Microwave-assisted synthesized zinc nanoparticles attenuate cisplatin-induced testicular toxicity in mice

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects of zinc nanoparticles against cisplatin-induced testicular toxicity in mice. Zinc nanoparticles were produced by microwave-assisted synthesis using Lavandula vera extract as reducing agent. Single doses of cisplatin (7 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) and ZnSO₄ (10 mg/kg, orally), and various doses of zinc nanoparticles (10 − 50 mg/kg, orally) and vitamin E (100 mg/kg, interaperitoneally) were administered. The protective role of zinc nanoparticles was determined biochemically and histologically. Gradual reduction in malondialdehyde levels and elevation in glutathione levels and in the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase upon administration of zinc nanoparticles were observed. The pathology of mice treated with cisplatin/vitamin E and cisplatin/zinc nanoparticles were apparently equal, but vitamin E treatment was more effective in lowering oxidative stress markers than zinc nanoparticles. These findings suggest that co-administration of zinc nanoparticles with cisplatin could prevent adverse effects on the male reproductive system via their potential antioxidant properties.

Keywords:

• Cisplatin
• zinc nanoparticles
• testicular toxicity
• histopathology
• oxidative stress

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by the Student Research Committee of University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran [grant number 96001066].