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Assessing Disaster Resilience of Concrete with Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles
Published on: November 14, 2025
284
Structural and Functional Analysis of the Spermatogenic Epithelium in Rats Exposed to Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles
L A Sharafutdinova1, A M Fedorova2, S A Bashkatov2
1Department of Human Physiology and General Biology, Faculty of Biology, Bashkir State University, Ufa, The Republic of Bashkortostan, Russia. sharafla@yandex.ru.
Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine
|November 30, 2018
Summary
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles disrupt male rat reproductive health. Studies show these nanoparticles cause significant damage to the spermatogenic epithelium, impairing sperm cell function and leading to reproductive disturbances.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive toxicology
- Nanomaterial safety assessment
Background:
- Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are widely used, raising concerns about potential health effects.
- The impact of TiO2 NPs on male reproductive systems requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of peroral administration of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on the male rat reproductive system.
- To evaluate structural and functional changes in the spermatogenic epithelium.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical and morphometric analysis of rat spermatogenic epithelium.
- Assessment of Ki-67 and c-kit marker expression to evaluate cell proliferation and differentiation.
Main Results:
- Significant degenerative changes observed in the spermatogenic epithelium, including thinning and disorganization.
- Detachment of sperm cells from the basement membrane.
- Reduced expression of Ki-67 and c-kit markers, indicating decreased proliferative activity and differentiation potential.
Conclusions:
- Peroral administration of titanium dioxide nanoparticles adversely affects the structural and functional integrity of the male rat reproductive system.
- TiO2 NPs induce disturbances in spermatogenesis.
- Further research is needed to understand the long-term reproductive health implications of TiO2 NP exposure.
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