The Effect of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles on Sperm Numbers and Mobility in Male Mice

Now a day, Fe2o3 nanoparticles due to high magnetic property and small size are used in MRI imaging. This study aimed to characterize the effect of iron oxide nanoparticles on sperm parameters. This experiment study was carried out on 75 mature male mice that divided into 4 test groups that received iron oxide nanoparticles at the dose levels of 5, 10, 20, 40 mg/kg intraperitaneally (i.p.) for 2 weeks and a control group. Sperm was collected from epididymis and prepared for analysis. Fe2o3 nanoparticles cause a meaningful reduction in sperm numbers and mobility in all experimental groups. Nanoparticles can cause the inflammation of epididymis and increasing of free radicals (Reactive oxygen species: ROS) that can decrease the mobility of the sperms.