Influence of anti-androgen cyproterone acetate on sperm characteristics, testosterone level, testicular and liver histology in male goldfish (Carassius auratus)
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Cyproterone acetate (CA), a synthetic anti-androgen, was injected intraperitoneally into fish at two doses (5 and 50 mg/kg body weight) to evaluate its effects on physiological, biochemical, and reproductive parameters. A total of 180 fish were divided into three groups: Control (C), low-dose (LCA), and high-dose (HCA), with two replicates per group. Fish were observed daily for behavior, and water quality was controlled throughout the study. After 28-days of exposure, blood samples were collected to analyze plasma biochemical parameters. Sperm motility , concentration, and histological analyses of testes and liver tissues were also conducted. Results showed a significant dose-dependent decrease in cholesterol, triglycerides , and testosterone levels in the CA-treated groups, with the highest reduction observed in the HCA group (P < 0.05). Sperm motility was significantly reduced in the low-dose (66.1 ± 2.2 %) and high-dose (36.5 ± 3.9 %) groups compared to the control group (79.5 ± 2.2 %). Similarly, sperm concentration and motility time were significantly reduced in the CA-treated groups (P < 0.05). The gonadosomatic index (GSI) also decreased significantly in the treated groups, with the HCA group showing the lowest GSI (P < 0.05), indicating impaired gonadal development . Histological analysis of the testes revealed delayed spermatogenesis , with the HCA group predominantly showing immature gonadal stages (Stage II), and a significant reduction in spermatocytes and spermatozoa. Liver histology indicated necrosis, cell death, blood congestion, and vacuolization in both the LCA and HCA groups, particularly at the high dose (P < 0.05), suggesting hepatotoxicity . In conclusion, CA exerted significant endocrine-disrupting effects in fish, impairing sperm motility, gonadal development, and liver function in a dose-dependent manner. The high-dose treatment caused pronounced effects, including hepatocellular injury and a severe decline in reproductive health . These findings highlight the potential risks of cyproterone acetate as an endocrine disruptor and emphasize the importance of its effects on aquatic species , particularly in ecotoxicological assessments.
Source: Emerging contaminants
Authors: Hamed Abdollahpour, Milad Karimzadeh, Naghmeh Jafari Pastaki, Hosseinali Zamani
Institution: University of Guilan
Language: English
Subfield: Physiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,100
OpenAlex ID: W4409202326