Pharmaceutica Analytica Acta

Abstract

Effect of Antimicrobial Triclosan on Reproductive System of Male Rat

Fahar Ibtisham, Aamir Nawab, Yi Zhao, Guanghui Li, Mei Xiao and Lilong An

Triclosan (5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol: TCS) is a synthetic, broad-spectrum antibacterial agent used in broad range of household and personal care products including hand soap, toothpaste, and deodorants. Recently, concerns have been raised over TCS?s potential for endocrine and reproductive disruption. This review contains the information about deleterious toxic effects of TCS on reproductive system of male rat and the possible mechanism. The literature findings showed that TCS deadly affects the reproductive profile of male rats. According to literature TCS depress the testicular function of male rat including spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis by decreasing the androgen production. 3-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3?-HSD) and 17?-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17?- HSD) are two critical enzymes in the steroidogenesis pathway, while according to findings TCS treated rats had lowered concentration of androgen. TCS treated rats also showed significant lowered testicular weight, number of germ cells, Sertoli cells, Leydig Cells, primary spermatogonia, secondary spermatogonia, and spermatocytes. These observations suggest that TCS have degenerative and retrogressive effects on rat testes. Overall the literature findings showed that TCS decrease the production of androgen like testosterone, Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and FSH resulting decreased sperm production and histopathological changes.