The Protective Effect and Molecular Mechanism of Tetrandrine on Male Reproductive Damage Caused by Silicon Dioxide.

ABSTRACT: The long-term inhalation of free silica dust causes silicosis-a prevalent occupational hazard-yet its systemic effect on male reproductive toxicity remains underexplored. Tetrandrine (Tet) is the only plant-derived anti-silicosis drug approved in China. This study investigates silica (SiO₂) -induced male reproductive damage and evaluates Tet's protective effects. Sixty male C57BL/6 mice (6-8 weeks) were divided into control, SiO₂ exposure, and SiO₂ + Tet groups. SiO₂ was administered via intranasal infusion and Tet via gavage. Mice were sacrificed at day 7 (male reproductive injury model corresponding to the pulmonary inflammation stage) and day 42 (male reproductive injury model corresponding to the pulmonary fibrosis stage). Analyses included s

SUBMITTER: Li HM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12846249 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature