Female infertility caused by organophosphates: an insight into the latest biochemical and histomorphological findings

Abstract The etiology of female infertility includes a variety of causes, all of which could be induced by environmental pollutants. Organophosphates (OPs) are major constituents of pollutants that cause infertility in aquatic and terrestrial organisms. However, no study has comprehensively reviewed the female fertility-related consequences of exposure to OPs. In this study, the reviewed studies revealed that OPs exposure could elicit detrimental alterations in organ histomorphology, sex hormone levels, and related signaling pathways. Furthermore, preconceptional exposure was associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, where prenatal exposure negatively impacted newborn health. Therefore, it is necessary to restrict the current widespread application of OPs or to alter their chemical structure so not to negatively impact female fertility.