Nanoparticles Show Potential in Reducing Oxidative Damage and Promoting Fertility in Mice Exposed to Hexavalent Chromium

Strategic Insights -

New research from Government College University in Lahore, Pakistan, has found that Aloe vera and Aloe vera fabricated silver nanoparticles can potentially reduce oxidative damage caused by hexavalent chromium (Cr VI) in testes and promote fertility in male mice. The study, published in Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics, analyzed the protective effects of A. vera and its mediated silver nanoparticles on testes in mice exposed to Cr VI for 60 days.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found a significant reduction in the level of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone in the Cr VI exposed group, indicating oxidative damage to testes.
  • Administration of A. vera and its mediated silver nanoparticles significantly increased the levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, LH, and testosterone, while decreasing the level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the testes.
  • The computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) showed a noticeable decrease in sperm quantity and kinematics after Cr VI exposure, but was improved significantly in mice treated with A. vera and its mediated silver nanoparticles.
  • The histopathological studies showed necrosis of Leydig cells, absence of sperm tails, and destruction in the zone of mitosis and meiosis in Cr VI exposed groups, but were improved in mice treated with A. vera and its mediated silver nanoparticles.
  • The micro-morphometric analysis showed a significant reduction in the size of spermatogonia, size of spermatocytes, head breadth, head length, middle piece, and tail length in Cr VI exposed mice, but was improved in mice treated with A. vera and its mediated silver nanoparticles.

Statistics:

  • 60 male mice were exposed to Cr VI and A. vera extract (AV) and their mediated silver nanoparticles (AV+NP) as protective agents for 60 days.
  • A significant reduction was found in the level of catalase (87.1 ± 7.02 mmol/mL), superoxide dismutase (61.8 ± 2.5 mmol/mL), glutathione (1.51 ± 0.9 mol/mL), LH (1.6 ± 0.3 ng/mL), and testosterone (2.3 ± 0.2 ng/mL) in Cr VI exposed group.
  • A significant increase was found in Cr VI exposed mice in FSH (159.9 ± 4.98 ng/mL) level.
  • Administration of AV and AV+NP significantly increased the levels of catalase (143.4 ± 2.6 mmol/mL; 134.8 ± 9.1 mmol/mL), superoxide dismutase (205.8 ± 13.0 mmol/mL; 187.3 ± 9.9 mmol/mL), glutathione (2.98 ± 0.2 mol/mL; 3.06 ± 0.2 mol/mL), LH (2.9 ± 0.2 ng/mL; 3.1 ± 0.2 ng/mL), and testosterone (3.9 ± 0.1 ng/mL; 4.58 ± 0.2 ng/mL) respectively.

Sources:

  • Therapeutic Potential of Aloe vera and Aloe vera Fabricated Silver Nanoparticles on Reproductive Function in Male Mice Exposed to Hexavalent Chromium (2025)
  • Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics
  • Humana Press Inc, 999 Riverview Drive Suite 208, Totowa, NJ 07512, USA (www.springer.com; www.springerlink.com/content/1085-9195/)
  • Government College University, Department of Zoology, Lahore, Pakistan (Tooba Nauroze, Medical Toxicology and Biochemistry Laboratory)