Steroid hormones in fish, caution for present and future: A review

The misuse and overuse of steroid hormones in fish is an emerging problem worldwide. The data on hormonal residue in fish was less due to a lack of effective monitoring programs on hormonal use in fish production. This review revealed the findings of previously published data on different hormonal use and their residue and impact. Steroid hormones were frequently used in fish production to promote growth and reproduction. It was suggested that hormones should be used carefully to ensure environmental, biological, and food safety. The most commonly used steroid hormones in fish production were testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol. However, the indiscriminate use left residue in the fish flesh above the FAO/WHO permissible limits. This residue in fish caused many health hazards in consumers, like early puberty in children, advances in bone age, negative repercussions on growth, modification of sexual characteristics, and cancer development such as breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer. It also harmed fish and the aquatic environment. The most common detection methods for these hormones were GC-MS, LC-MS, and UHPLC-MS. Many countries permitted the use of hormones in fish production upon monitoring, whereas many countries prohibited it. Moreover, many countries did not have any rules and regulations on the use of hormones in fish production. Thus, this review is a wake-up call for researchers, policymakers and consumers on the impacts of hormonal residues in food commodities.