Toxicity effects of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate to Eisenia fetida at enzyme, cellular and genetic levels

Abstract

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a dominant phthalic acid ester (PAE) that has aroused public concern due to its resistance to degradation and its toxicity as an endocrine-disrupting compound. Effects of different concentrations of DEHP on Eisenia fetida in spiked natural soil have been studied in the body of the earthworm by means of soil cultivation tests 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after exposure. The results indicated that, in general, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, metallothionein (MT) content, the expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP 70) and all the tested geno-toxicity parameters are promoted as time elapses and with increasing concentration of DEHP. However, peroxidase (POD) activity, neutral red retention time (NRRT) and mitochondrial membrane potential difference values were found to decrease even at a low concentration of DEHP of 1 mg kg-1 soil (p<0.05). Clear toxic effects of DEHP on E. fetida have been generally recognized by means of the disturbance of antioxidant enzyme activity/content and critical proteins, cell membrane and organelle disorder and DNA damage estimated by length of tail, tail DNA ratio, and tail moment parameters. A concentration of DEHP of 3 mg kg-1 may be recommended as a precaution against the potential risk of PAEs in soils and for indicating suitable threshold values for other soil animals and soil micro-organisms.

Biomarker Responses in Earthworms Lumbricus Terrestris L. (Annelida: Lumbricidae) to Artificial Soils Contaminated with Dimethyl Phthalate

“…This is also consistent with the ndings of Wang et al (2018) who reported an increase in MDA level and LPO propagation in the tissues of earthworms Eisenia fetida exposed to DBP. Our results are also supported by the ndings of Ma et al (2017) that reported increased MDA content in earthworms under the DEP exposure.…”

Potential effects of low molecular weight phthalate esters (C16H22O4and C12H14O4) on the freshwater fish Cyprinus carpio

“…107 Similar to the present investigation, a significant decrease in total protein was noted in E. fetida exposed to di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP). 108 The significant decrease in protein content may also be due to the induction of heat shock proteins (hsps). 109 These proteins play a significant role in protein homeostasis 110 and the cellular stress response within the cell 111 and also help fish to cope with environmental changes.…”

Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate induces reproductive toxicity via JAZF1/TR4 pathway and oxidative stress in pubertal male rats

“…Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) is a typical PAE and accounts for about 50% of the global total (Ma et al, 2017). With globally increasing manufacture, the concentration of DEHP in the environment is rising gradually and has been detected in many food products, including meat, fish, cereals, vegetables, and even breast milk (Choi et al, 2014; Kappenstein et al, 2012).…”