The effects of silver nanoparticles on oxidative stress and sperm parameters quality in male rats

Considering the role of silver nanoparticles in inducing the production of free radicals, these compounds may lead to pathological effects and oxidative stress in the seminal fluid, resulting in the reduced quality of sperm parameters. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to assess the toxic effects of silver nanoparticles on sperm parameters and lipid peroxidation of sperm membranes in male rats. This experimental study was conducted on 24 Syrian adult male rats, which were randomly divided into one control and three study groups. The rats in the study groups were orally administered silver nanoparticles at concentrations of 0.07 µg (group A), 0.14 µg (group B), and 0.28 µg (group C), respectively per day for a period of five weeks. Then, lipid peroxidation of sperm membranes was analyzed, using thiobarbituric acid assay. Additionally, microscopic examinations were performed to evaluate sperm parameters. Based on the findings, the mean quality of sperm parameters such as sperm count and motility significantly declined in the study groups, particularly group B (77.69±16.96%; 16±2.6×106/ml) and group C (72.79±14.52%; 13.31±2.1×106/ml), compared to the control group (89.06±10.97; 23.57±3.46×106/ml) (P<0.05). Also, in terms of malondialdehyde concentration, a significant difference was reported among group A (0.25±0.01), group B (0.32±0.02), group C (0.35±0.01), and the control group (0.24±0.01) (p<0.001). The results of the present study confirmed that silver nanoparticles through enhancing lipid peroxidation could reduce the quality of sperm parameters in a dose-dependent manner