Effects of Selected Metal Nanoparticles (Ag, ZnO, TiO2) on the Structure and Function of Reproductive Organs

Green Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles using Rosmarinus officinalis L. Extract Improves the Developmental Competence of Mouse Oocytes during in Vitro Maturation

An effective approach to enrich the in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocyte medium as one of the main assisted reproduction technologies is the use of antioxidants to minimize oxidative stress. This study examined the effects of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) synthesized by chemical (Ch-NPs) and green (G-CuNPs) methods on the IVM process of mouse oocytes and the development of the embryo in comparison to control oocytes (without nanoparticles treatment). Hydroalcoholic (G-H-CuNPs) and aqueous (G-A-CuNPs) Rosmarinus officinalis extracts were used for green synthesis. Here, Ch-NPs showed much less nuclear maturation and survival rate (44.92 ± 4.52; 66.21 ± 6.22) than the control (73.36 ± 7.40; 89.33 ± 4.40), respectively (P < 0.001). In contrast, G-H-CuNPs treated oocytes exhibited a significant increase (72.28 ± 5.51; 79.37 ± 6.29) compared to the Ch-NPs (P < 0.05). The level of ROS in Ch-NPs exposed oocytes was significantly higher than in the control (P < 0.001). The fertilization rate exhibited a significant elevation in the G-H-CuNPs (96.00 ± 2.45) compared to the control (71.14 ± 5.20) and Ch-NPs (50.00 ± 0.01) (P < 0.05). The 8-cell and blastocyst (BL) rates in the G-H-CuNPs (70.32 ± 3.78) revealed notably higher than those in the control (64.29 ± 3.69) and Ch-NPs (36.67 ± 10.22) (P < 0.05). In summary, results exhibited that G-CuNPs promote mouse oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo development more than Ch-NPs. The follow-up studies propose looking into the safety and applicability of green-synthesized CuNPs in human-assisted reproductive technologies.

Ameliorative effect of Fagonia indica-coated chitosan nanoparticles on the ovulatory pattern in PCOS rat model

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) with wide-range prevalence, affecting 5-18% of females of reproductive age, and its substantive role as a primary etiological factor in anovulatory infertility, with up to 80% of such cases attributed to this syndrome having particular significance.

OBJECTIVES

The current research delineates the outcomes of a meticulous inquiry into the efficacy of Fagonia indica-coated chitosan nanoparticles (FICNPs) in ameliorating the prevalent and clinically consequential PCOS in female Wistar rats.

METHODOLOGY

FICNPs were synthesized by using a methanolic extract of F. indica and chitosan via the ion gelatin method. The nuanced interplay of hormonal profiles, ovarian histology, and miRNA expression in response to FICNPs intervention was investigated. Notable findings include an obvious decrease in luteinizing (LH) and testosterone hormone levels with high-dose FICNPs-treated subjects (100 mg/kg) compared to their untreated counterparts.

RESULTS

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactin levels were markedly decreased in the untreated PCOS rat models, whereas, histopathological examination revealed augmented oocyte diameters in FICNP-treated rats, suggesting pronounced improvements in ovarian morphogenesis and follicular maturation. Additionally, real-time quantitative PCR analysis revealed disparate miRNA expression profiles, prominently implicating rno-miR-30c-2-3p, rno-miR-146b-5p, rno-miR-486, and rno-miR-3586-3p in the therapeutic efficacy of FICNPs. Notably, the progeny of FICNPs-treated subjects (F1 generation) showed normalized ovulatory activity, substantiating the sustained therapeutic potential of FICNPs.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, these findings underscore the auspicious promise of FICNPs as a paradigm-shifting therapeutic modality for mitigating the complex pathophysiology of PCOS, thereby addressing its formidable prevalence and clinical import, with the potential to surpass conventional pharmacotherapy modalities.

