2025 : 2 : 11
Amir Jalali

Amir Jalali

Academic rank: Assistant Professor
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3592-5789
Education: PhD.
ScopusId: 57208568716
HIndex:
Faculty: Science
Address: Arak University
Phone:

Research

Title
Environmental exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles disrupts DAZL gene expression and male reproductive function in mice: Protective role of lutein
Type
JournalPaper
Keywords
DAZL gene expression, Lutein, Male infertility, Oxidative stress, Spermatogenesis, Titanium dioxide nanoparticles
Year
2024
Journal Food and Chemical Toxicology
DOI
Researchers Reyhaneh Khodadadi ، Amir Jalali ، Samira Moghadasi ، Mohadese Farahani

Abstract

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are widely used nanomaterials with potential environmental health concerns, including impacts on male fertility. This study investigated the effects of TiO2 NPs on male reproductive function in mice and the potential protective role of lutein, a dietary antioxidant. Male NMRI mice were exposed to TiO2 NPs (50, 150, and 300 mg/kg) with or without co-administration of lutein (5 or 10 mg/kg) for 35 days. Compared to controls, TiO2 NP exposure significantly decreased DAZL gene expression, testosterone levels, antioxidant capacity, sperm quality (motility, density, morphology, DNA integrity), and testicular tissue parameters (seminiferous tubules volume, germinal epithelium height, spermatogenic cell counts). These effects were associated with increased oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde levels) and altered testicular architecture (interstitial tissue volume). Notably, co-administration of lutein significantly ameliorated these TiO2 NP-induced adverse effects, suggesting its potential protective role against testicular oxidative stress and dysfunction. Our findings highlight the potential detrimental effects of environmental TiO2 NP exposure on male fertility and the potential benefit of dietary lutein as a protective strategy. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and translate these findings to human health.