Female Mice Exposed to Pyriproxyfen Since Prepuberty Showed Reproductive Impairment During Sexual Maturity and Increased Fetal Death in Their Offspring

Alice Santos da Silva ^1,2, Tainara Fernandes de Mello ^1,2, Henrique Frederico Enz Fagá ¹

⁰Laboratório de Reprodução e Toxicologia (Laretox), Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.

Environmental Toxicology +

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July 22, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

The insecticide pyriproxyfen (PPF) may pose reproductive risks for females exposed from pre-puberty to adulthood, impacting fertility and fetal development. Chronic exposure raises concerns for women

Area Of Science

Toxicology
Reproductive Biology
Endocrinology

Background

Pyriproxyfen (PPF) is an agricultural insecticide approved for use in drinking water.
Emerging evidence suggests PPF may act as an endocrine disruptor, affecting non-target organisms.
Potential reproductive health risks associated with chronic PPF exposure require thorough investigation.

Purpose Of The Study

To evaluate the effects of pyriproxyfen (PPF) on the reproductive health and general status of female mice.
To assess PPF's impact on puberty onset, estrous cyclicity, and reproductive performance.
To investigate histological changes in reproductive organs and identify potential endocrine-disrupting effects.

Main Methods

Female mice were exposed to PPF (0.1 or 1 mg/kg) from pre-puberty (postnatal day 23) to adulthood (postnatal day 75).
Evaluations included puberty onset, body mass, organ weights, estrous cycles, reproductive performance, and fetal parameters.
Histomorphometric analysis of the thyroid, ovary, and uterus was conducted, alongside a uterotrophic assay in juvenile females.

Main Results

PPF treatment led to reduced thyroid mass and increased liver mass.
Histological examination revealed increased ovarian interstitial tissue and uterine endometrial changes, including decreased stromal thickness and collagen content.
A 30% reduction in pregnancy rate and increased fetal death frequency were observed in PPF-treated groups.

Conclusions

Chronic exposure to pyriproxyfen from pre-puberty to adulthood poses a potential reproductive risk in female mice.
The observed effects on reproductive organs and performance suggest endocrine-disrupting properties of PPF.
These findings raise concerns regarding the long-term reproductive health of women exposed to pyriproxyfen.

Keywords:

endocrine disruptors female reproduction insecticides mice reproductive toxicity