Evaluation of the cytotoxicity and protein expression alteration induced by nanoparticles of silver in the rat sperm and testis

Despite increasing application of silver nanoparticles in industry and medicine، there is still little information about their potential toxicity، particularly to male genital system. Therefore، the present study was carried out to investigate the cytotoxicity and protein expression alteration induced by nanoparticles of silver in the male rat genital system. In this experimental study، 24 male wistar rats were randomly divided in 4 equal groups. In experimental group one، two، and three، nanosilver was given orally for 45 consecutive days at the doses of 1، 10 and 20 ppm respectively. Rats in group four (control group) received 20 ppm ethylene glycol orally for 45 consecutive days. Results from DNA diffusion assay studies were analyzed statistically using ANOVA، and Tukey test. Also results of the electrophoresis were compared using Image J software. DNA diffusion assay results about apoptosis showed a significant increase in the experimental group in the number of sperms that occurred apoptosis (P<0. 05). Furthermore، the assessment results of an alteration in protein expression of testis cells showed an increase in expression of intracellular proteins with nanoparticles concentration increasing compared to control group. Based on the present study، it can be concluded that nanoparticles of silver can increase the incidence of apoptosis in rat sperm and cause alteration in protein expression in rat testis.