Inorganic Metal Nanoparticles in Reproductive Biology: Applications, Toxicities and Future Prospects

The development of inorganic metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (MNPs) has attracted significant attention in diverse biomedical and biotechnological fields including bio-detection, drug delivery, imaging, and theranostics. An emerging field in this context is the use of MNPs for applications in reproductive biology. In this article, we offer a rational review of the development of MNPs employed in the field of reproductive biology by focusing on their interactions with highly delicate and specialized germ cells like spermatozoa, oocytes, and developing embryos. By their unique physicochemical properties, MNPs are versatile and strong candidates for targeted imaging and delivery of various therapeutic molecules to the specific sites of the gametes and reproductive cells. Functionalized MNPs can serve as transfection vectors for the generation of transgenic animals by spermatozoon-supported gene transfer. In addition, MNPs have shown great promise in application fields such as semen collection, nano-purification, cryopreservation, and sex sorting of sperm in the livestock industry. Recently, the potential toxicity of MNPs on maturing oocytes has been investigated, as well as the use of MNPs to preserve fertility by improving cryopreservation and reducing oxidative stress in oocytes. The article further elaborates on the uptake, translocation mechanism, and biocompatibility issues of the MNPs to reproduction-relevant sites on cellular and molecular levels. Based on these promising achievements, the current challenges and prospects for the development of these functionalized MNPs for clinical research in conjunction with the reproductive system will be discussed.

Dose and time dependent morphodynamic changes in the ovary of nano-nickel treated rats A SEM study

AIMS

Present study demonstrates dose and time dependent effects of NiONPs (<30 nm) on the ovaries of Wistar rat.

METHODS

Female rats were gavaged NiONPs or NiOMPs (5 mg/kg b.w.) for 24 h, 15 days and 30 days, euthanized and ovaries thus removed were analyzed for nickel bioaconcentration and processed for scanning electron microscopy. Serum samples were analyzed to compare the effects of nickel nano & microparticles on progesterone and estradiol values.

RESULTS

Results confirmed the bioaccumulation of Ni in ovarian tissue. Its concentration was higher in NiONPs treated rats than NiOMPs treated rats. Progesterone level increased whereas estradiol values decreased in NiONPs and NiOMPs treated rats. SEM results also exhibited dose dependent effects on the morphology of corpoluteal complex. The structural changes varied from formation of blebs to distorted microvilli and germinal epithelium.

CONCLUSION

It is hypothesized that NiONPs/NiOMPs are biodegraded into smaller fragments that conjugate with amino acids and or alter downstream signaling pathways, generate ROS and modulate protein structure activity relationships. Finally, these processes manifest into morphological alterations in the ovary. Biopersistence of nickel in female reproductive system may compromise with fertility and reproductive performance of exposed population.

Madboli A, Hussien AG, Seif M. Exploring the protective effect of silver Croton tiglium nano-extract against azoxymethane induced toxicity in female reproductive organs in rats

Reproductive toxicity from food and environmental contaminants has greatly affected human life. Plants are a fundamental source of bioactive components for relieving the harmful effects of pollutants. Hydrazine metabolites pose health threats when they enter the food chain. Croton tiglium (C. tiglium) exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. Silver nanoparticles enhance the chemical stability of C. tiglium. Reproductive toxicity of Azoxymethane (AOM) and anticancer effects of silver C. tiglium were evaluated. Thirty-six adult female rats were divided into six groups (n = 6) and treated with AOM with or without silver C. tiglium nano-extract as pre- and post-treatment. Sexual hormones and proteins were assessed under silver C. tiglium nano-extract and AOM. Histopathologically, AOM caused metaplastic myometrial endometriotic cysts and endometrial metaplasia. Silver C. tiglium in pre- and post-treated rats mitigated the carcinogenic effects of AOM. Immunohistochemically, AOM carcinogenicity was evident through moderate detection of the CK-7 tumor marker in the ovaries and uterus of the AOM-, simultaneous-, and post-treated groups. C. tiglium ameliorated this, with CK-7 slightly expressed in the pre-treated group. Furthermore, C. tiglium alleviated the negative impact on FSH, LH, and 17-β estradiol hormones. In conclusion, Silver C. tiglium nano-extract successfully prevented tumors in the ovaries and uterus of AOM-treated rats.

