The Effects of 50 nm Unmodified Nano-ZnO on Lipid Metabolism and Semen Quality in Male Mice

• DOI: 10.1007/s12011-019-01792-6
• Publication Date: 2019-07-01T08:02:52Z
• Authors: Tao Kong; Shu-Hui Zhang; Cai Zhang; Ji-Liang Zhang; Fan Yang; Guo-Yong Wang; Zi-Jun Yang; Dong-Ying Bai; Yun-Yun Shi; Tian-Qi Liu; Hai-Long Li
• Keywords: Semen quality; Hyperlipidemia; Reproductive toxicity

Fifty male mice were exposed to 50 nm unmodified nano-ZnO through intragastric administration for 90 days to detect the long-term effects of unmodified nano-ZnO in mice. Results showed that the blood glucose, serum follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and estradiol were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). The serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein were significantly increased (p < 0.05). The semen quality of the 160 mg/kg·bw group were significantly lowered (p < 0.05). The liver and testis catalase and CuZn-SOD activities were significantly elevated (p < 0.05). The abilities of •OH inhibition in the livers and testes of the 160 mg/kg·bw group were significantly lowered (p < 0.05). The liver and testis MDA levels of the 160 mg/kg·bw group were significantly elevated (p < 0.05). Results indicate that exposure of nano-ZnO could induce lipid metabolism disorder, hyperlipidemia, and reproductive toxicity to male mice through oxidative injury.