Detrimental effect of Gold (Au) on weight of organs and fertility of male Wistar rats: The use of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) technique to detect sperm malformations

Gold has been used for centuries in both ornamental and medicinal contexts. Nowadays, gold compounds, containing ions or nanoparticles, have attracted attention for their anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and diagnostic applications. Thus, concerns about systemic toxicity and biodistribution have prompted investigations into the biological effects of gold in animal models and humans. In the present study, we explored the impacts of gold solution on the reproductive function of the male Wistar rat. Seven chronic intraperitoneal injections of sodium 3-aurothio-2-hydroxypropane-1-sulfonate at 30% of gold (Allochrysine) were administered to adult male Wistar rats over a period of two weeks. The control rats received saline solution (NaCl; 0.9%). Our results showed that gold has no notable effect on the absolute weight of reproductive organs (testicles, epididymides; seminal vesicles and the two caudae of the epididymides) and non-reproductive organs (liver and brain) except for the kidneys. The assessment of the fertility parameters showed a significant decline in the motility and viability of sperm. A slight reduction in the sperm density, many malformations affecting the spermatozoa were detected, and the testosterone levels in rats’ blood were also significantly diminished. Our study showed that administration of gold solution reduced sperm parameters and was a disruptive toxicant for the endocrine function of testicles. The oxidative stress generation, attributed to this heavy metal, led to a significant hypertrophy of the kidneys probably after inflammation. Thus, gold existing in different medical treatments could be classified as an endocrine disruptor and could be a detrimental factor of masculine fertility.