Impact of formalin gas exposure on quail testicular health in quail (Coturnix coturnix).

Abstract

Background: Formalin is a widely used chemical with toxic effects on various organs. Its exposure may harm reproductive organs, especially in quails, which are sensitive models for toxicological research.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of 5% formalin gas exposure on quail testicular health, blood parameters, hormone levels, and tumor protein TP53 (TP53) gene expression.

Methods: Twenty male Japanese quails were randomly divided into four groups. The control group received no exposure. The remaining three groups were exposed to 5% formalin gas twice daily for 2 hours over 10, 20, and 30 days. Blood and testicular samples were collected at each time point. Testosterone levels, complete blood count, histopathology, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for TP53 expression were analyzed. Data were evaluated using one-way analysis of variance (p ≤ 0.05).

Results: Exposed quails exhibited anxiety, weight loss, and respiratory distress. Body weight decreased progressively from 200 ± 0.66 g (control) to 130 ± 0.43 g (30-day group). The testicular weight increased from 2.12 ± 0.25 g (control) to 4.45 ± 0.34 g (30-day group), with significant enlargement (p < 0.05). Testosterone dropped from 2.22 ± 0.30 ng/ml (control) to 0.9 ± 0.07 ng/ml (30-day group), showing a time-dependent decline (p < 0.05). wWhite blood cells, red blood cells, and hemoglobin (HGB) levels increased significantly, whereas lymphocytes decreased (p < 0.05). Histology revealed seminiferous tubule damage and necrosis. RT-qPCR revealed upregulated TP53 expression, especially in the 30-day group (p = 0.018).

Conclusion: Formalin gas exposure harms quail testes by reducing hormones, altering blood counts, damaging tissues, and increasing TP53 gene expression. This suggests the potential testicular toxicity and carcinogenic risk of formalin.