Background and purpose: Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNPs) are widely used as a catalyst in industry and as an antioxidant in applied nanomedicine. The biological effect of CNPs exposure on testis tissue is not known. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of CNPs on testis in mice model.
Materials and methods: In this experimental study, CNPs were administered intraperitoneally at 5 mg/kg dose for 7 consecutive days. Testicular toxicity was evaluated by histopathological, biochemical, and immunohistochemical assays.
Results: According to the findings CNPs significantly induced oxidative stress in testis (P< 0.05). Compared to the control group, the MDA, ROS, and PC levels increased in treated groups while the GSH levels decreased. Histopathological examination showed severe damage in testis in treated group. Moreover, Johnsen’s Testicular Score decreased in CNPs group. CNPs treatment caused a significant decrease in sperm count, motility, sperm viability, testosterone level and increase in number of abnormal sperms (P< 0.05).
Conclusion: Such observations suggest that CNPs at 5 mg/kg dose with pro-oxidative stress effect can lead to testicular toxicity. Also, this study confirmed that CNPs could pass through the blood-testis barrier.