The Effect of Fe203 Nanoparticles on Sperm Parameters and the Expression of Mitochondrial Apoptotic Pathway Genes in Rats With Scrotal Hyperthermia

Hyperthermia can cause infertility in men following an increase in testicular temperature. Oxidative stress has been found to be one of its major causes. In the present study, the effects of iron superoxide nanoparticles on the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax family genes were studied.

A total of 48 adult rats were purchased from the Pasteur Institute of Iran. The rats were later divided into 4 groups: control group, control group receiving superoxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3), hyperthermia group, h’:yperthermia group receiving superoxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3). After RNA extraction, evaluating the sperm parameters and the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 genes was examined using RT-PCR technique.

Exposure to iron superoxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3) decreased sperm parameters, increased proapoptotic BAX gene and decreased expression of BCL2 anti-apoptotic gene.

Exposure to nanoparticles by reducing sperm parameters and increasing apoptosis has a negative effect on fertility. The association between infertility and testicular hyperthermia is becoming increasingly apparent; administration of iron superoxide (Fe2O3) nanoparticles can have significant effects on male infertility. Moreover, green synthesis of nanoparticles is also recommended in this field.