Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026
Mouse Round Spermatid Injection
Published on: January 26, 2024
[Mouse sperm DNA damage induced by exogenous BDE-209]
Zhi-xin Wang1, Hua-ying Duan, Ling Wang
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China. wangzhixin6666@126.com
Objective:
To assess the DNA damage in mouse sperms induced by exogenous BDE-209 and explore the possible mechanism of BDE-209 in affecting normal zygote development.
Methods:
Mouse sperms were harvested from the epididymal tail and suspended in HTF medium for a 90-min exposure to BDE-209 at varied concentrations of 0, 2.5, 5.0, 10, and 20 µg/ml (groups A-E, respectively). After the exposure, the sperms were subjected to single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) to assess the DNA damage.
Results:
The tail length of the sperms averaged 1.15 ∓ 1.27 µm in group A. Exposure to 10 and 20 µg/ml BDE-209 resulted in a significant lengthening of the sperm tails (2.13 ∓ 1.29 µm and 2.83 ∓ 2.46 µm, respectively, P<0.01) as well as increased DNA content in the tail of the cells (P<0.01). The Olive tail moment in group A was 0.270 ∓ 0.322, and increased after BDE-209 exposure to 0.453 ∓ 0.375 and 808 ∓ 0.822 in groups D and E, respectively. The tail/head length ratio in groups C, D, and E (0.077 ∓ 0.093, 0.112 ∓ 0.068, and 0.191 ∓ 0.207) were significantly greater than that in group A (0.045 ∓ 0.049). The DNA damage of the mouse sperms was directly correlated to the concentrations of BDE-209, with correlation coefficients all above 0.9.
Conclusions:
Exogenous BDE-209 can cause mouse sperm DNA damage and lead to sperm DNA chain breakage, and this effect shows an obvious dose dependence.
Insights
Exposure to BDE-209 causes significant DNA damage and chain breakage in mouse sperm, with effects increasing at higher concentrations. This finding highlights the dose-dependent genotoxicity of BDE-209 on male reproductive cells.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Genetics
Context:
- Brominated diphenyl ethers (BDEs) are widely used flame retardants.
- BDE-209 is a prevalent congener found in various environmental matrices.
- Potential reproductive health risks associated with BDE exposure require thorough investigation.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the genotoxic effects of exogenous BDE-209 on mouse sperm DNA.
- To investigate the potential mechanisms by which BDE-209 may impact zygote development.
- To establish the dose-response relationship between BDE-209 exposure and sperm DNA damage.
Summary:
- Mouse sperm were exposed to varying concentrations of BDE-209 (0-20 µg/ml) for 90 minutes.
- Single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) revealed significant increases in sperm tail length, DNA content in the tail, and Olive tail moment with escalating BDE-209 doses.
- A direct correlation (r > 0.9) was observed between BDE-209 concentration and the extent of sperm DNA damage, including DNA chain breakage.
Impact:
- Demonstrates the direct genotoxic potential of BDE-209 on male gametes.
- Provides evidence for dose-dependent sperm DNA damage, suggesting a risk to male fertility.
- Underscores the need for further research into the reproductive health implications of BDE-209 exposure.
