Assessment of profenofos exposure an endocrine disrupting chemical in relation with serum testosterone alterations

The present study was conducted to investigate the toxic effects of endocrine disrupting chemical on male reproductive function. There were eighty male spray workers who participated and exposed to Organophosphate (Profenofos 500EC) insecticide to evaluate the alterations in serum testosterone level. During study period participants were assessed regarding their exposure to pesticides, protective tools and health conditions. Bloods samples were collected before and after spraying pesticide for the assessment of serum testosterone. Results were analyzed statistically. It was revealed that 70% of the post exposure spray workers had significant decrease in the serum testosterone (4.40±1.25ng/ml P < 0.01) as compared to preexposure to spray that was 5.80±0.78ng/ml. Out of these 70%, 21% spray workers were recorded with below normal level of serum testosterone (2.73±0.30ng/ml). Clinical symptoms related to pesticide exposure dizziness, headache, joints pain, nausea, skin and eyes allergy were observed. It was concluded that Profenofos may inhibit serum testosterone synthesis by disrupting hypothalamic, pituitary-testicular axis could impair the reproductive function in spray workers.