Nanoparticles Induced Oxidative Damage in Reproductive System and Role of Antioxidants on the Induced Toxicity

Abstract

Nanotechnology is used in a variety of scientific, medical, and research domains. It is significant to mention that there are negative and severe repercussions of nanotechnology on both individuals and the environment. The toxic effect of nanoparticles exerted on living beings is termed as nanotoxicity. Nanoparticles are synthesized by various methods such as chemical, biological, physical, etc. These nanoparticles' nanotoxicity has been observed to vary depending on the synthesis process, precursors, size of the particles, etc. Nanoparticles can enter the cell in different ways and can cause cytotoxic effects. In this review, the toxicity caused in the reproductive system and the role of the antioxidants against the nanotoxicity are briefly explained.

Keywords: antioxidant; nanotoxicity; reproductive system.

Figure 1

Entry of nanoparticles into the cell (Figure was drawn using the images and illustrations available on Smart Servier Medical Art).

Figure 2

Nanoparticles interfering with the cell signalling pathway to induce apoptosis. ATF6, activating transcription factor 6; PERK, protein kinase R-like ER kinase IRE1α, inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (Figure was drawn using the images and illustrations available on Smart Servier Medical Art).

Figure 3

Comparison between normal spermatogenesis and nanotoxicity effect induced spermatogenesis in the male reproductive system (Figure was drawn using the images and illustrations available on Smart Servier Medical Art).

Figure 4

Entry of nanoparticles into foetus and its adverse effect (Figure was drawn using the images and illustrations available on Smart Servier Medical Art).

Figure 5

ZnO nanoparticles inducing oxidative stress by autophagy, apoptosis, and retardation of follicular development (Figure was drawn using the images and illustrations available on Smart Servier Medical Art).