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Abstract

Background: Oral exposure to high concentrations of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is known to cause testicular and hepatotoxicity in rodents. These toxicities have been shown to be related to oxidative stress generated by DEHP metabolites such as mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP). On the other hand, rare sugars, such as D-allose and D-allulose are known to show strong anti-oxidative activity. Method: To clarify the effects of D-allose and D-allulose on DEHP toxicities, rats were exposed to 1% (w / w) DEHP diet plus sugar-free water or 1% (w / w) D-allose or1% (w / w) D-allulose water. One week after treatment, organ weights, plasma and testicular MEHP concentrations, plasma biochemical parameters were measured. To reveal the protective potency of D-allose and D-allulose against DEHP-induced oxidative stress in the testes, rats pre-treated with D-allose or D-allulose water at a concentration of 4% (w / w) received a single dose of 2 g/kg of DEHP in corn oil by oral gavages. After 24 hours, testicular malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured. Result: All DEHP diet-treated groups showed a significant decrease in testicular weight and a significant increase in liver weight compared to the Control group, while D-allose and D-allulose water treatment suppressed both testicular weight loss and liver weight gain. A significant negative correlation between relative testicular weight and plasma or testicular MEHP concentration was found among rats treated with DEHP-free diet (Control) and DEHP diet alone. Most of the data plots for the DEHP diet plus D-allose or D-allulose group were scattered above the regression line. A significant positive correlation between relative liver weight and plasma MEHP concentration was found among rats treated with DEHP-free diet and DEHP diet alone. Most of the data plots for the DEHP diet plus D-allose or D-allulose group were scattered below the regression line. Plasma alanine transaminase (ALT) levels of the DEHP diet plus D-allose or Dallulose group were significantly lower than DEHP diet alone group. Pre-treatment with D-allose or Dallulose water at a concentration of 4% resulted in almost complete suppression of testicular MDA production among DEHP-administered rats. Conclusion: These results indicate that D-allose and D-allulose can reduce testicular and hepatotoxicity induced by DEHP.