P-80: Influence of Formaldehyde Vapor on Male Reproductive Function in Mice

Background: Formaldehyde (FA, H2CO), a member of the aldehyde family and one of the simplest organic molecules, is a flammable, pungent, irritating and colorless gas. This study aimed to investigate the effect of formaldehyde (FA) vapor on sperm parameters and testicular tissue concern about the duration of analysis and the amount of the formaldehyde vapor concentrations. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 36 adult male mice were randomly assigned to one control and two experimental groups (n=12): control group (C), group F1 (low concentration) and F2 (high concentration) were exposed to formaldehyde vapor (10 and 20 ppm) respectively for 10 days (8 hours a day). At the end of the exposure period, half of the animals in each group were sacrificed 24 hours after exposure to detect shortterm effects and the rest of the mice were sacrificed 35 days after the end of exposure (long-term effects). In all groups, sperm analysis was performed based on World Health Organization (WHO) standards by Computer Assisted Sperm Analyzer (CASA) and histological changes in the testis were determined. Changes in testosterone hormone were also studied. The data were analyzed by one way ANOVA statistical technique followed by scheffe test using SPSS software. Results: Long-term effects of FA in the experimental groups significantly reduced sperm cell numbers and sperm viability. A drastic reduction in progressive motility and increased percentage of abnormal sperm (p<0.001) in comparison with the control group was also noted. Histological study of testes specimens in the experimental group revealed displacement of germinal cells and degeneration of leydig cells and seminiferous tubules. Conclusion: Exposure to formaldehyde vapor can destroy testicular structure and decrease percentages of sperm count, viability, normal morphology, progressive motility and increase the percentage of immotile sperm.