Assessment Of Sperm DNA Fragmentation And Hormonal Alterations In Agrochemical-Exposed Farmers Of Dhamtari District, Chhattisgarh

Abstract

Chronic exposure to agrochemicals is a major occupational hazard in agricultural communities, potentially affecting male fertility through oxidative stress and endocrine disruption.To evaluate the effect of agrochemical exposure on infertility rates, sperm DNA fragmentation, and key reproductive hormones in farmers of Dhamtari district, Chhattisgarh.A total of 100 male farmers were enrolled: 70 with regular agrochemical exposure (exposed group) and 30 without such exposure (non-exposed group). Semen analysis, sperm DNA fragmentation assay, and serum hormonal profiling (testosterone, luteinizing hormone [LH], follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH]) were performed. Infertility was defined by WHO criteria. Statistical comparisons were made using independent t-tests and Chi-square tests.Infertility rate was significantly higher in the exposed group (45.7%) than in the non-exposed group (13.3%) (χ² = 10.92, p < 0.01). Mean sperm DNA fragmentation was elevated in exposed farmers (38.2 ± 6.5%) compared to non-exposed (21.4 ± 5.1%) (p < 0.001). Testosterone levels were significantly lower in exposed farmers (4.1 ± 0.7 ng/mL vs. 5.6 ± 0.8 ng/mL, p < 0.001), while LH and FSH were significantly higher (p < 0.001). Chi-square analysis confirmed significant associations between agrochemical exposure and high DNA fragmentation, low testosterone, and altered gonadotropin levels.Agrochemical exposure is strongly associated with increased infertility risk, elevated sperm DNA fragmentation, and hormonal dysregulation in male farmers. These findings highlight the urgent need for occupational health interventions and safer agricultural practices.