Gold nanoparticles modulate the steroidogenic and apoptotic pathway in a buffalo granulosa cell model

The Impact of Metal Nanoparticles on Female Reproductive System: Risks and Opportunities

Humans have always been exposed to tiny particles via dust storms, volcanic ash, and other natural processes, and our bodily systems are well adapted to protect us from these potentially harmful external agents. However, technological advancement has dramatically increased the production of nanometer-sized particles or nanoparticles (NPs), and many epidemiological studies have confirmed a correlation between NP exposure and the onset of cardiovascular diseases and various cancers. Among the adverse effects on human health, in recent years, potential hazards of nanomaterials on female reproductive organs have received increasing concern. Several animal and human studies have shown that NPs can translocate to the ovary, uterus, and placenta, thus negatively impacting female reproductive potential and fetal health. However, NPs are increasingly being used for therapeutic purposes as tools capable of modifying the natural history of degenerative diseases. Here we briefly summarize the toxic effects of few but widely diffused NPs on female fertility and also the use of nanotechnologies as a new molecular approach for either specific pathological conditions, such as ovarian cancer and infertility, or the cryopreservation of gametes and embryos.

Safety and Toxicity Implications of Multifunctional Drug Delivery Nanocarriers on Reproductive Systems In Vitro and In Vivo

In the recent past, nanotechnological advancements in engineered nanomaterials have demonstrated diverse and versatile applications in different arenas, including bio-imaging, drug delivery, bio-sensing, detection and analysis of biological macromolecules, bio-catalysis, nanomedicine, and other biomedical applications. However, public interests and concerns in the context of human exposure to these nanomaterials and their consequential well-being may hamper the wider applicability of these nanomaterial-based platforms. Furthermore, human exposure to these nanosized and engineered particulate materials has also increased drastically in the last 2 decades due to enormous research and development and anthropocentric applications of nanoparticles. Their widespread use in nanomaterial-based industries, viz., nanomedicine, cosmetics, and consumer goods has also raised questions regarding the potential of nanotoxicity in general and reproductive nanotoxicology in particular. In this review, we have summarized diverse aspects of nanoparticle safety and their toxicological outcomes on reproduction and developmental systems. Various research databases, including PubMed and Google Scholar, were searched for the last 20 years up to the date of inception, and nano toxicological aspects of these materials on male and female reproductive systems have been described in detail. Furthermore, a discussion has also been dedicated to the placental interaction of these nanoparticles and how these can cross the blood–placental barrier and precipitate nanotoxicity in the developing offspring. Fetal abnormalities as a consequence of the administration of nanoparticles and pathophysiological deviations and aberrations in the developing fetus have also been touched upon. A section has also been dedicated to the regulatory requirements and guidelines for the testing of nanoparticles for their safety and toxicity in reproductive systems. It is anticipated that this review will incite a considerable interest in the research community functioning in the domains of pharmaceutical formulations and development in nanomedicine-based designing of therapeutic paradigms.

Ovarian toxicity of nanoparticles

The ovary is a highly important organ for female reproduction. The main functions include sex steroid hormone synthesis, follicular development, and achievement of oocyte meiotic and development competence for proper fertilization. Nanoparticle (NP) exposure is becoming unavoidable because of its wide use in different products, including cosmetics, food, health, and personal care products. Studies examining different nonreproductive tissues or systems have shown that characteristics such as the size, shape, core material, agglomeration, and dissolution influence the effects of NPs. However, most studies evaluating NP-mediated reproductive toxicity have paid little or no attention to the influence of the physicochemical characteristics of NP on the observed effects. As accumulating evidence indicates that NP may reach the ovary to impair proper functions, this review summarizes the available data on NP accumulation in ovarian tissue, as well as data describing toxicity to ovarian functions, including sex steroid hormone production, follicular development, oocyte quality, and fertility. Due to their toxicological relevance, this review also describes the main physicochemical characteristics involved in NP toxicity and the importance of considering NP physicochemical characteristics as factors influencing the ovarian toxicity of NPs. Finally, this review summarizes the main mechanisms of toxicity described in ovarian cells.

A proof-of-concept of lateral flow based luteinizing hormone detection in urine for ovulation prediction in buffaloes

We present a method for the detection of luteinizing hormone (LH) in buffalo urine by using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) conjugated with novel anti-peptide antibodies against LH (anti LHP) in lateral flow assay format. Buffalo LH is an important reproductive hormone and is a chemically complex glycoprotein. Its surge release precedes ovulation and therefore detecting LH has implications in identifying the ovulation event. Any sensor thus developed for sensing LH may have the potential for predicting ovulation and hence can assist herd managers in making decisions on the timing of artificial insemination. Recombinant LH production is time consuming, difficult and costly. Hence, we identified an epitope peptide sequence in buffalo LH and raised antibodies against it. The chemically synthesized peptide and antibodies were used for developing the sensor. The gold nanoparticles and conjugates were characterized through physicochemical methods which confirmed the binding of peptides and antibodies to the gold nanoparticles. A qualitative ELISA for sensing LH was developed based on competitive binding of gold nanoparticles conjugated with the epitope peptide and LH towards the anti-peptide antibodies against LH. We also further explored the detection of LH in buffalo urine using the gold nanoparticle-LHP conjugate (AuNP-LHP) in dipstick format. These experiments provided a proof-of-concept towards applicability of the LH based sensor for ovulation prediction in buffaloes.