Effects of formaldehyde on activities of antioxidase by subchronic inhalation in mice

AIM: To explore the toxicity effects of formaldehyde (FA) on the antioxidase in mice and its mechanism. METHODS: Mice were exposed to FA by inspiration in a static total enclosure chamber. After exposure, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH Px) in the blood, heart, liver, lung and brain were observed. RESULTS: Significantly lower activities of SOD in the blood, liver and lung were observed in all dose groups compared with those in negative control group ( P 0.05, P 0.01). The activities of GSH Px in the lung, blood and liver decreased significantly in medium and high dose groups ( P 0.05, P 0.01). CONCLUSION: FA may lower the antioxidase abilities by inhibiting the SOD and GSH Px activities in the blood, liver and lung tissues of mice.