Di-n-Butyl Phthalate (DBP) Exposure Induces Oxidative Damage in Testes of Adult Rats

Abstract

Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant, extensively used as a plasticizer in many products including plastics, cosmetics, and medical devices. Some studies have shown that DBP has potential testicular toxicity. However, the mechanism of action of DBP on male reproduction is not clear. The present study was designed to further investigate the potential male reproductive toxicity of DBP . Oxidative stress was assessed in rat testes as an underlying mechanism. Forty SD adult rats were randomly allotted to four groups, and DBP was administered to each group by oral gavage at doses of 0 (control), 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg/d for 2 consecutive weeks. The results indicated that the reproductive toxicity of DBP is dose-dependent. Body and testicular weight was significantly decreased in rats of DBP exposure at a dose of 500 mg/kg/d. Sperm count and motility were significantly decreased at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg/d. The same two doses significantly inhibited the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and glutathione (GSH) while the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly increased in testes of rats. Microscopy with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining showed that seminiferous tubules atrophy and seminiferous epithelial cells disintegrated and shed in rats of DBP exposure at doses of 500 mg/kg/d. In conclusion, DBP alters the testicular structure and function, at least partly, by inducing oxidative stress in testes of adult rats.

Mono-butyl phthalate-induced mouse testis injury is associated with oxidative stress and down-regulated expression of <i>Sox9</i> and <i>Dazl </i>

“…It was reported that exposure to MBP destroyed tight junctional structure in Sertoli cell (Schettler, 2006). The reduction of sperm count and degenerated histological changes in testicular seminiferous tubules induced by MBP are similar to the results reported in previous studies (Shono and Taguchi, 2014;Zhou et al, 2010). Under normal circumstances, the oxidant and antioxidant system in organisms maintains an equilibrium state.…”

“…Our results showed that a higher dose (200 mg/kg) of MBP exposure increased ROS level and even increased MDA content in mouse testes. DBP dosed at 250, 500 and 2,000 mg/kg also markedly decreased the testicular GSH level, along with degeneration of the seminiferous tubules (Zhou et al, 2010). The DBP-induced injuries in biochemical, spermatological parameters and histological structure of testis could be recovered by treatment with kolaviron or curcumin which have antioxidative activity (Farombi et al, 2007).…”

“…It is known to cause many adverse effects on human health, especially on the reproductive system. DBP has been reported to decrease sperm count and quality, and cause degeneration of testicular seminiferous tubules (Zhou et al, 2010).…”

Ginger attenuated di (n-butyl) phthalate-induced reproductive toxicity in pubertal male rabbits

“…The main possible mechanism of toxicity is based on the oxidative stress (Zhou et al, 2010). Several studies reported that DBP induced lipid peroxidation in rat testis (Wang et al, 2004 andNair, 2015).…”

Association study of HLA-B alleles with idiopathic male infertility in Han population of China

“…Unfortunately, approximately 50% of male infertility cases are still unexplained or idiopathic for men [2]. Male infertility is a complex disease resulting from multiple interactions between genetic and environmental factors [3][4][5]. The genetic background of male infertility has long been a concern.…”