Nanoparticles in drinking water: Assessing health risks and regulatory challenges

Nanoparticles (NPs) pose a significant concern in drinking water due to their potential health risks and environmental impact. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current understanding of NP sources and contamination in drinking water, focusing on health concerns, mitigation strategies, regulatory frameworks, and future perspectives. This review highlights the importance of nano-specific pathways, fate processes, health risks & toxicity, and the need for realistic toxicity assessments. Different NPs like titanium dioxide, silver, nanoplastics, nanoscale liquid crystal monomers, copper oxide, and others pose potential health risks through ingestion, inhalation, or dermal exposure, impacting organs and potentially leading to oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, DNA damage, cytotoxicity, disrupt intracellular energetic mechanisms, reactive oxygen species generation, respiratory and immune toxicity, and genotoxicity in humans. Utilizing case studies and literature reviews, we investigate the health risks associated with NPs in freshwater environments, emphasizing their relevance to drinking water quality. Various mitigation and treatment strategies, including filtration systems (e.g., reverse osmosis, and ultra/nano-filtration), adsorption processes, coagulation/flocculation, electrocoagulation, advanced oxidation processes, membrane distillation, and ultraviolet treatment, all of which demonstrate high removal efficiencies for NPs from drinking water. Regulatory frameworks and challenges for the production, applications, and disposal of NPs at both national and international levels are discussed, emphasizing the need for tailored regulations to address NP contamination and standardize safety testing and risk assessment practices. Looking ahead, this review underscores the necessity of advancing detection methods and nanomaterial-based treatment technologies while stressing the pivotal role of public awareness and tailored regulatory guidelines in upholding drinking water quality standards. This review emphasizes the urgency of addressing NP contamination in drinking water and provides insights into potential solutions and future research directions. Lastly, this review worth concluded with future recommendations on advanced analytical techniques and sensitive sensors for NP detection for safeguarding public health and policy implementations.

Assessment of nanotoxicity in a human placenta-on-a-chip from trophoblast stem cells

Maternal exposure to nanoparticles during gestation poses potential risks to fetal development. The placenta, serving as a vital interface for maternal-fetal interaction, plays a pivotal role in shielding the fetus from direct nanoparticle exposure. However, the impact of nanoparticles on placental function is still poorly understood, primarily due to the absence of proper human placental models. In this study, we established a placenta-on-a-chip model capable of recapitulating nanoparticle exposure to assess potential nanotoxicity. The model was assembled by coculturing human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs) and endothelial cells within a dynamic microsystem. hTSCs exhibited progressive differentiation into syncytiotrophoblasts under continuous fluid flow, forming a bilayered trophoblastic epithelium that mimicking both structural and functional aspects of human placental villi. Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) were introduced into the trophoblastic side to simulate maternal blood exposure. Our findings revealed that CuO NPs hindered hTSCs differentiation, leading to diminished hormone secretion and impaired glucose transport. Subsequent analysis indicated that CuO NPs disrupted the autophagic flux in trophoblasts and induced apoptosis. Furthermore, the placenta-on-a-chip model exhibited inflammatory responses to CuO NP exposure, including maternal macrophage activation, inflammatory cytokine secretion, and endothelial barrier disruption. Dysfunction of the placental barrier and the ensuing inflammatory cascades may contribute to aberrant fetal development. Overall, our placenta-on-a-chip model offers a promising platform for assessing nanoparticle exposure-related risks and conducting toxicology studies.

Late-onset major depressive disorder: exploring the therapeutic potential of enhancing cerebral brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression through targeted microRNA delivery

