The reactions between disinfectants and organic matter or inorganic matter in source
water generates disinfection by-products (DBPs) such as iodoacetic acid (IAA). DBPs
are associated with health effects such as bladder cancer and adverse reproductive
outcomes, but the effects of IAA on the ovary are not well known. This study determined
whether IAA exposure affects ovarian follicle growth, steroidogenesis, and expression
of apoptotic factors, cell cycle regulators, estrogen receptors, and steroidogenic
factors in vitro . IAA exposure significantly decreased follicle growth, expression
of cell cycle stimulators, and the proliferation marker Ki67 . In contrast, IAA increased
expression of the cell cycle inhibitor Cdkn1a . Moreover, IAA exposure increased
expression of pro-apoptotic factors, whereas it decreased expression of anti-apoptotic
factors. IAA exposure also altered expression of steroidogenic factors and estrogen
receptors, disrupting steroidogenesis. These data demonstrate that IAA exposure inhibits
follicle growth, decreases cell proliferation, and alters steroidogenesis in mouse
ovarian follicles in vitro .