that NPs release reactive oxygen molecules, which can cause cell damage and death, leading to a decrease in testosterone-producing cells 54 .…”

Safety and Toxicity Implications of Multifunctional Drug Delivery Nanocarriers on Reproductive Systems In Vitro and In Vivo

“…Therefore, in vitro and in vivo toxicity assessments of nanoparticles in various animal models, including but not limited to rat, mouse, and zebrafish, as well as further impacts of these nanoformulations on the reproductive system of males, need to be undertaken in a detailed manner while emphasizing the outcomes of exposing these man-made nanoparticles. Several such kinds of efforts have been undertaken in the recent past ( Habas et al, 2021 ). For example, the applications of similar types and sizes of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on the 6th, 9th, 12th, and 15th days in the 400 µg concentration in a mouse model with pregnancy conditions disclosed that in male offspring’s neurological tissues, on the 16th embryonic day striatum and on the 7th and 14th post-natal days, the olfactory bulbs and cerebral cortex tissues got enriched in the brain and major genetic changes in their expression levels in that regions and are intimately correlated with their reproductive tissues.…”

Biocompatible Nanomaterials as an Emerging Technology in Reproductive Health; a Focus on the Male

“…Metallic NPs have specific properties including magnetic (Fe, Ni, Co) ( Anderson et al, 2019 ; Stueber et al, 2021 ), antimicrobial (Ag) ( Liao et al, 2019 ) and photothermal (Au) ( Sasidharan and Monteiro-Riviere, 2015 ) that have been harnessed for biomedical applications. However, toxicity ( Balasubramanian et al, 2010 ; Meng et al, 2018 ), particularly reproductive toxicity ( Bawarski et al, 2008 ; Brohi et al, 2017 ; Ema et al, 2017 ; Habas et al, 2021 ; Vassal et al, 2021 ), and lack of biocompatibility and biodegradability of metallic NPs means that most of this group of nanoparticles fall outside the scope of this review. However, two groups of metallic nanoparticles that hold considerable potential for imaging applications are quantum dots and iron oxide nanoparticles, which also has a wide diversity of applications.…”