EPIDIDYMIS

Zinc oxide nanoparticles are commonly used in many technologies. However, they are believed to have negative effects on the reproductive system. This research aims to explore how vitamin C can help protect the testis and epididymis of Wistar rats from the harmful effects of ZnO Nps. A total of 30 rats were separated into 5 groups of 6 and given different doses of ZnO Nps and Vitamin C for two weeks. In the ZnO group, malondialdehyde levels in the testis increased. On the other hand, the ZnO only group showed a decrease in gene expression and antioxidant enzyme activities compared to the control group. However, oxidative markers were significantly mitigated after combined treatment of ZnO Nps and Vit C compared to the rats given ZnO Nps (p < 0.05). This study demonstrate the ameliorating role of vitamin C on toxicity of ZnO Nps. In there epididymis, significant increase were observed in the SOD, MDA, CAT, and GPX of the ZnO NPS and combined treatment of ZnO Nps and vit c when compared to the control ( p> 0.05). The study found that there was a noticeable drop in the number of live sperm cells when exposed to ZnO alone and ZnO with Vit C, compared to the control group. On the other hand, there was a notable increase in the number of dead sperm cells when exposed to ZnO Nps alone and ZnO Nps with Vit C. Additionally, there was a decrease in the movement of sperm cells when exposed to ZnO Nps alone and ZnO Nps with Vit C, in comparison to the control group. This research shows that ZnO Nps have a negative impact on sperm quality, as well as the functioning of the testis and epididymis