Various studies have shown that the reproductive organs are highly sensitive to toxic elements found in the environment. Due to technological progress, the use of nanoparticles has become more common nowadays. Nanoparticles are used for drug delivery because their dimensions allow them to circulate throughout the body and enter directly into the cell. Antimicrobial properties are increasingly used in the manufacture of medical devices, textiles, food packaging, cosmetics, and other consumer products. Nanoparticles provide several benefits, but aspects related to their effects on living organisms and the environment are not well known. This review summarizes current in vivo, and in vitro animal studies focused on the evaluation of toxicity of selected metal nanoparticles (Ag, ZnO, TiO₂) on male and female reproductive health. It can be concluded that higher concentrations of metal nanoparticles in the male reproductive system can cause a decrease in spermatozoa motility, viability and disruption of membrane integrity. Histopathological changes of the testicular epithelium, infiltration of inflammatory cells in the epididymis, and prostatic hyperplasia have been observed. Nanoparticles in the female reproductive system caused their accumulation in the ovaries and uterus. Metal nanoparticles most likely induce polycystic ovary syndrome and follicular atresia, inflammation, apoptosis, and necrosis also occurred.

Zinc plays a very important role in various biological activities of the body. Multifaceted role of zinc is also known in testes development, spermatogenesis, capacitation and has effect on spermatozoa motility. On the other hand, the growing industry of nanotechnology has created reasonable interest of the risk assessment for nanoparticles. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro effect of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles on rabbit spermatozoa. Fresh semen was collected from sexually mature New Zealand rabbits. Experimental groups were prepared by diluting semen with ZnO nanoparticles in seven different concentrations (6–391 mg/mL). The experimental groups were compared with control group. Semen was assessed using computer assisted semen analysis (CASA) at intervals of 0, 1, 2 and 3 h of incubation. The mitochondrial toxicity assay (MTT) assay was used to determine cell viability. The results of monitored motility parameters in experimental groups showed a decreasing trend during whole experiment. Significant decrease (P < 0.001) of motility and progressive motility was observed after 3 h of incubation in samples cultured with higher ZnO nanoparticles in comparison to the control group. After 3 h of incubation, viability of rabbit spermatozoa showed slightly increased values in group with the lowest concentration of ZnO nanoparticles, but in other groups viability showed non-significant decrease compared to control. Similar tendency was detected for spermatozoa membrane integrity. These original data show the negative dose–dependent effect of ZnO nanoparticles on spermatozoa motility and viability parameters.

The composition of seminal plasma of individual sires varies and so does the fertilizing ability. Micro and macro elements along with seminal enzymes, hormones, proteins, and lipids contained in seminal plasma are essential for the proper physiological function of spermatozoa. However, elevated levels against the normal physiological values, especially in the case of trace metals, result in the production of reactive oxygen species. The deficiency of antioxidants in the seminal plasma that could scavenge free radicals causes an impairment of spermatozoa quality. Ejaculates were obtained from 19 stallions. The fresh semen was analyzed to evaluate qualitative parameters of spermatozoa in terms of the motility, viability, and integrity of DNA. Separated seminal plasma underwent the assessment of the chemical and biochemical composition and RedOx markers. Based on the obtained concentrations of individual chemical elements, the correlation analysis suggested a negative impact of Cu in seminal plasma on the SOD, GPx, and LPO. Contrary, positive correlation was detected between FRAP and motility features. While Cu negatively correlated with sperm motion parameters, the adverse effect on viability was suggested for Cd. Our data suggest that seminal plasma has a potential due to its availability to become the potential biomarker of the reproductive health of farm animals.

The review focuses on research related to the effect of nanoparticles on cells in the animal and human body and on the analysis of potential biological effects that may be caused by exposure to these materials. This review deals with the mechanisms through which nanoparticles interact with cells and analyses their potential consequences for an individual's health. The main mechanisms of toxicity are oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, cell damage, and genetic changes that can lead to apoptosis or other cellular responses. These effects are often modified by various factors, including the size and shape of the nanoparticles, their surface treatment and chemical composition. The work highlights significant differences in the responses of cells of different organ systems to nanoparticles, thereby pointing the need for a more precise examination of toxic effects depending on the biological context. This review also discusses important methods for assessing nanoparticle toxicity, including in vitro experiments, in vivo animal studies, and various clinical studies. The aim of this review was to provide a comprehensive overview of this important issue, which has significant implications for public health and the environment. Research into nanoparticles and their interaction with cells is crucial for a better understanding the risks associated with their exposure and for the development of safe technologies and applications that use these materials.

This study monitored the chemical and biochemical composition of bovine seminal plasma (SP). Freshly ejaculated semen (n = 20) was aliquoted into two parts. The first aliquot was immediately assessed to determine the sperm motion parameters. Another motility measurement was performed following an hour-long co-incubation of spermatozoa with SP at 6 °C. The other aliquot was processed to obtain the SP. Seminal plasma underwent the analyses of chemical composition and quantification of selected proteins, lipids and RedOx markers. Determined concentrations of observed parameters served as input data to correlation analyses where associations between micro and macro elements and RedOx markers were observed. Significant correlations of total oxidant status were found with the content of Cu and Mg. Further significant correlations of glutathione peroxidase were detected in relation to Fe and Hg. Furthermore, associations of chemical elements and RedOx markers and spermatozoa quality parameters were monitored. The most notable correlations indicate beneficial effects of seminal Fe on motility and Mg on velocity and viability of spermatozoa. On the contrary, negative correlations were registered between Zn and sperm velocity and seminal cholesterol content and motility. Our findings imply that seminal plasma has a prospective to be developed as the potential biomarker of bull reproductive health.

Background: Conservation of species diversity is the need of the hour for preserving life forms on Earth. Extinction of any part of the ecosystem has negative impacts on many processes and systems. The objective of this work was to analyze some biochemical and molecular indicators and their correlations to biogenic elements and heavy metals in Testudo hermanni (n = 16). Methods: Biochemical parameters were analyzed using the commercial kit DiaSys and biochemical analyzer Randox RX Monza. Sodium, potassium, and chlorides were measured using the EasyLite analyzer. Oxidative stress was evaluated using colorimetric and luminometric methods. Quantification of chemical elements in the blood was carried out using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPS). Results: Biochemical values of analyzed samples from Hermann’s tortoises were almost the same as referential values described by multiple authors, with minor aberrations in the total protein parameter. Values of arsenic (As) and nickel (Ni) showed correlation with biochemical parameters and the parameters of oxidative stress. Cadmium (Cd) exhibited correlation with aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Conclusions: This study reports correlations among four heavy metals, and their levels were again correlated with biochemical and molecular parameters in Hermann’s tortoises.