Histological Study for the Possible Protective Role of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Vitamin E on Testis from Cisplatin-Induced Injury in Adult Albino Rats

Background: Cisplatin (CP) is a standard chemotherapy that is commonly applied in the cure of testicular cancer. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are metal oxides known for their antioxidant activities. Vitamin E has been known for its protective effects against oxidative stress-induced damage The study aim: This research focused on assessing the potential protective effect of ZnO-NPs and vitamin E against testicular damage caused. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was conducted in the Anatomy Department at Benha University between May - 2024 and May - 2025. Fifty adult male rats divided into 5 equivalent groups: group I (controls), group II (CP), group III (CP + ZnO-NPs), group IV (CP + vitamin E), and group V (CP + ZnO-NPs + vitamin E). Testes specimens were taken and prepared for examination by light and electron microscope. Results: light and electron microscopic examination showed distorted architecture with degeneration & necrosis in group II. Group III showed limited distortion, degeneration and necrosis. Group IV showed some damage. Group V appeared nearly normal. Morphometric study showed a notable decline (P< 0.01) in mean area % of groups III, IV, and V in comparison to group II. Group V had the most significant reduction. Conclusion: ZnO-NPs and vitamin E, whether used separately or together, can significantly safeguard the testes from damage caused by CP by reducing oxidative stress. ZnO-NPs demonstrate superior results compared to vitamin E; however, the co-administration of both ZnO-NPs and vitamin E shows a greater improvement in efficacy than ZnO-NPs used alone.