Inhibition of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)-induced endocrine disruption by co-treatment of vitamins C and E and their mechanism of action. Issue 16 (18th August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Choi, Seul Min; Lim, Duck Soo; Kim, Min Kook; Yoon, Sungpil; Kacew, Sam; Kim, Hyung Sik; Lee, Byung-Mu
• Is Part Of: Journal of toxicology and environmental health. Volume 81:Issue 16(2018)
• Page Start: 748
• Page End: 760
• Publication Date: 2018-08-18
• Subjects: Toxicology -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; 615.90205
• DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2018.1473262
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1528-7394

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The endocrine disrupting actions of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) on testicular functions are postulated to involve excess free radical generation. Thus the aim of this study was to examine the ability of antioxidant vitamins C and E to prevent DEHP-induced testicular disruption in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. SD male rats were administered DEHP alone or DEHP with vitamin C and/or vitamin E for 30 days. DEHP alone increased the levels of testosterone (T) and reduced estradiol (E2 ) concentrations. Supplementation with antioxidant vitamins diminished or restored serum T levels noted in DEHP-treated rats to control values. In contrast vitamins C and E increased E2 levels to control in rats administered DEHP. Antioxidants significantly improved the decreased testicular levels of reduced glutathione and activity of superoxide dismutase compared to DEHP-treatment alone. Co-treatment of vitamins C and E also markedly improved the reduced epididymal sperm head counts and elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) or 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) induced by DEHP treatment. These results support the concept that the adverse actions of DEHP may be related to increased free radical generation while co-treatment with vitamins C and E significantly blocked the actions of DEHP on male testicular functions.