Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
Collection of Human Follicular Fluid, Follicle Somatic Cells, and Immature Oocytes from Individuals Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization
Published on: October 24, 2025
Carbendazim detection in human follicular fluid: Impact on human granulosa cell function (KGNs and primary cells) and
Lucille Berthet1, Christelle Rame1, Marie Le Lagadec1
1INRAE Centre Val de Loire, France.
Abstract:
This study investigates the endocrine-disrupting effects of the fungicide carbendazim (CBZ) on human and murine reproductive health. Mass spectrometry confirmed systemic human exposure, detecting CBZ in the plasma and follicular fluid of 15-18% of the women sampled. In vitro, CBZ did not affect viability in human KGN and primary granulosa cells (hGCs) but significantly inhibited KGN proliferation. Furthermore, CBZ reduced steroidogenesis stimulated by FSH, LH, or IGF-1 in both cell types. This dysfunction correlated with a dose-dependent increase in the Oxidative Stress Index, driven by elevated total oxidant status and reactive oxygen species. Corroborating these findings, in vivo murine models exposed to CBZ (100 μg/kg/day) exhibited a prolonged diestrus phase, alongside reduced numbers of corpora lutea and preovulatory follicles, and decreased gonadotropin and E2 plasma levels. Collectively, these results identify CBZ as a potent reproductive toxicant that impairs ovarian function via oxidative stress-mediated hormonal disruption.
Insights
The fungicide carbendazim (CBZ) disrupts human and animal reproductive health by impairing ovarian function. This endocrine disruptor increases oxidative stress, leading to hormonal imbalances and reduced fertility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Endocrinology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Carbendazim (CBZ) is a widely used fungicide with potential endocrine-disrupting properties.
- Human exposure to CBZ is confirmed, raising concerns about its impact on reproductive health.
- Ovarian function relies on intricate hormonal signaling and cellular processes susceptible to environmental toxicants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the endocrine-disrupting effects of carbendazim (CBZ) on human and murine reproductive health.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying CBZ-induced reproductive toxicity, focusing on oxidative stress and hormonal disruption.
- To assess human exposure levels and their correlation with reproductive toxicant effects.
Main Methods:
- Mass spectrometry was used to detect carbendazim (CBZ) in human plasma and follicular fluid.
- In vitro studies utilized human KGN and primary granulosa cells (hGCs) to assess CBZ effects on cell viability, proliferation, and steroidogenesis.
- In vivo murine models were exposed to CBZ to evaluate its impact on estrous cycles, ovarian morphology, and hormone levels.
Main Results:
- Carbendazim (CBZ) was detected in 15-18% of human samples, confirming systemic exposure.
- In vitro, CBZ inhibited proliferation and reduced steroidogenesis in human granulosa cells, correlating with increased oxidative stress.
- In vivo, CBZ exposure in mice led to prolonged diestrus, reduced corpora lutea and follicles, and decreased gonadotropin and estradiol (E2) levels.
Conclusions:
- Carbendazim (CBZ) is identified as a potent reproductive toxicant affecting both human and murine reproductive health.
- CBZ impairs ovarian function through oxidative stress-mediated disruption of hormonal signaling.
- These findings highlight the potential risks of carbendazim exposure to reproductive well-being.
