Exploration of the transfluthrin effects on fertility and pregnancy outcomes: An in-vivo study in rat

Abstract

Transfluthrin (TFL) is a rapid-acting pyrethroid insecticide, commonly used worldwide, however its overuse and or misuse has been associated with adverse effects on human health. This study was designed to investigate the impact of TFL on fertility and pregnancy in Sprague–Dawley rats exposed orally and by inhalation. In this study, 48 adult Sprague–Dawley rats of 6–8 months age group were randomly selected with equal numbers of males and females. Each group was housed separately in a standard laboratory condition and their daily consumption of food and water, along with weight of each group were monitored. The blood was collected from each rat on 0 (zero) and 85th day of oral and inhalation exposure to TFL to determine the hormone levels by ELISA. The findings revealed that TFL exposure through oral and inhalation route reduced hormones level in serum such as testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, progesterone, estrogen, and prolactin in both male and female rats. In conclusion, current research suggest the negative effects of TFL exposure on fertility, adversely affecting pregnancy outcomes, reducing the mating rate, and lowering the number of pups. It also stresses the significance of controlling its use to prevent any negative consequences.