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Alterations in reproductive parameters and gene expression in Balb/c mice testes after exposure to silver nanoparticles
Author(s) -
Wang Enyin,
Huang Yan,
Du Qingyun,
Sun Yingpu
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
andrologia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.633
H-Index - 59
eISSN - 1439-0272
pISSN - 0303-4569
DOI - 10.1111/and.13841
Subject(s) - apoptosis , sperm , biology , reproductive toxicity , microarray , gene , andrology , microarray analysis techniques , gene expression , silver nanoparticle , toxicity , microbiology and biotechnology , medicine , genetics , nanoparticle , materials science , nanotechnology
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have become one of the most common nanomaterials in various commercial products; however, its potential toxicity to the male reproductive system and the possible mechanisms remains unknown. Our study aimed to investigate the toxicity of silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) in the testis and to elucidate its possible mechanisms. We exposed 6‐week‐old Balb/c male mice to AgNP daily [0 (control), 30 or 125 mg/kg BW] for 90 days. The histological structure, sperm production and levels of reproductive hormones were assessed; we also observed apoptotic cell nuclei and the ultrastructural characteristics of the testis. Microarray analyses were used to identify differentially expressed genes, and dysregulated apoptosis‐related genes and protein were also analysed. Our results indicated that 125 mg/kg AgNP changed testis morphology and decreased sperm production. AgNP treatment also increased apoptosis of germ cells and induced the presence of swollen or dissolved mitochondria in the testis. Microarray analysis showed the expression of 383 genes was altered by AgNP treatment, with apoptosis‐related genes showing the greatest changes. Furthermore, we verified dysregulated apoptosis‐related genes and proteins (caspase3 and Myc). These results demonstrated that AgNP induced changes of testis morphology, sperm production and apoptosis‐related genes, suggested this process maybe associated with apoptosis.