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Effects of diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) given neonatally on spermatogenesis of mice
Xi-Feng Zhang1, Teng Zhang, Liu Wang
1Laboratory of Germ Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China.
Insights
Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) exposure in immature male mice reduced sperm quality and quantity. DEHP also altered gene expression and caused testicular damage, impacting reproductive health.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive toxicology
- Environmental health
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is a common environmental pollutant.
- Previous studies indicated DEHP's adverse effects on male reproductive function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms of DEHP's impact on male mouse reproductive function.
- To assess the effects of DEHP on sperm parameters, gene expression, and testicular histology.
Main Methods:
- Immature male mice were treated daily with DEHP at various durations and doses.
- Sperm quality and quantity were assessed in 60-day-old mice.
- RT-PCR analysis was used to evaluate the expression of specific reproductive genes.
- Testicular histopathology was examined.
Main Results:
- DEHP exposure significantly decreased sperm quality and quantity in a dose-dependent manner.
- Down-regulation of genes including DDx3Y, Usp9Y, RBM, E1F1AY, EGF, FSHR, EGFR, LHR, Cyp17a1, and Cyp19a1 was observed.
- DEHP treatment led to histopathological changes in the testes.
- No significant effects on meiotic processes or recombination levels were detected.
Conclusions:
- DEHP exposure negatively impacts male reproductive health by affecting sperm parameters and testicular tissue.
- DEHP alters the expression of key genes involved in male reproduction.
- These findings offer insights into the molecular mechanisms of DEHP's detrimental effects on reproductive health in wildlife and potentially humans.
Abstract:
We previously demonstrated that the effects of diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) alter reproduction function on male mice. Immature male mice were treated daily with DEHP from postnatal day 7-21, 7-35, 7-49, in a dose-dependent manner. As results, both the quality and quantity of spermatozoa were decreased in 60-day-old mice. The results by RT-PCR analysis indicated that DDx3Y, Usp9Y, RBM, E1F1AY, EGF, FSHR and EGFR genes were down-regulated, and LHR, Cyp17a1 and Cyp19a1 were down-regulated in response to DEHP. These genes were selected based on their markedly increased or decreased expression levels. However, DEHP had no effect on the meiotic process and recombination levels in male mouse germ cells. Treatment with DEHP induced histopathological changes in the testes. Taken together, these results provide a new insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the detrimental impacts of DEHP in humans and wildlife.
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