Protective Effect of Chitosan-saponin-bentonite Nanocomposite against Infertility in Male Rats

Pollution of the environment and infertility are two current worldwide health problems that plague people everywhere. Hexavalent chromium has been linked to reproductive toxicity, as seen by a decrease in sperm motility, count, and testosterone levels, as well as an increase in sperm abnormalities. The current study assessed the fertility effect of chitosan-saponinbentonite nanocomposite (CSB NC) against potassium dichromate-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats.

The 49 rats were placed into seven groups of seven rats each. All groups, except for control, were administered K2Cr2O7 at a dosage of 10 mg/kg body weight via subcutaneous injection as a single dose. The treated groups administered saponin, chitosan, bentonite, or CSB NC (30 and 60 mg/kg, orally). Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffractometer, and transmission electron microscopy were used to confirm the NC of CSB.

Follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, glutathione reduced, and catalase all rose, whereas malondialdehyde and nitric oxide fell in response to CSB NC administration. Sperm count, motility, and semen fructose were all enhanced by the CSB NC, whereas sperm abnormalities were reduced. Histologically, the effects of K2Cr2O7 on testicular shrinkage, degenerative alterations, and disorganized germinal cell layers were reversed after oral administration of CSB NC.

Restoration of sex hormonal balance and semen quality after administration of CSB NC may be related to Cr- adsorption properties.

The chromium adsorption properties and antioxidant activity of CSB NC mitigate chromium-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats as it increases the sperm motility to about 43%.