Protective role of selenium versus selenium nanoparticles on vancomycin-induced gonadotoxicity of adult albino rats : A histological and immunohistochemical study.

Background:Vancomycin is a potent glycopeptide antibiotic widely used to treat severe infections; however, its clinical use is limited by multiple organ toxicities, including gonadotoxic effects. The testis and ovary are particularly susceptible to oxidative stress induced by vancomycin, leading to impaired gametogenesis and structural degeneration. Selenium (Se), an essential trace element, and selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) possess strong antioxidant properties that may counteract such damage. Aim of the work: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the protective effects of selenium and selenium nanoparticles against vancomycin-induced gonadotoxicity in the testis and ovary of adult albino rats using histological and immunohistochemical approaches. Materials and Methods: Adult male and female albino rats were divided into four groups: control, vancomycin-treated, vancomycin + selenium-treated, and vancomycin + selenium nanoparticles-treated groups. Testicular and ovarian tissues were processed for histological examination using hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunohistochemical detection of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was performed to assess oxidative stress levels. Morphometric analysis was also conducted to quantify tubular and follicular changes. Results: Vancomycin administration induced marked gonadal degeneration, characterized by distorted seminiferous tubules, reduced spermatogenic activity, disrupted ovarian follicles, and strong iNOS immunoreactivity. Co-treatment with selenium partially ameliorated these alterations, while selenium nanoparticles provided more pronounced protection, restoring near-normal histoarchitecture and significantly reducing iNOS expression. Conclusion: Selenium and selenium nanoparticles exert protective effects against vancomycin-induced gonadotoxicity through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. Selenium nanoparticles demonstrate superior efficacy compared to conventional selenium, highlighting their potential as a promising therapeutic agent for preserving reproductive health during vancomycin therapy. Keywords: Vancomycin, Selenium, Selenium nanoparticles, Gonadotoxicity, iNOS.