Toxic effects of Mn2O3 nanoparticles on rat testis and sex hormone.
OBJECTIVE
The safety of Mn2O3 nanoparticles (which are extensively used in industries) on male reproductive system is not known. Hence, we investigated the effects of Mn2O3 nanoparticles on male reproductive system.


METHODS
A total of 40 Wistar adult male rats were randomly assigned to four groups of 10 rats each. Three groups received Mn2O3 solution in concentrations of 100, 200, and 400 ppm orally for 14 days; the control group received equal volume of saline solution. Blood samples and testicles were collected for analysis.


RESULTS
Significant reduction in luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, spermatogonial cells, primary spermatocyte, spermatid and Leydig cell was observed in the Mn2O3 nanoparticles treated groups compared with controls.


CONCLUSIONS
Mn2O3 nanoparticles significantly reduce FSH, LH, and testosterone levels resulting in a significant reduction in testicular cytology.
Yazd Cardiovascular Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
Masoud
M
Negahdary
Department of Biology, Payame Noor University, Isfahan, Iran.
Zahra
Z
Arefian
Department of Biology, Payame Noor University, Isfahan, Iran.
Hajar Akbari
HA
Dastjerdi
Young Researchers and Elite Club, Khorasgan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.
Marziyeh
M
Ajdary
Follicle-stimulating hormone; Mn2O3 nanoparticles; luteinizing hormone; testosterone; toxicity