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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
Transgenic Rodent Assay for Quantifying Male Germ Cell Mutant Frequency
Published on: August 6, 2014
[Effects of formaldehyde on germ cells of male mice]
Mingde Tang1, Ying Xie, Yizhen Yi
1Environmental Hygienic Department of Public Hygienic College of Central South University, Changsha 410078, China.
Abstract:
General toxicity and genetic materials damage of formaldehyde on germ cells in different stages was studied. In order to discover the toxicity mechanism of formaldehyde on germ cells and the biomarkers of effect after the presence of damage in germ cells and the estimation index, the relationships between the damage of germ cells and the MDA, SDH activity and Cu and Zn. in testicle tissue were investigated. Male mice exposed to formaldehyde by i.p. for 5 days. Formaldehyde doses were: 0.20 mg/kg, 2.00 mg/kg, 20.00 mg/kg. Mice were killed at the 6th day and the 14th day. HE staining was used to study the pathological changes happened in testicle tissue. In order to study the changes in sperm, the sperms and the abnormality of the sperm's heads were observed. In order to study the damage of the genetic material in the germ cells, the frequencies of sister chromosome exchanges and the frequencies of MN cells were studied. MDA was measured by MDA diagnosis box. Copper and zinc were determined by FAAS. US was used to determine the SDH activity in serum and testicle tissue. The results showed that: The main pathological changes in testicle tissue of formaldehyde groups were degeneration; The sperm quantity was decreased and the sperm heads deformation ratio was increased in all formaldehyde groups; There were a significant increase of MN ratio in early spermatogenic cells and SCE ratio in medial and high dose groups; The MDA in testicle tissue significant increased in high dose group. The SDH activity in testicle tissue was declined in all formaldehyde groups; There were a significant decline of copper and zinc in testicle tissue in high dose group. It is suggested that: Formaldehyde could induce genetic materials in spermatogone, primary spermatocyte and caused degeneration and necrosis in secondary spermatocyte, spermatogenic cell, sperm; The damage of LPO, decline of copper and zinc and SDH activity in mice's testicle tissue could be caused by formaldehyde; The effect of lipid peroxidation may be one of the toxicity mechanisms of formaldehyde on genetic materials; SDH is the biomarkers of effect after the toxicity effects induced by formaldehyde on germ cells appeared; Testing the sperm heads deformation ratio is the estimation index that can be used to judge the general toxicity of germ cells and the damage on their genetic materials of formaldehyde.
Insights
Formaldehyde exposure damages male germ cells and genetic material, leading to decreased sperm quality and increased abnormalities. Sperm head deformation ratio serves as a key indicator for assessing formaldehyde
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Reproductive Biology
- Genetics
Context:
- Formaldehyde is a common industrial chemical with known toxic effects.
- Understanding its impact on reproductive health, particularly germ cell integrity, is crucial.
Purpose:
- To investigate the toxicity mechanisms of formaldehyde on male germ cells at different developmental stages.
- To identify potential biomarkers for formaldehyde-induced germ cell damage and establish estimation indices.
Summary:
- Male mice exposed to varying doses of formaldehyde exhibited testicular degeneration, decreased sperm count, and increased sperm head abnormalities.
- Significant increases in micronucleus (MN) and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) frequencies indicated genetic material damage.
- Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels increased, while succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity, copper, and zinc levels decreased in testicular tissue, suggesting lipid peroxidation and metabolic disruption.
Impact:
- Formaldehyde induces genetic damage in spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes, leading to germ cell degeneration and necrosis.
- Lipid peroxidation, copper and zinc depletion, and reduced SDH activity are identified as potential toxicity pathways.
- SDH activity serves as a biomarker for formaldehyde's toxic effects on germ cells, and sperm head deformation can estimate overall germ cell toxicity and genetic damage.
