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

Abstract

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.

The utilization of nanotechnology in the female reproductive system and related disorders

“…Lee et al develop a pH-responsive folic acid-grafted organic/inorganic hybrid nanocomposite system for site-selective oral delivery of therapeutic antibodies [ 82 ]. Furthermore, Aloisi et al provide a comprehensive summary of recent advances in organic-inorganic hybrid nanomaterials within the realm of women's reproductive health [ 83 ]. This review offers an intricate introduction to the applications of organic-inorganic nanocomposites in treating gynecological diseases, thereby proposing novel solutions for gynecological tumors, female infertility, and infectious diseases.…”

“…Nanomaterials hold tremendous potential in the realm of female reproductive system diseases, with targeted therapy, early diagnosis, drug delivery systems, and tissue engineering and regenerative medicine among their future focus areas [ 9 , 83 , 181 ].…”

An Update on Physiopathological Roles of Akt in the ReprodAKTive Mammalian Ovary

“…Very few follicles (<1%) will complete their development undergoing ovulation, and this number can be dramatically reduced further by alteration of cellular homeostasis caused by internal and/or external factors. For example, exposure to environmental ovotoxicants, such as xenobiotics, induces aberrant primordial follicle activation in an attempt to compensate for the consequent follicle atresia [ 13 , 14 , 15 ].…”

The Positive Effects of In Vivo/In Vitro Suplementation of Nanoparticles on Semen

“…Nanomaterials are materials with small dimensions and large surface areas, as well as other physical and chemical properties, such as polluting metals and charged surfaces, and genotoxic properties (Singh et al, 2009). Due to these properties, they can cause mutations and damage to chromosomes (Aloisi et al, 2022).…”