Effects of Di-2-Ethylhexyl Phthalate on Central Nervous System Functions: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Background: Di-2-Ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is one of the essential phthalate metabolites that disrupt the function of endocrine glands and causes numerous effects on animals, humans, and the environment. Phthalates are widely used in the plastics industry. Low doses of DEHP increase neurotoxicity in the nervous system that has arisen deep concerns due to the widespread nature of DEHP exposure and its high absorption during brain development. Objective: This review article evaluated the impacts of DEHP exposure from birth to adulthood on neurobehavioral damages. Then, the possible mechanisms of DEHP-induced neurobehavioral impairment were discussed. Methodology: Peer-reviewed articles were extracted through Embase, PubMed, and Google Scholar till the year 2021. Results: The results showed that exposure to DEHP during pregnancy and infancy leads to memory loss and irreversible nervous system damage. Conclusion: Overall, it seems that increased levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators possess a pivotal role in DEHP-induced neurobehavioral impairment.

Exposure to Low Doses of Phthalates in Male Rodents: Effects on Reproductive and Cognitive Behaviors

“…The nervous system represents also a sensitive target for phthalate exposure. Previous publications have summarized the effects induced by exposure to phthalates on the nervous system, with a particular focus on the hippocampal and cognitive function [5, 6] and the underlying oxidative/inflammatory or neuroendocrine mechanisms [6, 7]. Here, we aimed to provide an updated overview of the male rodent studies addressing the effects of phthalate exposure on reproductive and cognitive behaviors given their known regulation by sex steroids and thus potential vulnerability to exposure to antiandrogenic compounds.…”

Lycopene Prevents Phthalate-Induced Cognitive Impairment via Modulating Ferroptosis

“…1 Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) as one of the most commonly adopted PAEs is widespread in applied plastic films and plastic synthetic receptacles. 2 Due to the lipophilic nature and lack of chemical bonding to the polymer chains, DEHP is easy to release from the products and disperse into the ecological system, city water sources, or foods. 3 Excessive use of DEHP in industrial and agricultural products will lead to a high level of DEHP in the environment, thereby increasing the risk of human and animal exposure.…”

“…For decades, phthalate esters (PAEs) have been extensively used as flexible materials in various industrial and agricultural products to enhance the pliability, durability, and resilience of plastic items . Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) as one of the most commonly adopted PAEs is widespread in applied plastic films and plastic synthetic receptacles . Due to the lipophilic nature and lack of chemical bonding to the polymer chains, DEHP is easy to release from the products and disperse into the ecological system, city water sources, or foods .…”

Behavioral Effects of Exposure to Phthalates in Female Rodents: Evidence for Endocrine Disruption?

“…Changes in hormonal levels or their signaling pathways following exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) can lead to long-term or transient modifications in these processes and consequently in behavior. In this context, previous reviews addressed the effects of exposure to EDCs, including phthalates, on social and reproductive behaviors [ 6 , 7 , 8 ], or effects of exposure to phthalates on hippocampal plasticity [ 9 ] or the nervous system [ 10 ]. The present review, in addition to being interested in the effects of female exposure to phthalates on behaviors known to be modulated by sex steroids, aims also to shed light on the experimental conditions used for such studies (phthalate doses, period of exposure, stage of the estrous cycle, etc.).…”