Effects of Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane on Reproductive Systems in Female Rats

Abstract

The female reproductive system becomes fertile through the action of hormones involved in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. On the other hand, estrogen-like endocrine disruptors released into the environment come into contact with humans by various routes and affect the reproductive system. Exposure to these chemicals can cause problems with the reproductive process, from egg ovulation to implantation, or cause female reproductive diseases. These reproductive problems cause infertility. Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) is used for lubrication in silicone polymers, households, and personal care products. In the case of D5, it is discharged through factory wastewater and can bioaccumulate. Therefore, it accumulates in the human body. In this study, D5 was administered orally for four weeks to determine the effects of D5 on the reproductive process. As a result, D5 increases the number of follicles in the ovary and suppresses the expression of genes related to the growth of follicles. In addition, it increases the gonadotropin hormone, inducing estradiol enhancement and progesterone reduction. Because of these changes in the reproductive system when exposed to D5, the industry should reconsider using D5.

Dimethylcyclosiloxanes in Mobile Smart Terminal Devices: Concentrations, Distributions, Profiles, and Environmental Emissions

“…It is generally acknowledged that D4, beyond its characterization as an endocrine disruptor with potential estrogenic and antiandrogenic activity [ 23 ], could induce hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes, liver enlargement, inflammatory responses, and hepatocyte death in rats [ 24 , 25 ]. Apart from this, both D4 and D5 are reproductively toxic to rats [ 26 , 27 ], with the former damaging the nervous system of mice offspring [ 28 ]. Notably, crayfish exposed to D6 exhibited altered antioxidant capacity and gene expression [ 29 ].…”