Influence of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and/or cadmium chloride oral exposure on testicular morphology, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in rats: Ameliorative role of co-enzyme Q10

Background and objectives: Little is known about the implications of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) and cadmium chloride (Cd) co-exposure on the male reproductive system in mammals. As a result, this study researched the effects of oral TiO2NPs and/or Cd exposure on male reproduction and testicular functions. Additionally, a mitigation trial with co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has also been conducted. Methods: In a 60-day experiment, seven experimental groups, each containing 10 male Sprague Dawley rats, were orally given distilled water (control), corn oil (vehicle control), CoQ10 (10 mg/kg b.wt), TiO2NPs (50 mg/kg b.wt), Cd (5 mg/kg b.wt), TiO2NPs + Cd, and TiO2NPs + Cd + CoQ10. Then, sperm quality, male sex hormones, oxidative stress indications, Ti and Cd testicular residues, testes and accessory gland architecture, and apoptotic and inflammatory markers in rat testes were assessed. Results: TiO2NPs and/or Cd exposure negatively impacted body weight, weight gain, testicular weights, semen quality, serum reproductive hormones, oxidative stress parameters, and Caspase-3 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) immunoreactions. Histopathological changes were recorded in testicular, seminal vesicle, and prostatic tissues. Yet, co-administration of CoQ10 with TiO2NPs and Cd substantially mitigated these adverse consequences. The most notable aspect is that it effectively lowered testicular tissue Ti and Cd levels. It also improved oxidant status, hormonal profile, and sperm picture. CoQ10 minimized the testicular damage implied by histological examination. Furthermore, CoQ10 significantly diminished TiO2NPs and Cd-induced Caspase-3 and TNF-α immunoexpression in testicular tissue. Conclusion: As a result, CoQ10 could be utilized as a safe remedy to protect male reproductive physiology from TiO2NPs and Cd damage.