Meta-analysis and experimental validation identified atrazine as a toxicant in the male reproductive system

Atrazine (ATZ), as a widely used triazine herbicide, is an environmental endocrine disruptor (EDC) that can cause many health problems. Therefore, we conducted this study based on the evidence of rats and mice to figure out the characteristics of ATZ damage to the reproductive system and further evaluate its health effects on the human. PRISMA’s guidelines were followed according to the principles recommended by the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Review. Health assessment was performed using the OHAT approach. Our new data were obtained from randomized controlled trials in rats designed in accordance with toxicological guidelines. Exposure to ATZ was significantly associated with decreased testosterone production (SMD = − 0.90, 95% CI − 1.27 to − 0.53), and reduced absolute weights of testis (SMD = − 0.41, 95% CI − 0.61 to − 0.22) and other reproductive organs. The damaging effect of sperm quality was also observed clearly, which included reduction of sperm count both in epididymis (SMD = − 2.32, 95% CI − 2.83 to − 1.81) and testis (SMD = − 1.01, 95% CI − 1.37 to − 0.64), decrease in sperm motility (SMD = − 8.86, 95% CI − 10.88 to − 6.83), and increase in sperm abnormality. Subgroup analysis revealed consistency across different species, life stage, and dosage. In addition, we found that ATZ exposure at a daily dose of 120 mg/kg during adolescence could cause decrease in weight gain and histological damage to the testis. The gene expression levels of Nrf2/HO-1 and Bcl-2/caspase signaling pathways in testis tissues were changed significantly. The results of this SR indicated that exposure to ATZ was associated with impairment of male reproductive system in rodents regardless of species, exposure life stage, and dosage. It is believed that ATZ exposure may have similar effects on male reproductive system of human beings. Pathways related to oxidative stress and apoptosis may be the mechanism leading to testicular damage in rats treated with ATZ.