Quercetin Ameliorates Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles-induced Impaired Testicular Functions by Regulating Inflammation, Oxidative, and Hormonal Status

Abstract

Objective: Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have various applications, but concerns about their potential adverse effects on human health, particularly the male reproductive system, have led to toxicity. This study investigates the effects of quercetin, a natural compound with anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, on ZnO NP-induced testicular toxicity in male Swiss mice. Method: In this study, 25 male mice were randomly allocated into 5 groups, each consisting of 5 mice (n=5). The groups were labelled as Control, Corn Oil, Quercetin, ZnO NPs, and ZnO NPs + Quercetin. The dosages administered were 100mg/kg for ZnO NPs and 20mg/kg for quercetin, relative to the weight of the animals. The treatments were conducted for 7 days following a two-week acclimatization period. Results: Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were found to increase testicular TNF-α, indicating inflammation at the testes which may have resulted in a significant decrease in testosterone. Malondialdehyde (MDA), an oxidative stress marker was also found to be increased at the level of the testes, in the ZnO NPs group when compared to the control group. Treatment with quercetin, however, was able to reduce the levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers at the testes, and restore testosterone to control levels, demonstrating its potential ameliorative effects on testicular toxicity via anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. Conclusion: The findings from this study indicated that Quercetin is a potential therapeutic agent against inflammation and oxidative stress in ZnO NPs-induced testicular toxicity.