Improvement of Sperm Parameters and Oxidative Stress by N-acetyl-cysteine in Adult Male Mice Treated with Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

Background and Aim: Zinc oxide nanoparticles are one of the nanoscale materials that by inducing the production of reactive oxygen species, DNA damage and apoptosis may have cytotoxic effects on the reproductive system and endanger male fertility. In the present study, we investigated the antioxidant effect of N-acetylcysteine on sperm and biochemical parameters in mice treated with zinc oxide nanoparticles. Materials and Methods: 24 adult male NMRI mice with average weight (35.45 ± 2.11 g) were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6) of control, zinc oxide nanoparticles (50 mg/kg), N-acetylcysteine (150 mg/kg) and N-acetylcysteine + zinc oxide nanoparticles and treated intraperitoneally for 28 days. Then the mice were anesthetized and their left epididymis was used to evaluate sperm parameters (number, motility and viability). In addition, serum levels of testosterone, LH and FSH, malondialdehyde and total antioxidant capacity were measured. Using SPSS software, data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test. Differences among mean values were considered significant at p