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

Abstract

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 42 male Wistar rats (8-10 wk, 200-250 gr), randomly assigned to 7 groups (n = 6/each). One group served as the control, while the others were exposed to 35 kilovolts X-rays at varying doses. In half of the irradiated groups, SeNPs (5 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally before irradiation. Biological evaluations included weight gain, testicular weight, sperm quality, histological examination, and measurements of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI). A Geant4-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 7-55% (p $<$ 0.010), motility by 2-7% (p $<$ 0.050), and abnormal sperm frequency decreased by 6-18% (p $<$ 0.010). TAC increased by 2.5-15% (p $<$ 0.050), while TOS and OSI decreased (p $<$ 0.010). Histological analysis showed preserved seminiferous tubules and reduced tissue damage. Testicular weight imbalance was reduced by 50%. Simulations showed 82-93% reduction in hydroxyl radical G-values with SeNPs.

Conclusion: SeNPs significantly mitigated X-ray-induced oxidative and structural testicular damage in rats.