P-73: The Effects of Manganese on Testis Structure and Sperm Parameters in Adult Mice Exposed to Formaldehyde

Background: Formaldehyde (FA) as a ubiquitous environmental pollutant is extensively used in hospitals, laboratories and many industrial settings. FA exerts adverse effects on testicular structure and sperm param eters through increasing oxidative stress. Manganese, a well-known antioxidant, can inhibit oxidative stress damages. The aim of this study was to investigate the influences manganese on testis structure and sperm parameters in adult mice exposed to FA. Materials and Methods: Thirty five of adult male NMRI mice (age of 6-8 weeks) were selected and randomly divided into four groups: 1. control, 2. sham, 3. FA exposed group and 4. FA and Manganese chloride exposed group. The FA exposed groups were inter peritoneally received 10 mg/kg formaldehyde daily for 14 days and Manganese chloride was just injected 5mg/kg on second weeks. Mice were then scarified and sperms were collected from cauda of right epididymis and analyzed for count, motility, morphology, and viability according to WHO criteria. The other testes tissues were also removed weighed and prepared for histological examination. Seminiferous tubules and lumens diameters, epithelium thickness were measured. Results: The findings of this study revealed that formaldehyde significantly reduced the testicular weight, sperm count, motility, viability and normal morphology in comparison with control group (p≤ 0.05). In addition, seminiferous tubules atrophied and seminiferous epithelial cells disintegrated in Formaldehyde group in comparison with control group (p≤0.05). Manganese could improve testicular structure and sperm parameters in FA + MnCl2 group in comparison with control group (p≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Manganese can improve formaldehyde damage effects.