Effect of Docosahexaenoic Acid on Silica Nanoparticles Induced Alterations in Male Reproductive System in Rats

Abstract

newline Adverse human health effects associated with environmental and newlineoccupational exposure of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) have been widely discussed. It newlinehas also been reported that SiNPs caused severe reproductive toxicity in human and newlineanimals. Occupational workers particularly exposed to silica dust by smelting, newlinesandblasting, masons and ceramic and glass manufacturing. The first pathway of silica newlineexposure into the body through respiratory tract, it may be due to silica dust while newlinethe other route may be exposure via skin and digestive tract. Excessive ingestion and newlinedeposition of silica has long been known to be associated with silicosis. The newlinemechanism of SiNPs toxicity is still unclear but SiNPs induced oxidative stress is newlinewell known and accepted hypothesis. The aim of the present study was to investigate newlinethe dose dependent effect of SiNPs and protective effect of Docosahexaenoic acid newline(DHA) if any. newlineIn the present study, 40 and 80 mg SiNPs per kg bw were ingested to rats for newlineeight weeks along with a separate group co-administered with docosahexaenoic acid newline(DHA). At the end of the experimental period, rat testes were removed for the newlinebiochemical investigations namely, lipid peroxide levels (LPO), protein carbonyl newlinecontent (PC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase newline(GPx) and glutathione (GSH). Various reproductive hormones namely Follicle newlinestimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), Testosterone (TT) and newlineProlactin (PROL) and hematological parameter were investigated in blood. newlineResults of the present study demonstrate that weight of the body and testes newlinewere reduced significantly (Plt0.05) in the SiNPs treated groups and remarkable newline(Plt0.001) recovery were found in the DHA co-administrated groups. A significant newlineincrement in lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl content and reduced antioxidant newlinestatus were also noted while, the co-administration of DHA found remarkable newline(Plt0.01) recovery in the experimental group. The reproductive hormones, liver and newlineKidney function enzyme and met