the effect of iron oxide nanoparticles on sperm numbers and mobility in male mice

Background: now a day, fe2o3 nanoparticles due to high magnetic property and small size are used in mri imaging. objectives: this study aimed to characterize the effect of iron oxide nanoparticles on sperm parameters. materials and methods: this experiment study was carried out on 75 mature male mice that divided into 4 test groups that received iron oxide nanoparticles at the dose levels of 5, 10, 20, 40 mg/kg intraperitaneally (i.p.) for 2 weeks and a control group. sperm was collected from epididymis and prepared for analysis. results: fe2o3 nanoparticles cause a meaningful reduction in sperm numbers and mobility in all experimental groups. conclusions: nanoparticles can cause the inflammation of epididymis and increasing of free radicals (reactive oxygen species: ros) that can decrease the mobility of the sperms.