Abstract

The current study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of gossypol–bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (Gossy-BSA NPs) as an antifertility compound and to assess its effect on hepatorenal function in rats. For this purpose, eighteen adult male albino rats were allocated into 2 groups: treated rats (n=9), received single bilateral intra-testicular injection of 2mg Gossy-BSA NPs, and control rats (n=9), received normal saline by the same route. Quality of epididymal semen, selected biochemical parameters, testosterone level and the histopathology of testes, epididymis, liver and kidney were estimated at 2-, 4-, and 6-weeks following treatment. Gossy-BSA NPs treatment induced deteriorated semen quality related parameters evidenced by a significant (P < 0.01) reduction in sperm count, motility, and also reduced serum level of testosterone. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) significantly elevated (P < 0.05) at weeks 2 and 6 in treated rats relative to controls. Other parameters such as albumin, bilirubin, urea, creatinine, and CRP showed normal values in treated rats. Histopathological analysis revealed progressive degeneration in seminiferous epithelium and loss of germ cells over the experiment duration. Liver and kidney showed mild to moderate inflammatory changes involving congestion and inflammatory cells infiltration. These findings indicate that Gossy-BSA NPs has antifertility properties with tolerable systemic effects, however further studies are needed to assess their long-term safety and efficacy.

Key words: Gossypol nanoparticles, antifertility, hepatorenal effects, testosterone, semen quality, histopathology.