Oral administration of titanium dioxide nanoparticle through ovarian tissue alterations impairs mice embryonic development.

BACKGROUND

Titanium dioxide nanoparticle (TiONP) is commonly used in industrial products including food colorant, cosmetics, and drugs. Previous studies have shown that oral administration of TiONP can be toxic to the reproductive system, but little is known if TiONP 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 TiONP 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 TiONP group (received 100 mg/kg/daily TiONP 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 TiONP 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 TiONP group have shown significant reduction of pregnancy rates and number of giving birth (p=0.04). TiONP 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 TiONP.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that TiONP exposure induces alterations on mice ovary resulting in a decrease in the rate of embryo development and fertility.