ABSTRACT
Background: Titanium dioxide nanoparticle [TiO[2]NP] is commonly used in industrial products including food colorant, cosmetics, and drugs. Previous studies have shown that oral administration of TiO[2]NP can be toxic to the reproductive system, but little is known if TiO[2]NP could be able to affect the functions of the female reproductive system, in particular fertility
Objective: The objective was to evaluate the effects of oral administration of TiO[2]NP on histological changes in ovaries, pregnancy rate and in vitro fertility in mice
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 54 adult female NMRI mice were randomly assigned to two groups: control group [received vehicle orally] and TiO[2]NP group [received 100 mg/kg/daily TiO2NP solution orally]. After 5 wk, pregnancy and in vitro fertilization rates, histological changes in ovaries, malondyaldehyde and estrogen hormone levels in the blood serum were investigated and compared between groups
Results: Our results revealed that TiO[2]NP administration induced histological alterations in ovary including, degenerating and reduction of ovarian follicles, ovarian cyst formation and disturbance of follicular development. Compared to control, animals in Ti[O2]NP group have shown significant reduction of pregnancy rates and number of giving birth [p=0.04]. TiO[2]NP caused significant reduction in oocyte number, fertilization rate, and pre-implantation embryo development [p<0.001]. Furthermore, malondyaldehyde and estrogen hormone levels were significantly [p<0.01] increased in mice received TiO[2]NP
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that TiO[2]NP exposure induces alterations on mice ovary resulting in a decrease in the rate of embryo development and fertility