Investigating The Effect Of Drinking Water Contaminated With Sodium Nitrite On Ovarian Folliculogenesis, Fertility And Births In NMRI Mice

Background and Aim: This study investigates the effects of sodium nitrite (NaNO2) on folliculogenesis, reproductive disorders, and embryonic development. Sodium nitrite, used as a food preservative, is toxic when consumed in excess by humans and animals(1). This study aims to examine the impact of drinking water contaminated with sodium nitrite on reproductive processes. Materials and Methods: Thirty female mice were divided into three groups: a control group that consumed deionized water and two treatment groups that consumed deionized water containing 50 mg/L and 100 mg/L of sodium nitrite for 8 weeks. Folliculogenesis was assessed through histological examination in 5 mice from each group. Additionally, to study fertility, the remaining mice were mated, and the number and health of embryos were evaluated before the end of the pregnancy. Results: The control group had higher body weight and ovarian weight, whereas the treatment groups exhibited lower body weight and variable ovarian weight. Notably, the number of embryos in Treatment Group 1 was higher, while the number of healthy embryos decreased in Treatment Group 2. Statistical analyses demonstrated significant differences between the groups, indicating varied effects of the treatments on the mice’s weight, the number of embryos, and the number of live embryos. Conclusion: This study revealed that sodium nitrite significantly affects follicular growth and fertility in NMRI mice. Differences in the number of follicles and fertility parameters between the control and treatment groups highlight the detrimental effects of excessive sodium nitrite consumption on reproductive health. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind these effects and to develop therapeutic approaches to improve reproductive health. Keywords: Sodium Nitrite, Folliculogenesis, Fertility, Mice