Green synthesized selenium nanoparticles mitigate cyclophosphamide-induced reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats

Cyclophosphamide (CP), a widely used alkylating chemotherapeutic and immunosuppressive agent, is associated with significant reproductive toxicity in male patients, primarily through oxidative stress and inflammatory damage to testicular tissue. This study investigates the protective effect of green-synthesised selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) from Azadirachta indica leaves extract against CP-induced reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats. SeNPs were characterised by FTIR, XRD, DLS, SEM, TEM, and EDX, confirming crystalline structure, and mean particle sizes of 70-100 nm. Male rats (n = 30) were randomly divided into five groups consisting of six rats per group and treated with CP (15 mg/kg/week, i.p.) and/or SeNPs (0.2 mg/kg/day, oral) for 28 days. CP significantly reduced serum testosterone, LH, and FSH, impaired antioxidant enzymes, and disrupted sperm parameters and testicular histology (p < 0.05). Co-treatment with SeNPs significantly restored serum testosterone, LH, and FSH levels. Additionally, SeNP has reduced IL-1β and TNF-α levels compared to the CP group. Results suggest SeNPs may mitigate CP-induced reproductive toxicity via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.