Investigation of steroid hormone residues in fish: A systematic review

[Display omitted] •Steroid hormones have critical role in contamination of aquatic organisms.•Fish are the most exposure organism for steroid hormones.•Steroid hormones can disrupt reproduction activity of fish and create feminize properties in male fish. The application of some hormones in fish production in swamps enhances fish production. However, in this regard, the critical issue is chemical contamination in water, which affects aquatic organisms. Steroid hormones (e.g., androgens and estrogens) can change the sexual characteristics of aquatic organisms, especially fish. These compounds are used in oral contraceptives and have an effect on fish at different developmental stages, such as the development of an embryo. The residual effects of steroid hormones can adversely affect the environment, biological activities, and human health. Furthermore, these hormones negatively affect the endocrine system in marine organisms. Therefore, the identification and measure of these compounds by sensitive and selective analytical methods is not only essential, but can also prevent their adverse effects. Estrone (E1), 17β-estradiol (17β-E2), and 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) are current steroid hormones, which create feminized properties in male fish. The concentration of E1 in aquatic surroundings is more than the concentration of estradiol (E2) and EE2; however, E1 has a low connection and activation power to the estrogen receptor (ER). Hence, the 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17β-HSDs) enzyme converts E1 to E2, especially in an environment with a high E1 concentration, such as wastewater treatment. Researchers showed that E1 and its conversion have dangerous impacts on the generation and breeding of different fish species in polluted aquatic environments. In this regard, the goal of this systematic review is to evaluate the role of steroid hormones in aquatic organisms, especially fish, as well as to evaluate the negative consequences of these compounds on humans and the surrounding.