Sage (Salvia officinalis) attenuates zinc oxide nanoparticle-induced endocrine disruption in male rats.

Abstract

The increasing use of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) in industrial and biomedical applications has raised concerns regarding their potential endocrine toxicity. This study investigated the effects of oral ZnONP exposure on endocrine function in male rats and evaluated the protective potential of Salvia officinalis (sage) extract. Forty rats were randomly assigned to four groups: control, ZnONPs (150 mg/kg), sage (400 mg/kg), and sage+ZnONPs, in which sage was administered one hour before ZnONPs. The phytochemical composition of the sage extract was characterized using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS). Serum concentrations of thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, and T4), reproductive hormones (testosterone, FSH, LH, progesterone, and estradiol), and corticosterone were determined following 14 days of daily treatment. Body weight and the weights of the thyroid, testis, and epididymides were also assessed. Tissue of thyroid and testis were examined. ZnONP administration significantly increased serum T4 concentrations while markedly reducing corticosterone levels compared with controls (P < 0.001). The remining hormones, body weight, and organ weights were not significantly altered. Tissue examination revealed notable thyroid injury after ZnONPs, including follicular disorganization, colloid depletion, and epithelial irregularity, compared with mild changes in the sage and combined-treatment groups. Testicular injury was also noticed after ZnONPs, with seminiferous tubule and spermatogenic disorganization. Sage pretreatment was associated with residual testicular injury, compared with mild changes after sage alone. Totally, sage pretreatment attenuated the T4 and corticosterone changes and was associated with better preservation of tissue morphology. Future research is warranted on its protective potential against nanoparticle-associated endocrine effects.

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