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a severe psychiatric condition that significantly impacts the overall quality of life. Although MDD can occur across all age groups, it is notably prevalent among older individuals, with the aggravating circumstance that the clinical condition is frequently overlooked and undertreated. Furthermore, older adults often encounter resistance to standard treatments, experience adverse events, and face challenges associated with polypharmacy. Given that late-life MDD is associated with heightened rates of disability and mortality, as well as imposing a significant economic and logistical burden on healthcare systems, it becomes imperative to explore novel therapeutic approaches. These could serve as either supplements to standard guidelines or alternatives for non-responsive patients, potentially enhancing the management of geriatric MDD patients. This review aims to delve into the potential of microRNAs targeting Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). In MDD, a significant decrease in both central and peripheral BDNF has been well-documented, raising implications for therapy response. Notably, BDNF appears to be a key player in the intricate interplay between microRNA-induced neuroplasticity deficits and neuroinflammation, both processes deeply implicated in the onset and progression of the disease. Special emphasis is placed on delivery methods, with a comprehensive comparison of the strengths and weaknesses of each proposed approach. Our hypothesis proposes that employing multiple microRNAs concurrently, with the ability to directly influence BDNF and activate closely associated pathways, may represent the most promising strategy. Regarding vehicles, although the perfect nanoparticle remains elusive, considering the trade-offs, liposomes emerge as the most suitable option.

A review of recent developments in the application of nanostructures for sperm cryopreservation

In the 1970s, sperm cryopreservation was presented as a unique route to fertility preservation. The ability to cryopreserve sperm from all species is challenging. The sperm cryopreservation process encompasses various cellular stresses such as increased osmotic pressure, ice crystal formation, and thermal shock, therefore decreasing the quality of sperm. The nanostructures due to their inherent features such as reactivity, high uptake, active surface area, and antioxidant activity, have contributed to modifying freezing protocols. In this review, the current state of the art with regards to emerging applications of nanotechnology in sperm cryopreservation are reviewed, some of the most promising advances are summarized, and the limitations and advantages are comprehensively discussed.

Toxicological inhalation studies in rats to substantiate grouping of zinc oxide nanoforms

BACKGROUND

Significant variations exist in the forms of ZnO, making it impossible to test all forms in in vivo inhalation studies. Hence, grouping and read-across is a common approach under REACH to evaluate the toxicological profile of familiar substances. The objective of this paper is to investigate the potential role of dissolution, size, or coating in grouping ZnO (nano)forms for the purpose of hazard assessment. We performed a 90-day inhalation study (OECD test guideline no. (TG) 413) in rats combined with a reproduction/developmental (neuro)toxicity screening test (TG 421/424/426) with coated and uncoated ZnO nanoforms in comparison with microscale ZnO particles and soluble zinc sulfate. In addition, genotoxicity in the nasal cavity, lungs, liver, and bone marrow was examined via comet assay (TG 489) after 14-day inhalation exposure.

RESULTS

ZnO nanoparticles caused local toxicity in the respiratory tract. Systemic effects that were not related to the local irritation were not observed. There was no indication of impaired fertility, developmental toxicity, or developmental neurotoxicity. No indication for genotoxicity of any of the test substances was observed. Local effects were similar across the different ZnO test substances and were reversible after the end of the exposure.

CONCLUSION

With exception of local toxicity, this study could not confirm the occasional findings in some of the previous studies regarding the above-mentioned toxicological endpoints. The two representative ZnO nanoforms and the microscale particles showed similar local effects. The ZnO nanoforms most likely exhibit their effects by zinc ions as no particles could be detected after the end of the exposure, and exposure to rapidly soluble zinc sulfate had similar effects. Obviously, material differences between the ZnO particles do not substantially alter their toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics. The grouping of ZnO nanoforms into a set of similar nanoforms is justified by these observations.

Herbal-Based Green Synthesis of TB-ZnO-TiO(II) Nanoparticles Composite From Terminalia bellirica: Characterization, Toxicity Assay, Antioxidant Assay, and Antimicrobial Activity

