The effect of copper oxide nanoparticles on the expression of the USP9Y gene in rat testicles

The increasing use of nanoparticles has raised concerns about the risks of nanoparticle release to the environment, which has adverse effects on fertility. Disruption of the expression of the USP9Y (Ubiquitin Specific Protease 9 Y chromosome) gene may cause azoospermia or oligospermia in the testes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of copper oxide nanoparticles on the expression of the USP9Y gene in rat testicles.
In this experimental study, 24 adult male Wistar rats were divided into three treatment groups and one control group. The treatment groups received different concentrations of copper oxide nanoparticles (0.25, 0.50 and 0.75 mg/kg) and the control group received normal saline intraperitoneally for 14 days. Then, the testicles were removed and the size and diameter of the small and large testicles were measured. Finally, the expression of the USP9Y gene was investigated by the real-time PCR method.
After 14 days exposure to copper oxide nanoparticles, the rat's body weight, weight and diameter of the testicles, and the USP9Y gene expression were reduced dose-dependently in all three treatment groups.
It seems that exposure to copper oxide nanoparticles may have a negative effect on fertility by reducing the expression of some genes associated with fertility of the male rats, and also by reducing the weight and size of the testes.