Abstract:
The potential pharmaceutical application of nanoparticles has led to the toxicity within
the male reproductive system. In the present study, the effects of silver nanoparticles (Ag‐NPs) on
hematological parameters, free radical generation, antioxidant system, sperm parameters, and
organ histo‐morphometry in male rats were investigated. Ag‐NPs were produced by the reduction
of silver ions, while the formation of which was monitored by UV–visible spectrophotometry. Zeta
potential, transmission, and scanning electron microscopies were applied for the characterization of
AgNPs. A total of 30 rats were divided into 6 groups and were sub‐dermally exposed to Ag‐NPs at
the dosage of 0 (control), 10, and 50 mg/kg bodyweight (bw) doses for either 7 or 28 days. Ag‐NP
administration altered hematological indices and caused dose‐dependent decreases in sperm
motility, velocity, kinematic parameters, concentrations of luteinizing hormone, follicle‐stimulating
hormone, and testosterone. In the epididymis and testis, the concentrations of malondialdehyde and
peroxide increases while superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione, and total thiol group
decreases . These findings suggest that Ag‐NP triggered hormonal imbalance and induce oxidative
stress in testis and epididymis; which negatively affect sperm parameters of male rats.
