Effects of Propylparaben exposure on male reproductive function and fertility in CD-1 mice

Abstract Background Propylparaben (prp) is an antimicrobial preservative commonly used in personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and food items. Despite its widespread use, concerns have emerged about its potential endocrine-disrupting properties, particularly its ability to mimic estrogen. While prp’s presence in consumer products continues to grow, its effects on male reproductive health remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different doses of prp on male testicular function and reproductive glands in CD-1 mice. Results The study yielded several significant findings; Sperm Quality Changes: Marked reduction in sperm progressive motility across all prp treatment groups. These changes were observed using modern computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA), Hormonal Alterations: Significant decrease in testosterone levels in mouse serum elevated estradiol levels in all prp-treated groups and Structural Changes: Histological examination revealed adverse effects on reproductive organ structure as notable changes were observed in the testes and accessory glands. Conclusions This research demonstrates that prp exposure can significantly impair male reproductive function through multiple mechanisms. The observed changes in hormone levels, sperm motility, and reproductive organ structure suggest that prp exposure may pose risks to male fertility. These findings have important implications for public health, particularly given the widespread use of prp in consumer products. Further research may be warranted to investigate the reversibility of these effects and to establish safe exposure limits. The results also contribute to the broader understanding of endocrine-disrupting chemicals and their impact on reproductive health.