Inhibition of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)-induced endocrine disruption by co-treatment of vitamins C and E and their mechanism of action

J Toxicol Environ Health A. 2018;81(16):748-760. doi: 10.1080/15287394.2018.1473262. Epub 2018 May 29.

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology*
  • Ascorbic Acid / pharmacology*
  • Diethylhexyl Phthalate / toxicity*
  • Endocrine Disruptors / toxicity*
  • Hormones / blood
  • Hormones / metabolism
  • Male
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects
  • Plasticizers / toxicity
  • Protective Agents / pharmacology*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Spermatogenesis / drug effects
  • Testis / drug effects
  • Testis / metabolism
  • Vitamin E / pharmacology*
  • Vitamins / pharmacology

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Endocrine Disruptors
  • Hormones
  • Plasticizers
  • Protective Agents
  • Vitamins
  • Vitamin E
  • Diethylhexyl Phthalate
  • Ascorbic Acid