Role of mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum coupling in lycopene preventing DEHP-induced hepatotoxicity

Food Funct. 2021 Nov 1;12(21):10741-10749. doi: 10.1039/d1fo00478f.

Abstract

Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a hazardous compound used as a plasticizer in plastic products. As a natural carotenoid, lycopene (LYC) is considered an effective protective agent against various types of organ damage. The present study aimed to investigate the role of mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum (ER) coupling in LYC preventing DEHP-induced hepatotoxicity. The mice were treated with LYC (5 mg kg-1) and/or DEHP (500 or 1000 mg kg-1). In the present study, LYC prevented DEHP-induced histopathological changes including fibrosis and glycogen storage in the liver. Additionally, LYC alleviated DEHP-induced ultrastructural injury of mitochondria and ER. LYC had the underlying preventability against DEHP-induced mitochondrial dynamics imbalance including an increase in fission and a decrease in fusion. Furthermore, DEHP induced mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane (MAM) disorder-induced ER stress through the ER unfolded protein response (UPRER), but LYC alleviated these alterations. Therefore, LYC prevented DEHP-induced hepatic mitochondrial dynamics and MAM disorder, leading to ER stress. The present study provides novel evidence of mitochondria-ER coupling as a target for LYC that prevents DEHP-induced hepatotoxicity.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / pathology
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / prevention & control*
  • Diethylhexyl Phthalate / toxicity*
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / drug effects*
  • Liver / drug effects
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver / ultrastructure
  • Lycopene / pharmacology*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred ICR
  • Mitochondria / drug effects*
  • Mitochondrial Diseases / chemically induced
  • Mitochondrial Diseases / drug therapy
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects*

Substances

  • Diethylhexyl Phthalate
  • Lycopene