N-Acetyl-L-cysteine attenuates titanium dioxide nanoparticle (TiO2 NP)-induced autophagy in male germ cells

Abstract

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) are widely used in consumer products, raising concerns about their impact on human health. This study investigates the effects of TiO₂ NPs on male germ cells while focusing on cell proliferation inhibition and underlying mechanisms. This was done by utilizing mouse GC-1 spermatogonia cells, an immortalized spermatogonia cell line. TiO₂ NPs induced a concentration-dependent proliferation inhibition with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Notably, TiO₂ NPs induced autophagy and decreased ERK phosphorylation. Treatment with the ROS inhibitor N-Acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) alleviated TiO₂ NPs-induced autophagy, restored ERK phosphorylation, and promoted cell proliferation. These findings call attention to the reproductive risks posed by TiO₂ NPs while also highlighting NAC as a possible protective agent against reproductive toxins.