Antibacterial effects of nano-decoction iron polysulfide in epididymitis and the systematic evaluation of its toxicity on the reproductive health of male mice

Abstract

Ferrous iron and polysulfide (Fe(II)Sn aq) is a nano‐decoction. It is usually prepared from the suspension of iron sulfide nanomaterial, using autoclave and centrifugation. A previous study conducted in our laboratory revealed that Fe(II)Sn aq was highly antibacterial, and it could efficiently kill more than 90% population of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, within 5 min of the treatment. Our study reported that the intravenous administration of Fe(II)Sn aq provided effective treatment against epididymis infection, caused by S. aureus. The results of the study further highlighted its potential for clinical application. However, its effects on the reproductive system and overall health of mammals have not been investigated earlier. The present study assessed the impacts of Fe(II)Sn aq on reproductive health and other aspects of male mice. Briefly, male mice were exposed to Fe(II)Sn aq, either intravenously at the dose of 0.7 mM, 1.4 mM, and 2.8 mM of Fe2+or orally at the dose of 1.4 mM, 2.8 mM, and 5.6 mM of Fe2+. Following this, body weight, organs index, quality of sperm, blood biochemical markers, histopathology of organs, oxidative stress and apoptosis were evaluated, after 1 day and 30 days of exposure. In addition, male reproductivity was evaluated in terms of mating with female mice, and the body weight of the resulting offspring was recorded. Our results showed that the mice processed with Fe(II)Sn aq exhibited normal physiological status and reproductive capability. The present study illustrated the short‐ and long‐term influences of Fe(II)Sn aq on the fertility of male mice for the first time. The findings of the study provided a valuable reference for the application of Fe(II)Sn aq, particularly in terms of reproductive safety.