Green Synthesized Selenium Nanoparticles Mitigate Cyclophosphamide-Induced Reproductive Toxicity in Male Wistar Rats

Cyclophosphamide (CP), a widely used alkylating chemotherapeutic and immunosuppressive agent, is associated with significant reproductive toxicity in male patients, primarily through oxidative stress and inflammatory damage to testicular tissue. This study examines the protective effects of green-synthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) from Azadirachta indica leaf extract against CP-induced reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats. SeNPs were characterized using FTIR, SEM, EDX, TEM, XRD, and dynamic light scattering (DLS); XRD confirmed crystalline SeNPs, with elemental analysis (EDX) revealing 0.57% selenium content. TEM and SEM imaging indicated average particle sizes of 72.32 ± 5.00 nm and 190.2 ± 2.0 nm, respectively. CP administration (15 mg/kg/week, i.p.) induced significant reductions in enzymatic antioxidants and serum hormone levels, alongside abnormal spermatogenesis and histopathology. SeNPs (0.2 mg/kg/day, oral) restored antioxidant enzyme activity, normalized testosterone and gonadotropin levels, improved sperm quality, and ameliorated testicular histoarchitecture. Moreover, SeNPs reduced pro-inflammatory markers, suggesting an anti-inflammatory mechanism. These findings highlight the potential of SeNPs as a pharmacological intervention to mitigate CP-induced reproductive toxicity, with implications for preserving fertility during chemotherapy.