Objective: In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of formaldehyde toxicity on the testes at biochemical level. Potential antioxidant effects of ω-3 fatty acids against these toxic effects were also evaluated.

Materials and Methods: In our study, a total of 21 adult male Wistar rats were divided into three equal groups. Rats in group I were used as control. Rats in group II were injected intraperitoneally with formaldehyde every other day while the other ones received ω-3 fatty acids daily via intragastric gavage (Marincap capsule^®) with injections of formaldehyde. At the end of 14-days experimental period, all animals were killed by decapitation and their testes were removed. Afterwards, the activites of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in testicular tissue specimens were determined spectrophotometrically.

Results: Biochemical values of group-treated formaldehyde alone showed that the enzymatic activities of testicular SOD and GSH-Px were significantly decreased compared to control values, while testicular MDA levels were significantly increased. On the other hand, it was found that there were increases in SOD and GSH-Px enzyme activities, and decreases in MDA levels in testis specimens of rats administered ω-3 fatty acids with exposure of formaldehyde.

Conclusions: In this study performed on rats, it was determined biochemically that oxidative tissue damage in testes resulting from experimental toxicity of formaldehyde was prevented by omega-3 fatty acids.. ©2008, , Firat University, Medical Faculty