The effect of L-carnitine on sperm parameters in adults BALB/C mice treated with formalin

Background: The effects of formaldehyde on fertility and reproductive system have been proven to indicate abnormalities in sperm and reduce fertility rates. According to research, L-carnitine is a therapeutic way in patients with azoospermia.Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of L-carnitine on sperm parameters in BALB/C treated with formalin, as well as the effect of this drug as prophylaxis in people exposed to formalin.Materials and Methods: In this interventional study, 32 adult male BALB/C mice (10-12 wk-old) with a weight of 30-35 gr were selected and randomly divided into 4 groups of 8, including: 1- The control group was kept for a period of 31 days without any injections and gavage. 2- Sham group, only normal saline serum of 10 ml/kg intraperitoneally for 31 days, the 3rd group was exposed to formalin, 10 mg/kg injected intraperitoneally and stored for 31 days. The 4th groups were exposed to formalin and L-carnitine, injected 10 mg/kg intraperitoneal daily and L-carnitine were dosed at 100 mg/kg for solution in water for up to 31 days. Then the rats were killed by spinal cord injury. The sperm samples were taken from the tail of epididymis and the sperm analysis was performed.Results: This study showed that formalin administration in formalin group significantly reduced the testicular weight; sperm motility, sperm count, survival percentage and natural morphology in comparison with the control group (p≤0.05). Sperm parameters in formalin and L-carnitine group significantly improved these parameters (p≤0.05).Conclusion: According to the results, it can be concluded that L-carnitine improves the effects of formalin exposure. L-carnitine may improve and protect mice sperm parameters treated with formaldehyde respectively so it can be used as a prophylaxis in these individuals.

کلیدواژه ها:

Formalin ، L-carnitine ، Sperm parameters ، Male mice ، Sperm count