This research delves into the reproductive toxicology of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) in male Sprague Dawley rats. It specifically examines the repercussions of Zn accumulation in the testes, alterations in testosterone levels, and histopathological changes in the gonadal tissues. The primary objective of this study is to elucidate the extent of reproductive toxicity induced by ZnO-NPs in male Sprague Dawley rats. The investigation aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the potential endocrine and reproductive disruptions caused by ZnO-NPs exposure. Characterization techniques including SEM-EDX and XRD affirmed the characteristic nature of ZnO-NPs. Twenty-five healthy post weaning rats (200–250 g) were intraperitoneally exposed to different concentrations of ZnO-NPs @ 10 or 20 or 30 mg/kg BW for 28 days on alternate days. Results showed significant dose dependent decline in the body weight and testicular somatic index of rats. It also showed significant dose dependent accumulation of Zn in testis with increasing dose of ZnO-NPs. Conversely, serum testosterone level and sperm count were reduced with increasing dose of ZnO-NPs. Histological results showed dose dependent abnormalities i.e., vacuolization, edema, hemorrhage, destruction of seminiferous tubules, loss of germ cells and necrosis in rat testis. The findings of this study clearly indicate that high doses of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) can adversely affect the structural integrity and functional efficacy of the male reproductive system. Given these results, it becomes crucial to implement stringent precautionary measures in the utilization of ZnO-NPs, particularly in cosmetics and other relevant sectors. Such measures are imperative to mitigate the toxicological impact of ZnO-NPs on the male reproductive system and potentially on other related physiological functions. This study underscores the need for regulatory vigilance and safety assessments in the application of nanotechnology to safeguard human health.

中文翻译：

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暴露于氧化锌纳米颗粒会导致雄性斯普拉格道利大鼠的生殖毒性

这项研究深入探讨了氧化锌纳米颗粒 (ZnO-NP) 对雄性斯普拉道利大鼠的生殖毒理学。它专门检查睾丸中锌积累的影响、睾酮水平的变化以及性腺组织的组织病理学变化。本研究的主要目的是阐明 ZnO-NPs 对雄性 Sprague Dawley 大鼠引起的生殖毒性程度。该调查旨在帮助更深入地了解 ZnO-NP 暴露引起的潜在内分泌和生殖干扰。包括 SEM-EDX 和 XRD 在内的表征技术证实了 ZnO-NP 的特征性质。25 只健康断奶后大鼠（200-250 克）腹腔内暴露于不同浓度的 ZnO-NP（10 或 20 或 30 mg/kg BW），为期 28 天，每隔一天。结果显示，大鼠体重和睾丸体细胞指数出现显着的剂量依赖性下降。它还显示出随着 ZnO-NP 剂量的增加，睾丸中 Zn 的积累呈显着的剂量依赖性。相反，血清睾酮水平和精子数量随着ZnO-NPs剂量的增加而降低。组织学结果显示剂量依赖性异常，即大鼠睾丸中空泡化、水肿、出血、生精小管破坏、生殖细胞损失和坏死。这项研究的结果清楚地表明，高剂量的氧化锌纳米颗粒（ZnO-NP）会对男性生殖系统的结构完整性和功能功效产生不利影响。鉴于这些结果，在 ZnO-NPs 的使用中实施严格的预防措施变得至关重要，特别是在化妆品和其他相关领域。这些措施对于减轻 ZnO-NPs 对男性生殖系统和其他相关生理功能的毒理学影响至关重要。这项研究强调了在纳米技术应用中保持监管警惕和安全评估的必要性，以保障人类健康。