The Possible Protective Role of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Against Azathioprine-Induced Testicular Injury in Adult Albino Rats: A Histomorphometric Study

Abstract

Background: Young men may require medications that adversely affect fertility such as azathioprine (AZA). Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) are known to be potent antioxidants and preserve the reproductive tissue in low doses.Aim of the work: to investigate the possible protective role of ZnONPs against the toxic effects of azathioprine on the histological architecture of the testis of adult albino rats.Materials and methods: Forty-two adult male albino rats weighed 180-220gm were used in this study divided into Group I (control): included 21 rats that were further subdivided into Subgroup IA: 7 rats were left without intervention. Subgroup IB: 7 rats were given distilled water. Subgroup IC: 7 rats were given saline. Group II: included 7 rats given orally ZnONPs (10 mg/kg/day) dissolved in saline. Group III: included 7 rats given orally azathioprine (5 mg/kg/day) dissolved in distilled water. Group IV: included 7 rats given azathioprine + ZnONPs. After 4 weeks the rats were sacrificed, and testes were processed for light and transmission electron microscopic study. Hx & E & Masson’s trichrome stains were used for paraffin sections and toluidine blue stain for the semithin sections. Morphometric study and statistical analysis were done for some parameters.Results: The rat’s testes treated with azathioprine alone revealed thickening of tunica albuginea and tunica vasculosa. Most seminiferous tubules were shrunken, widely separated, and had irregular contours. The spermatogenic cells showed vacuolations with pyknotic nuclei. The Leydig cells were shrunken with congested blood vessels. Rats treated with azathioprine and ZnONPs revealed, thin tunica albuginea covered closely packed seminiferous tubules. The germinal epithelium was preserved and lined with different types of spermatogenic cells. The interstitial tissue had normal Leydig cells with less congested blood vessels. Conclusion: Co-treatment of AZA with ZnONPs at low doses significantly ameliorates AZA-induced spermatogenesis impairment and testicular toxicity in adult rats.