Agrochemical Exposure and Male Reproductive Health: Linking DNA Fragmentation with Hormonal Disruption

Bhagwati Kumar Markandey; Arunima Sur; Shobha Gupta Gawri

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i02.72968

Agrochemical Exposure and Male Reproductive Health: Linking DNA Fragmentation with Hormonal Disruption

Author(s)	Mr. Bhagwati Kumar Markandey, Dr. Arunima Sur, Dr. Shobha Gupta Gawri
Country	India
Abstract	Chronic exposure to agrochemicals represents a significant occupational hazard in agricultural communities and may adversely affect male reproductive health through mechanisms such as oxidative stress and endocrine disruption. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of agrochemical exposure on infertility prevalence, sperm DNA fragmentation, and key reproductive hormone levels among farmers in Dhamtari district, Chhattisgarh. A total of 100 male farmers were recruited, including 70 individuals with regular agrochemical exposure (exposed group) and 30 without such exposure (control group). Comprehensive semen analysis, sperm DNA fragmentation assays, and serum hormonal profiling—including testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)—were conducted. Infertility was defined according to WHO criteria. Statistical analyses were performed using independent t-tests and Chi-square tests. The prevalence of infertility was significantly higher in the exposed group (45.7%) compared to the control group (13.3%) (χ² = 10.92, p < 0.01). Exposed farmers exhibited markedly elevated sperm DNA fragmentation levels (38.2 ± 6.5%) relative to controls (21.4 ± 5.1%) (p < 0.001). Serum testosterone levels were significantly reduced in the exposed group (4.1 ± 0.7 ng/mL) compared to controls (5.6 ± 0.8 ng/mL, p < 0.001), whereas LH and FSH levels were significantly increased (p < 0.001). Chi-square analysis further confirmed significant associations between agrochemical exposure and increased DNA fragmentation, reduced testosterone levels, and altered gonadotropin profiles. In conclusion, chronic agrochemical exposure is strongly associated with increased risk of infertility, elevated sperm DNA damage, and hormonal imbalance among male farmers. These findings underscore the need for targeted occupational health strategies and the adoption of safer agricultural practices to mitigate reproductive health risks.
Keywords	Hormones, agrochemicals, infertility, DNA fragmentation index, , farmers, pesticides.
Field	Biology > Genetics / Molecular
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 2, March-April 2026
Published On	2026-03-29
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i02.72968

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Agrochemical Exposure and Male Reproductive Health: Linking DNA Fragmentation with Hormonal Disruption

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