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Nanosized TiO2-induced reproductive system dysfunction and its mechanism in female mice
Xiaoyang Zhao1, Yuguan Ze, Guodong Gao
1Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Recent studies have demonstrated nanosized titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2)-induced fertility reduction and ovary injury in animals. To better understand how nano-TiO2 act in mice, female mice were exposed to 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg nano-TiO2 by intragastric administration for 90 consecutive days; the ovary injuries, fertility, hormone levels, and inflammation-related or follicular atresia-related cytokine expression were investigated. The results showed that nano-TiO2 was deposited in the ovary, resulting in significant reduction of body weight, relative weight of ovary and fertility, alterations of hematological and serum parameters and sex hormone levels, atretic follicle increases, inflammation, and necrosis. Furthermore, nano-TiO2 exposure resulted in marked increases of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 2, epidermal growth factor, tumor necrosis factor-α, tissue plasminogen activator, interleukin-1β, interleukin -6, Fas, and FasL expression, and significant decreases of insulin-like growth factor-1, luteinizing hormone receptor, inhibin α, and growth differentiation factor 9 expression in mouse ovary. These findings implied that fertility reduction and ovary injury of mice following exposure to nano-TiO2 may be associated with alteration of inflammation-related or follicular atresia-related cytokine expressions, and humans should take great caution when handling nano-TiO2.
Insights
Nanosized titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2) exposure in female mice led to reduced fertility and ovary damage. These effects are linked to altered inflammation and follicular atresia-related cytokine expressions, highlighting potential risks for humans handling nano-TiO2.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Reproductive Biology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Nanosized titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2) has been linked to reduced fertility and ovarian injury in animal studies.
- Understanding the specific mechanisms of nano-TiO2 toxicity in the ovaries is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of nano-TiO2 exposure on female mouse ovaries, fertility, hormone levels, and related cytokine expressions.
- To elucidate the potential mechanisms behind nano-TiO2-induced reproductive toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Female mice were administered varying doses of nano-TiO2 (2.5, 5, 10 mg/kg) via intragastric gavage for 90 days.
- Evaluated ovary injury, fertility rates, hematological and serum parameters, sex hormone levels, and expression of specific cytokines related to inflammation and follicular atresia.
Main Results:
- Nano-TiO2 exposure caused reduced body weight, ovarian weight, and fertility, alongside hematological and hormonal alterations.
- Observed increased atretic follicles, inflammation, and necrosis in ovaries.
- Significant changes in expression levels of key cytokines, including increased IGFBP2, EGF, TNF-α, tPA, IL-1β, IL-6, Fas, and FasL, and decreased IGF-1, LHR, INHα, and GDF9.
Conclusions:
- Nano-TiO2 exposure induces fertility reduction and ovarian injury in mice.
- The observed reproductive toxicity is associated with altered expression of inflammation- and follicular atresia-related cytokines.
- Caution is advised for humans handling nano-TiO2 due to potential reproductive health risks.
