Alterations in reproductive parameters and steroid biosynthesis induced by nickel oxide nanoparticles in male rats: The ameliorative effect of hesperidin

With recent progress in the manufacture and applications of nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs), concerns about their adverse effects are increasing. Hesperidin (HSP) is a citrus flavonoid that has a potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities. This study aims to investigate the protective effect of HSP against testicular and spermatological damages induced by NiO NPs in male rats. Forty rats were randomly and equally divided into four groups: control, NiO NPs, HSP and NiO NPs + HSP. NiO NPs (100 mg/kg) and/or HSP (100 mg/kg) were given daily by gavage for 60 days. Exposure to NiO NPs induced marked reproductive toxicity in male rats that was manifested by increased sperm abnormalities and deterioration of sperm motility, count and viability. NiO NPs also increased lipid peroxidation and negatively affected the cellular antioxidant defense system in the testis of rats. The level of serum testosterone hormone was increased in NiO NPs-exposed rats. qPCR showed a marked downregulation in expression of steroidogenesis-related genes (CYP11A1, HSD3B and STAR) and a significant upregulation in expression of apoptosis-related gene (caspase-9) in testicular tissue of rats. Various pathological lesions and an increase in the number of PCNA-positive immune-reactive cells were also noticed in the testis of NiO NPs-exposed rats. Co-administration of HSP significantly ameliorated most of the NiO NPs-induced testicular damages and improved male fertility in rats.