Attenuation of Detrimental Effects of Formaldehyde on Sperm Chromatin Quality and Rate of Apoptosis in Mice by Curcumin

The present study aimed to evaluate the sperm chromatin quality and rate of apoptosis in formaldehyde (FA)-exposed mice and the possible protective effects of curcumin (Cur) on the fertility potential of spermatozoa. Twenty-four adult male NMRI mice were randomly divided into three groups: Group Ι (control), group ΙΙ (Sham) received Cur solvent (2 ml/day, intraperitoneal), group ΙΙΙ received FA (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), and group ΙV received FA+Cur (100 mg/kg, intraperitoneal). After 35 days, the spermatozoa from right cauda epididymis were analyzed using Chromomycin A3 (CMA3) and TUNEL staining. Regarding CMA3 and TUNEL tests, the data revealed a significant increase (p <0.05) in control and sham groups compared to the FA and FA+Cur groups. There was also a significant decrease in CMA3 tests and apoptosis in FA+Cur group compared to FA group (p <0.05). Cur, as a potent antioxidant, can attenuate detrimental effects of FA on the chromatin quality and apoptosis in an experimental animal model.