Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Studying the Effects of Inhaled Environmental Pollutants on Olfactory Function in Mice
Published on: September 13, 2024
[Study of toxicity on male reproductive system of mice induced by SO2 inhalation]
Bo Zhang1, Cheng-yun Liu, Zi-qiang Meng
1The Biology Department of College of Arts and Sciences of Beijing Union Unversity, Beijing 100083, China.
Objective:
In this paper, toxicity of SO2 on male reproductive system of mice was studied.
Methods:
40 mice were divided to 4 groups (10/group): a group for control, the other 3 groups for SO2 inhalation (28, 56, 112mg/m3), 4h/d, 7d.
Results:
The activities of GST and G-6-PD, as well as the content of GSH decreased significantly with SO2 increased. The content of MDA increased evidently with SO2 increased.
Conclusion:
SO2 can influence GSH oxidation-deoxidation system and cause DNA damage in male reproductive system of mice.
Insights
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) exposure harms male mice reproductive systems by disrupting glutathione (GSH) balance and increasing oxidative stress. This toxic effect can lead to DNA damage in reproductive cells.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Oxidative Stress Research
Context:
- Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a major air pollutant with known respiratory effects.
- Limited data exists on SO2's impact on the male reproductive system.
- Understanding environmental toxin effects on fertility is crucial for public health.
Purpose:
- To investigate the toxicity of SO2 exposure on the male reproductive system of mice.
- To evaluate biochemical changes in reproductive tissues following SO2 inhalation.
Summary:
- Mice exposed to SO2 (28, 56, 112 mg/m3) showed decreased glutathione (GSH), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) activities.
- Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, an indicator of lipid peroxidation, significantly increased with rising SO2 concentrations.
- SO2 exposure negatively impacts the GSH oxidation-deoxidation system and induces DNA damage in male reproductive organs.
Impact:
- Provides evidence of SO2's reproductive toxicity in males.
- Highlights the role of oxidative stress in SO2-induced reproductive damage.
- Informs environmental health policies and risk assessments related to SO2 pollution.
