The hydrogen storage nanomaterial MgH ₂ improves irradiation-induced male fertility impairment by suppressing oxidative stress

Abstract Objective This study aimed to reveal the protective effect of hydrogen storage nanomaterial MgH ₂ on radiation-induced male fertility impairment. Methods The characterization of MgH ₂ were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and particle size analyzer. The safety of MgH ₂ were evaluated in vivo and in vitro. The radioprotective effect of MgH ₂ on the reproductive system were analyzed in mice, including sperm quality, genetic effect, spermatogenesis, and hormone secretion. ESR, flow cytometry and western blotting assay were used to reveal the underlying mechanisms. Results MgH ₂ had an irregular spherical morphology and a particle size of approximately 463.2 nm, and the content of Mg reached 71.46%. MgH ₂ was safe and nontoxic in mice and cells. After irradiation, MgH ₂ treatment significantly protected testicular structure, increased sperm density, improved sperm motility, reduced deformity rates, and reduced the genetic toxicity. Particularly, the sperm motility were consistent with those in MH mice and human semen samples. Furthermore, MgH ₂ treatment could maintain hormone secretion and testicular spermatogenesis, especially the generation of Sertoli cells, spermatogonia and round sperm cells. In vitro, MgH ₂ eliminated the [·OH], suppressed the irradiation-induced increase in ROS production, and effectively alleviated the increase in MDA contents. Moreover, MgH ₂ significantly ameliorated apoptosis in testes and cells and reversed the G2/M phase cell cycle arrest induced by irradiation. In addition, MgH ₂ inhibited the activation of radiation-induced inflammation and pyroptosis. Conclusion MgH ₂ improved irradiation-induced male fertility impairment by eliminating hydroxyl free radicals. Graphical abstract Mice fertility and function were evaluated with or without MgH ₂ treatment after 5 Gy irradiation. MgH ₂ had the ability of hydroxyl radicals scavenging and MDA suppressing in testicular tissue induced by irradiation. Further, MgH ₂ could participate in spermatogenesis and protect sperm development in three stages: the generation of Sertoli cells ( Sox-9+ ), spermatogonia ( Stra8+ ) and round sperm cells ( Crem+ ). Moreover, MgH ₂ alleviated the decrease of testosterone secreted by interstitial cells after irradiation. In addition, MgH ₂ suppressed apoptosis, pyroptosis and inflammatory response and alleviated cell cycle arrest by mediating IR-induced ROS.