Fifty male mice were exposed to 50 nm unmodified nano-ZnO through intragastric administration for 90 days to detect the long-term effects of unmodified nano-ZnO in mice. Results showed that the blood glucose, serum follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and estradiol were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). The serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein were significantly increased (p < 0.05). The semen quality of the 160 mg/kg·bw group were significantly lowered (p < 0.05). The liver and testis catalase and CuZn-SOD activities were significantly elevated (p < 0.05). The abilities of •OH inhibition in the livers and testes of the 160 mg/kg·bw group were significantly lowered (p < 0.05). The liver and testis MDA levels of the 160 mg/kg·bw group were significantly elevated (p < 0.05). Results indicate that exposure of nano-ZnO could induce lipid metabolism disorder, hyperlipidemia, and reproductive toxicity to male mice through oxidative injury.
Keywords: Lipid metabolism; Nano-meter zinc oxide; Semen quality.