Potential toxicity of nickel nano and microparticles on the reproductive system of female rats: A comparative time-dependent study

Abstract

Increased application of engineered nanoparticles in different sectors viz. agriculture, commerce, industry, and medicine has raised serious public health issues. Nanoparticles of nickel have been increasingly used as catalysts, conductive pastes, adhesives, nanowires, and nanofilters. Human and animal exposure to these particles may cause toxicity in different organs/systems. Studies made in the past had demonstrated their toxicity in liver, kidney, and lungs. However, their reproductive effects remain poorly understood. Therefore, the present study on reproductive toxicity of nickel nanoparticles (<30 nm) was executed in female Wistar rats. A comparison of results obtained in nickel microparticle-treated rats was also made. Rats were administered nano and microparticles through gavage at a dosage of 5 mg/kg body weight each for two exposure periods; that is, 15 and 30 days. Ovaries removed from these rats were analyzed to study the effects of nickel bioaccumulation on synthesis of steroid hormones, lipid peroxidation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. Structural changes were monitored through histopathological and ultrastructural observations. The present study showed exposure time-dependent differences in the toxicity of nickel nano and microparticles in the ovary of rats. Nano nickel was cumulative in the ovaries. It affected steroidogenesis. Further, increased generation of reactive oxygen species and enhanced oxidative stress may have contributed to cytotoxicity. It was concluded that exposure to nano nickel might induce irreversible damage in the ovaries of rat.