Toxic Impact of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) In Male Albino Rats with Special Reference to its Effect on Reproductive System

Abstract

The present study was directed to explore the toxic effects of orally administered TiO2 in mature male albino rats . Eighteen mature male albino rats were classified into three equal groups. The first group was used as control and fed on TiO2 free ration (C), the second and the third groups (T1) and (T2) were fed on ration containing 1% and 2% TiO2 respectively for 65days . The body weight of male albino rats fed 1% and 2% TiO2 showed a significant decrease along the experimental period. Animals were scarified after termination of the experimental period. The sera were separated for estimation of nitric oxide and testosterone levels. Liver samples were preserved for antioxidants enzyme activities determination. Liver, testes and seminal vesicle samples were preserved in formalin for histopathological study. The results indicated that TiO2 resulted in a significant decrease in body weight gain, sperm motility %, sperm cell concentration, sperm viability and serum testosterone level. While, a significant increase in sperm abnormalities, serum nitric oxide (NO), hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR) enzyme activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration were recorded. Histopathological findings revealed reduction in the number and size of the epithelial lining of the tubuloalveolar gland and hyperplastic glandular epithelium of seminal vesicle. Testes showed mild spermatogenesis besides congested testicular blood vessels. Liver showing vacuolar, hydropic degeneration and cell death of some hepatic cells and steatosis .The present study concluded that, TiO2 elicited a marked ruinous effect on male fertility and biochemical parameters as well as histopathological picture. (Nabela, I., EL- Sharkawy, Salah, M. Hamza and Ehsan, H., Abou-Zeid. Toxic Impact of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) In Male Albino Rats with Special Reference to its Effect on Reproductive System. Journal of American Science 2010;6(11):865-872). (ISSN: 1545-1003).