Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Ginkgo Biloba Ameliorate Testicular Dysfunctions Induced by Silver Nanoparticles in Rats

Abstract Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are more commonly utilised in medicine, however they have negative effects on the majority of organs, including the reproductive system. AgNPs were reported to be able to reach the testes due to their small size, which allows them to pass through blood testicular barriers. The goal of this study was to see if LA (alpha lipoic acid) or GB (ginkgo biloba) might protect adult rat testes after intraperitoneal injection of AgNPs. Forty male healthy adult Wister albino rats were randomly assigned to four groups (10 rats each); control, AgNPs-intoxicated group intraperitoneally injected AgNPs 50 mg/kg b.w, 3 times a week, LA + AgNPs group intoxicated with AgNPs and orally gavaged with 100 mg LA/kg b.w, and GB + AgNPs group injected with AgNPs and orally given GB extract 120 mg/kg b.w were continued for 30 consecutive days. Biochemical changes in testicular tissue (testosterone, ACP, and Prostatic acid phosphatase), oxidative indices in testicles tissues, mRNA expression of pro-apoptotic (BAX) and anti-apoptotic (BCL-2) biomarkers, histological, and immunohistochemical changes were studied. Significant decrease in serum testosterone level and elevation in ACP and PACP enzyme activity in AgNPs treated group than in the control. In addition, lowering in tGSH, GSH GR, GPx and elevation MDA and GSSG were observed in AgNPs treated group than control. Decreasing in mRNA expression thirodexin-1 (Txn-1), transforming growth factor-1β (TGF-1β), anti-apoptic (BCL-2) and elevation the expression of proapoptic biomarkers (BAX) in the testis homogenates of rats exposed to silver nanoparticles. Strong positive action to BAX and lowering the action of Ki-67antibody were observed. Because of their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, co-treatment with LA or GB may be beneficial in reducing the harmful effects of AgNPs on the testicles.