Protective effects of selenium nanoparticles against X-ray-induced testicular damage in rats: An integrated experimental and Monte Carlo simulation study

Background: Ionizing radiation induces oxidative damage in biological tissues, particularly in sensitive organs such as the testes. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), known for their antioxidant properties, may help mitigate this damage. Objective: This study investigated the protective effects of SeNPs against X-ray-induced testicular damage in rats. Materials and Methods: This integrated and Monte Carlo simulation experimental study involved ۴۲ male Wistar rats (۸-۱۰ wk, ۲۰۰-۲۵۰ gr), randomly assigned to ۷ groups (n = ۶/each). One group served as the control, while the others were exposed to ۳۵ kilovolts X-rays at varying doses. In half of the irradiated groups, SeNPs (۵ mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally before irradiation. Biological evaluations included weight gain, testicular weight, sperm quality, histological examination, and measurements of total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant status, and oxidative stress index. A Geant۴-DNA simulation assessed hydroxyl radical production and G-values across different SeNP concentrations during radiation’s chemical stage. Results: SeNPs treatment improved biological outcomes compared with untreated irradiated rats. Sperm count increased by ۷-۵۵% (p < ۰.۰۱۰), motility by ۲-۷% (p < ۰.۰۵۰), and abnormal sperm frequency decreased by ۶-۱۸% (p < ۰.۰۱۰). Total antioxidant capacity increased by ۲.۵-۱۵% (p < ۰.۰۵۰), while total oxidant status and oxidative stress index decreased (p < ۰.۰۱۰). Histological analysis showed preserved seminiferous tubules and reduced tissue damage. Testicular weight imbalance was reduced by ۵۰%. Simulations showed ۸۲-۹۳% reduction in hydroxyl radical G-values with SeNPs. Conclusion: SeNPs significantly mitigated X-ray-induced oxidative and structural testicular damage in rats.

کلیدواژه ها:

Selenium ، Nanoparticles ، X-rays ، Testis ، Rats. ، سلنیوم ، نانوذرات ، اشعه ایکس ، بیضه ، رت.