الفهرس 
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Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) are among the most used nanoparticles. They are included in drug delivery, feed additives, wastewater purification, and many medical applications. Zinc nanoparticles (Zn-NPs) are known as strong antioxidants. This study was conducted to investigate the possible adverse effects of Ag-NPs especially, on the male reproductive system and liver and kidney function and the protective effect of Zn-NPs against these harmful effects. Forty adult male Sprague Dawley rats were used in this study. Animals were randomly divided into four equal groups and treated orally for 90 days as follows, group1: control, group2: received 50 mg/kg body weight of Ag-NPs, group3: received 30mg/kg body weight of Zn-NPs, group4: received Ag-NPs and Zn-NPs at previously mentioned doses.
The results revealed that the administration of Ag-NPs adversely affected male fertility as evidenced by a reduction in sperms concentration, motility, and viability percentages. Besides, sperms abnormalities were increased (coiled and curved tails, detached and deformed heads). Also, exposure to Ag-NPs lowered serum levels of testosterone, FSH, and LH. Additionally, the adverse effect of Ag-NPs on the liver and kidney were evidenced by increased serum ALT, AST, urea, and creatinine. Moreover, Ag-NPs induced DNA damage as showed in comet assay conducted in testicular tissues, and inflammation was observed in increased inflammatory cytokines in hepatic and renal tissues. Apoptosis was also observed in hepatic and renal tissues as a positive expression of caspase-3. Histological examination of testicular, renal, and hepatic tissues revealed inflammation, necrosis, and apoptosis. Furthermore, exposure to Ag-NPs resulted in oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation represented by decreased CAT and GSH and increased MDA in testicular, hepatic, and renal tissues. On the other hand, co-administration of Zn-NPs improved most of these adverse effects thanks to their antioxidant capacity.
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