Dose-dependent histopathological analysis of caffeine-coated silver nanoparticles against radiation-induced testicular damage in mice: A radioprotective study

Abstract

Ionizing radiation, frequently employed in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, poses substantial risks to human health, particularly to the reproductive system, one of the most radiosensitive organs. Conventional radioprotectors are effective but often have toxic effects, necessitating the development of safer alternatives. This study examines caffeine-coated silver nanoparticles as a novel radioprotective agent, utilizing the inherent antioxidant properties of both caffeine and silver nanoparticles to counteract radiation-induced testicular damage in mice. In this study, mice received a suspension of caffeine-coated silver nanoparticles by oral gavage at doses of 25, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg/day for 15 days before undergoing radiation exposure (5 Gy) on the final day and were sacrificed at 3, 15, and 30 days post-irradiation. Histopathological analysis of the testes revealed that pre-treatment with caffeine-coated silver nanoparticles at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day significantly reduced pathological changes by preserving seminiferous tubule integrity, minimizing germ cell loss, decreasing interstitial edema, and improving overall testicular architecture, suggesting its potential as a radioprotective agent for reproductive tissue.