Testicular Toxicity of Chloroxylenol in Rats: Biochemical, Pathological and Flow Cytometric Study

Abstract

Background Chloroxylenol (para-chloro-meta-xylenol, PCMX) is claimed to be highly harmful both to humans and the environment. Toxic effects of PCMX on testicular functions are scarcely discussed in the literature. Aim of Study To study testicular toxic effects of PCMX on male Sprague-Dawley rats. Materials and Methods Forty animals were randomly distributed into three groups: negative control (G I), vehicle group (G II) and PCMX group (G III). PCMX group was subdivided into three subgroups: GIIIa: received PCMX 100 mg/kg, GIIIb: received PCMX 200 mg/kg and G IIIc: received PCMX 500 mg/kg. Hormonal assay included assessment of serum testosterone and estradiol levels. Histopathological examination of testicular tissue, analysis of cellular viability, necrosis and apoptosis in testicular tissue by flow cytometry, analysis of cellular DNA content and phases of cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry were also performed. Results Rats in the groups exposed to PCMX (G IIIa, G IIIb and G IIIc) had significantly lower estradiol and testosterone levels in comparison to control groups (G I and GII). Histopathological examination of testicular tissue of PCMX-exposed rats showed irregular crossly sectioned seminiferous tubules with their lumina containing scanty spermatids and spermatozoa. G IIIc animals showed eosinophilic proteinaceous material and vacuolated and necrotic interstitial cells of Leydig. Rats in PCMX-exposed groups (G IIIa, G IIIb and G IIIc) showed significantly lower testicular tissue viability in comparison to control groups (G I and G II). Rats in PCMX-exposed groups (G IIIa, G IIIb and G IIIc) showed significantly lower percentage of cells in the G0/G1 phase in comparison to control groups (G I and G II). Conclusion Rats exposed to PCMX had significant reduction in testosterone and estradiol levels with marked histopathological alterations affecting testicular tissues. These effects are dose-dependent.

Chloroxylenol

“…An extensive search of the world's literature was performed for studies dated 2000 forward, and new data were found. [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] The Expert Panel agreed, however, that the published literature did not reveal toxicity or other data that warrant re-evaluation of the safety of this ingredient in cosmetic products. The Expert Panel noted depigmentation following dermal exposure to undiluted Chloroxylenol and an antiseptic formulation containing predominantly Chloroxylenol.…”