Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (nZnO) on adult male Wistar rats.
Thirty male Wistar rats divided into five groups of six animals each were used for this study. For ten days, Groups one to four continuously received 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg nZnO, respectively. Group five served as the control group. At the end of the study, the rats were sacrificed and histopathological study of the liver and renal tissue, sperm analysis, serum oxidative stress parameters and some liver enzymes were done.
The results of this study showed that nZnO at concentration more than 50 mg/kg lead to significant changes in liver enzymes, oxidative stress, liver and renal tissue and sperm quality and quantity.
In conclusion, the toxicity of nZnO is more significant when the concentration is increased; however, the use of low doses requires further investigation.
•The effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (nZnO) on adult male Wistar rats were investigated.•nZnO(200 mg/kg bw) resulted in increased total oxidant status and decreased total antioxidant capacity significantly.•All levels of zinc oxide nanoparticles had a significant impact on sperm quality and quantity.•The significant toxicity effects of ZnO nanoparticles appeared at concentrations above 50 mg/kg body weight of animals.•It is not yet clear whether the use of a low dose of ZnO nanoparticles in cosmetic products and sunscreen is justified.