Multi-omics analysis reveals fluorinated liquid crystal monomers BDPrB/EDPrB exposure disrupts the steroid biosynthesis function via inhibition of CYP17A1.

Fluorinated liquid crystal monomers (F-LCMs) are emerging environmental contaminants that have been detected in human urine, breast milk, and serum. However, their potential impacts on reproductive health remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the reproductive toxicity of two major F-LCMs-BDPrB and EDPrB-using a 70-day exposure model in male ICR mice. Multi-omics analyses of testicular tissue and serum showed that both compounds reduced testosterone and increased progesterone levels. Further mechanistic studies revealed that BDPrB and EDPrB inhibit CYP17A1 enzyme activity by directly binding to its catalytic pocket, thereby suppressing testosterone synthesis without affecting gene transcription. Additionally, EDPrB specifically disrupted meiotic progression by downregulating synaptonemal complex proteins SYCP1 and SYCP3. Our findings demonstrate that F-LCMs act as endocrine disruptors with compound-specific reproductive toxicity, underscoring the urgency of reevaluating their environmental and health risks.