Background Terminalia bellirica leaf extract was used as an herbal to get an aqueous extract of Tb-ZnO-TiO2 (zinc and titanium dioxide) nanoparticles composite, and this was subsequently subjected to an analysis of its antioxidant properties and possible antimicrobial activity against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Employing the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and hydrogen peroxide assay techniques for antioxidant properties. In addition to their biocompatibility, rapid biodegradability, and low toxicity, herbal-based nanoparticles (Tb-ZnO-TiO2 NPs composite) synthesized by T. bellirica have drawn a lot of interest as promising options for administering drugs and effective antimicrobial applications. Materials and methods The form and dimensions of the dispersion of the synthesized nanoparticles were investigated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and UV-visible for particle characterization. Nanoparticles were analyzed for antimicrobial activity using the well diffusion method. Ascorbic acid and vitamin E were used as two separate controls for antioxidant assay with different concentrations, and also toxicity assay was done by using zebrafish embryos. Results Tb-ZnO-TiO2 NPs composite were obtained as a powder, the X-beam diffraction (XRD) result revealed a small quantity of impurities and revealed that the structure was spherical in nature. A unique absorption peak for Tb-ZnO-TiO2 NPs composite may be seen in UV-Vis spectroscopy which is in the region of 260 to 320 nm. The Tb-ZnO-TiO2 NPs composite antibacterial efficacy was evaluated and showed noted antibacterial activity and free radical scavenging activity with less toxicity. Conclusion The results demonstrated the Tb-ZnO-TiO2 NPs composite has strong antioxidant qualities and enormous antibacterial activity obtained from T. bellirica extract. Therefore, the Tb-ZnO-TiO2 NPs composite synthesized nanoparticles can be used in biomedical applications as an effective antioxidant and antibacterial reagent.

Unveiling the Potential of Bioinoculants and Nanoparticles in Sustainable Agriculture for Enhanced Plant Growth and Food Security

The increasing public concern over the negative impacts of chemical fertilizers and pesticides on food security and sustainability has led to exploring innovative methods that offer both environmental and agricultural benefits. One such innovative approach is using plant-growth-promoting bioinoculants that involve bacteria, fungi, and algae. These living microorganisms are applied to soil, seeds, or plant surfaces and can enhance plant development by increasing nutrient availability and defense against plant pathogens. However, the application of biofertilizers in the field faced many challenges and required conjunction with innovative delivering approaches. Nanotechnology has gained significant attention in recent years due to its numerous applications in various fields, such as medicine, drug development, catalysis, energy, and materials. Nanoparticles with small sizes and large surface areas (1-100 nm) have numerous potential functions. In sustainable agriculture, the development of nanochemicals has shown promise as agents for plant growth, fertilizers, and pesticides. The use of nanomaterials is being considered as a solution to control plant pests, including insects, fungi, and weeds. In the food industry, nanoparticles are used as antimicrobial agents in food packaging, with silver nanomaterials being particularly interesting. However, many nanoparticles (Ag, Fe, Cu, Si, Al, Zn, ZnO, TiO2, CeO2, Al2O3, and carbon nanotubes) have been reported to negatively affect plant growth. This review focuses on the effects of nanoparticles on beneficial plant bacteria and their ability to promote plant growth. Implementing novel sustainable strategies in agriculture, biofertilizers, and nanoparticles could be a promising solution to achieve sustainable food production while reducing the negative environmental impacts.

Mitigation of Benzene-Induced Haematotoxicity in Sprague Dawley Rats through Plant-Extract-Loaded Silica Nanobeads

Benzene, a potent carcinogen, is known to cause acute myeloid leukaemia. While chemotherapy is commonly used for cancer treatment, its side effects have prompted scientists to explore natural products that can mitigate the haematotoxic effects induced by chemicals. One area of interest is nano-theragnostics, which aims to enhance the therapeutic potential of natural products. This study aimed to enhance the effects of methanolic extracts from Ocimum basilicum, Rosemarinus officinalis, and Thymus vulgaris by loading them onto silica nanobeads (SNBs) for targeted delivery to mitigate the benzene-induced haematotoxic effects. The SNBs, 48 nm in diameter, were prepared using a chemical method and were then loaded with the plant extracts. The plant-extract-loaded SNBs were then coated with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The modified SNBs were characterized using various techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The developed plant-extract-loaded and CMC-modified SNBs were administered intravenously to benzene-exposed rats, and haematological and histopathological profiling was conducted. Rats exposed to benzene showed increased liver and spleen weight, which was mitigated by the plant-extract-loaded SNBs. The differential white blood cell (WBC) count was higher in rats with benzene-induced haematotoxicity, but this count decreased significantly in rats treated with plant-extract-loaded SNBs. Additionally, blast cells observed in benzene-exposed rats were not found in rats treated with plant-extract-loaded SNBs. The SNBs facilitated targeted drug delivery of the three selected medicinal herbs at low doses. These results suggest that SNBs have promising potential as targeted drug delivery agents to mitigate haematotoxic effects induced by benzene in rats.

