Avaliação dos efeitos de nanopartículas inorgânicas na toxicologia reprodutiva murina

Abstract

Nanotechnology is one of the rapidly expanding research areas and has significantly contributed to various fields of science, particularly in the biomedical area. Nanomaterials (NMs) have immensely aided biotechnologies aimed at reproduction. In recent years, inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) have been one of the most researched classes of NMs due to their physicochemical properties, which allow their exploration as a theranostic tool in various biomedical applications. In this context, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have gained attention due to their high biocompatibility, stability, and intrinsic magnetic property (superparamagnetism). However, exposure to different types of NPs has been linked to a range of harmful effects on spermatogenesis. Thus, the objective of our study was to investigate the data in the literature regarding reproductive toxicity caused by inorganic NPs in rodent testicular cells. Additionally, we aimed to investigate the toxicity of SPIONs in vitro and in vivo in mouse testicular cells and spermatozoa. Although there is a broad understanding of the toxicity of different inorganic NPs in the articles evaluated in our systematic review, the results are highly variable due to the lack of standardization of protocols. Despite focusing on the effect of different nanoparticles on male reproduction, the mechanisms and pathways related to cellular toxicity still need to be discussed. Our in vitro and in vivo studies showed that Leydig cells and spermatozoa are sensitive to SPIONs. In vitro, we observed cytotoxicity, NP accumulation, and increased cytoplasmic volume in Leydig cells. In spermatozoa, alterations in motility, viability, DNA integrity, mitochondrial activity, and lipid peroxidation were identified after in vitro exposure to SPIONs. In vivo, we observed morphological changes in Leydig cells and the seminiferous epithelium, NP accumulation primarily in Leydig cells, decreased testosterone levels, altered seminiferous tubules, reduced daily sperm production, and DNA damage in elongated spermatids. These findings will aid in the effective development and clinical application of nanotechnology-based technologies.