STEREOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF ALPHA-LIPOIC ACID ON THE TESTIS TISSUE AFTER TREATMENT WITH SILVER NANOPARTICLES IN THE NMRI MOUSE

Given the role of silver nanoparticles on oxidative stress and antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid, this research aimed to study the simultaneous treatment of silver nanoparticles and alpha-lipoic acid in mice testis tissue.

24 adult male mice (NMRI) were used with an average weight of 36±2 in 4 groups (n=6): Control, treatment with silver nanoparticles (500 mg/kg/day), treatment with alpha lipoic acid (100 mg/kg/day), and simultaneous treatment silver nanoparticles+ alpha-lipoic acid divided. After treatment, the serum samples were taken and right testis was removed, fixed, sectioned, and stained according to Hematoxylin and eosin method. The total volume of testis, and its diameter and height of the germinal epithelium, total number spermatids, spermatocytes, sertoli cells with stereological method were estimated. The total antioxidant capacity (FRAP test), levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), and serum testosterone were measured. Data were analyzed with One-way ANOVA and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

The total volume of testis, diameter and height of the germinal epithelium, total number spermatids, spermatocytes, sertoli cells significantly decreased in silver nanoparticles group compared to the control group (p<0.001). A significant increase was observed in the level of MDA and a significant decrease was found in total antioxidant capacity and serum testosterone levels in silver nanoparticles group compared to control group (p<0.001). The above parameters were partially compensated in silver nanoparticles+ alpha lipoic acid group compared to silver nanoparticles group.

The alpha-lipoic acid seems to have a protective role in silver nanoparticles induced toxicity in testis tissue. So, alpha lipoic acid may be useful in improving the adverse effects of silver nanoparticles on male reproductive system.