Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Pterorhachis zenkeri: Characterization and evaluation of antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and androgenic properties in TM3 Leydig cells exposed to cyclophosphamide

We fabricated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Pterorhachis zenkeri , characterized by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and determined their antioxidant potentials in vitro . Results confirmed the fabrication of AgNPs by using P. zenkeri as a bioreducing agent for the first time. AgNPs possessed potent antioxidant activity in vitro. Furthermore, the TM3 cells were treated for 24 h with AgNPs, vitamin E and cyclophosphamide (CP) at different concentrations (25, 50, 100, 250 and 500 µg/ml). The cells morphology, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane depolarisation (MMD), Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), caspase 3/9, oxidative stress-related enzymes, testosterone, and the mRNAexpression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) were measured. Results revealed that AgNPs, vitamin E and CP decreased the cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, but did not affect the TM3 cells morphology after treatment. The cytotoxicity of CP in TM3 cells was alleviated after AgNPs application. For instance, AgNPs significantly (p<0.001-0.05) reduced the MMD, ROS production, and caspase 3/9 activities, but increased the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase in the TM3 cells. Moreover, AgNPs improved testosterone production by activating StAR machineries. These results indicate that AgNPs/ P. zenkeri could be a potential alternative drug in the management of oxidative stress and androgen deficit associated with CP chemotherapy.