The effects of sodium benzoate (C6H5COONa) on ovaries and its hormones and gonadotropins on female balb/C mice

Sodium benzoate (C6H5COONa) is used as a disinfectant against microorganisms existing in healthy foods and drugs. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of sodium benzoate on ovaries and its hormones and gonadotrophins on balb/C mice. Eighteen adult female mice (balb/c) were divided into 3 groups of 6 animals each. Two groups of animals were treated with 280 or 560mg/kg/day sodium benzoate for 60 days (Group II and III, respectively). Animals of group I were administrated water without sodium benzoate for 60 days and served as the controls. On the 61st between 08:00 to 10:00, blood samples were collected from the left ventricle after anesthesia with diethyl ether. After that the mice were killed following ethical procedure, the ovaries were dissected out, then, it was immediately fixed in formalin 10% and embedded in paraffin. Sections of 5 µm thickness were taken from the mid portion of each ovary. Plasma levels of FSH and LH were significantly decreased in group III compared to control group (P<0.0001). Plasma level of progesterone was significantly decreased in treatment groups compared to control group (P<0.001). Decrease of oogenes and disorganization of ovaries in electron microscopy investigation determined. The results of present study indicate that sodium benzoate affect and decrease the oogenesis and reduce of follicles and corpus luteum. Thus, it is suggested to replace it if necessity.