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Antioxidant effect of manganese on the testis structure and sperm parameters of formalin-treated mice
S Tajaddini1, S Ebrahimi, B Behnam
1Department of Basic Sciences, Payame Noor University, Iran.
Abstract:
Manganese inhibits oxidative stress damage. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective role of manganese on testis structure and sperm parameters in adult mice exposed to formaldehyde (FA). Twenty adult male NMRI mice were selected and randomly divided into four groups: (i) control; (ii) sham; (iii) 'FA'-exposed group; and (iv) 'FA and manganese chloride'-exposed group. The FA-exposed groups received 10 mg kg(-1) FA daily for 14 days, and manganese chloride was just injected intraperitoneally 5 mg kg(-1) on 2nd weeks. Mice were sacrificed, and spermatozoa were collected from the cauda of the right epididymis and analysed for count, motility, morphology and viability. The other testicular tissues were weighed and prepared for histological examination upon removal. Seminiferous tubules, lumen diameters and epithelium thickness were also measured. The findings revealed that FA significantly reduced the testicular weight, sperm count, motility, viability and normal morphology compared with control group (P ≤ 0.05). In addition, seminiferous tubules atrophied and seminiferous epithelial cells disintegrated in the FA group in comparison with the control group (P ≤ 0.05). However, manganese improved the testicular structure and sperm parameters in FA-treated mice testes (P ≤ 0.05). According to the results, manganese may improve and protect mice epididymal sperm parameters and testis structure treated with FA respectively.
Insights
Manganese protects male mice testes from formaldehyde damage. This study shows manganese chloride supplementation improved sperm quality and testicular structure in mice exposed to formaldehyde (FA).
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Mineral Metabolism
Background:
- Formaldehyde (FA) exposure is a known reproductive toxicant.
- Oxidative stress plays a role in FA-induced testicular damage.
- Manganese (Mn) is an essential mineral with antioxidant properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the protective effects of manganese chloride against formaldehyde-induced testicular toxicity in adult male mice.
- To assess the impact of manganese on sperm parameters and testicular histology following formaldehyde exposure.
Main Methods:
- Adult male NMRI mice were divided into four groups: control, sham, FA-exposed, and FA + manganese chloride-exposed.
- Mice received daily FA (10 mg/kg) for 14 days, with manganese chloride (5 mg/kg) administered during the second week.
- Sperm count, motility, morphology, viability, testicular weight, and histological parameters were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Formaldehyde exposure significantly decreased testicular weight, sperm count, motility, viability, and normal morphology (P ≤ 0.05).
- Histological examination revealed seminiferous tubule atrophy and epithelial cell disintegration in FA-exposed mice.
- Manganese chloride treatment significantly improved testicular structure and sperm parameters in FA-exposed mice (P ≤ 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Manganese chloride exhibits protective effects against formaldehyde-induced testicular damage in male mice.
- Manganese supplementation may mitigate reproductive toxicity caused by formaldehyde exposure by improving sperm quality and testicular integrity.
