Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
Advanced 3D Liver Models for In vitro Genotoxicity Testing Following Long-Term Nanomaterial Exposure
Published on: June 5, 2020
[Effects of nanosized titanium dioxide on the reproductive system of male mice]
Li-li Guo1, Xiao-hui Liu, Ding-xia Qin
1Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China.
Objective:
To investigate the in vivo effects of nanosized titanium dioxide (TiO2) on the main organs, particularly the reproductive system, of male mice.
Methods:
Forty-five male ICR mice aged 6 weeks were equally and randomly divided into 2 experimental groups and a control group, intraperitoneally injected with 200 and 500 mg/kg nanosized TiO2 and equal volume of saline, respectively, every other day for 5 times. One week after drug cessation, we obtained the coefficients of the main organs, serum biochemical parameters and the levels of gonadal hormones (T and E2), analyzed the pathological changes of the main organs by HE staining, observed sperm count, motility and abnormality under the microscope, and detected germ cell apoptosis by TUNEL.
Results:
Compared with the control, the low-dose (200 mg/kg) group showed no significant changes in the above parameters, while the high-dose (500 mg/kg) group exhibited a decrease in the coefficients of the liver, heart and kidneys, and a significant increase in such serum biochemical parameters as ALT, ALT/AST and BUN (P < 0.05). The high-dose group also showed significantly reduced sperm density and motility, increased sperm abnormality and germ cell apoptosis (P < 0.05), but no obvious pathological changes in the liver, kidney spleen, testis and epididymis.
Conclusion:
Low-dose nanosized TiO2 has no obvious effect on male mice, but high-dose may significantly reduce their sperm count and function and induce germ cell apoptosis, although its damage on the liver and kidney function is slight.
Insights
High-dose nanosized titanium dioxide (TiO2) significantly impairs male mouse sperm count and function, inducing germ cell apoptosis. Low-dose TiO2 showed no significant adverse effects on reproductive health or organ function.
Area of Science:
- Nanotoxicology
- Reproductive Toxicology
Context:
- Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles are widely used, raising concerns about potential health effects.
- Investigating the in vivo impact of nanosized TiO2 on male reproductive health is crucial.
Purpose:
- To assess the effects of different doses of nanosized TiO2 on male mouse reproductive organs and overall health.
- To determine dose-dependent toxicity and identify potential risks associated with TiO2 nanoparticle exposure.
Summary:
- Male ICR mice were exposed to 200 mg/kg or 500 mg/kg nanosized TiO2, or saline, over five days.
- High-dose TiO2 exposure significantly reduced sperm count and motility, increased abnormalities, and induced germ cell apoptosis.
- Liver, heart, and kidney function showed slight impairment at high doses, with no significant changes at low doses.
Impact:
- High-dose nanosized TiO2 poses a risk to male reproductive function, evidenced by reduced sperm quality and increased apoptosis.
- Low-dose exposure appears safe, but further research is needed to establish long-term effects and safe exposure limits.
