Mechanistic approach to investigate the induction of toxicity by magnesium oxide nanoparticles on testicular, nervous and muscular tissues of albino rats

Abstract

Nanoparticles are used extensively in various industries, such as agriculture, food packaging, medical diagnostics and electronics. However, their increasing usage raises concerns regarding potential health hazards and environmental risks. This study examined the impact of intra-peritoneal injections of magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles on the brain, testis, and muscles of male albino rats. Mature male rats (n=20) after acclimatization were randomly divided into four groups (G0, G1, G2, G3). The rats in the treated groups (G1-G3) were given MgO NPs @ 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg and 75 mg/kg respectively for ten consecutive days. G0 rats served as untreated control group. Results indicated that MgO NPs induced clinical alterations in exposed rats. The exposed organs including brain, and testis gained more weight and their stress parameters [reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)] increased significantly in a dose dependent manner. Antioxidant enzymes including catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) reduced significantly in studied organs as compared to control ones. The treated rats have shown atrophy of neurons, microgliosis, cytoplasmic vacuolization, and congestion. Changes in the testis include inflammation, sloughing of cells, damaged spermatogonia, necrosis of spermatids, spermatogonia and arrest of spermatogenesis process. Conclusively, it is suggested that persistent application of nanomaterials at environmentally relevant concentrations may induce adverse toxicological effects in targeted and non-targeted exposed animals.