Recent Advances of Composite Nanomaterials for Antibiofilm Application

A biofilm is a microbial community formed by bacteria that adsorb on the surface of tissues or materials and is wrapped in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) such as polysaccharides, proteins and nucleic acids. As a protective barrier, the EPS can not only prevent the penetration of antibiotics and other antibacterial agents into the biofilm, but also protect the bacteria in the biofilm from the attacks of the human immune system, making it difficult to eradicate biofilm-related infections and posing a serious threat to public health. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new and efficient antibiofilm drugs. Although natural enzymes (lysozyme, peroxidase, etc.) and antimicrobial peptides have excellent bactericidal activity, their low stability in the physiological environment and poor permeability in biofilms limit their application in antibiofilms. With the development of materials science, more and more nanomaterials are being designed to be utilized for antimicrobial and antibiofilm applications. Nanomaterials have great application prospects in antibiofilm because of their good biocompati-bility, unique physical and chemical properties, adjustable nanostructure, high permeability and non-proneness to induce bacterial resistance. In this review, with the application of composite nanomaterials in antibiofilms as the theme, we summarize the research progress of three types of composite nanomaterials, including organic composite materials, inorganic materials and organic-inorganic hybrid materials, used as antibiofilms with non-phototherapy and phototherapy modes of action. At the same time, the challenges and development directions of these composite nanomaterials in antibiofilm therapy are also discussed. It is expected we will provide new ideas for the design of safe and efficient antibiofilm materials.

Nanoparticles Induced Oxidative Damage in Reproductive System and Role of Antioxidants on the Induced Toxicity

Nanotechnology is used in a variety of scientific, medical, and research domains. It is significant to mention that there are negative and severe repercussions of nanotechnology on both individuals and the environment. The toxic effect of nanoparticles exerted on living beings is termed as nanotoxicity. Nanoparticles are synthesized by various methods such as chemical, biological, physical, etc. These nanoparticles’ nanotoxicity has been observed to vary depending on the synthesis process, precursors, size of the particles, etc. Nanoparticles can enter the cell in different ways and can cause cytotoxic effects. In this review, the toxicity caused in the reproductive system and the role of the antioxidants against the nanotoxicity are briefly explained.

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.

An Overview of Essential Microelements and Common Metallic Nanoparticles and Their Effects on Male Fertility

Numerous factors affect reproduction, including stress, diet, obesity, the use of stimulants, or exposure to toxins, along with heavy elements (lead, silver, cadmium, uranium, vanadium, mercury, arsenic). Metals, like other xenotoxins, can cause infertility through, e.g., impairment of endocrine function and gametogenesis or excess production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The advancement of nanotechnology has created another hazard to human safety through exposure to metals in the form of nanomaterials (NMs). Nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit a specific ability to penetrate cell membranes and biological barriers in the human body. These ultra-fine particles (<100 nm) can enter the human body through the respiratory tract, food, skin, injection, or implantation. Once absorbed, NPs are transported to various organs through the blood or lymph. Absorbed NPs, thanks to ultrahigh reactivity compared to bulk materials in microscale size, disrupt the homeostasis of the body as a result of interaction with biological molecules such as DNA, lipids, and proteins; interfering with the functioning of cells, organs, and physiological systems; and leading to severe pathological dysfunctions. Over the past decades, much research has been performed on the reproductive effects of essential trace elements. The research hypothesis that disturbances in the metabolism of trace elements are one of the many causes of infertility has been unquestionably confirmed. This review examines the complex reproductive risks for men regarding the exposure to potentially harmless xenobiotics based on a series of 298 articles over the past 30 years. The research was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases searching for papers devoted to in vivo and in vitro studies related to the influence of essential elements (iron, selenium, manganese, cobalt, zinc, copper, and molybdenum) and widely used metallic NPs on male reproduction potential.