Di-(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate Exposure Induces Developmental Toxicity in the Mouse Fetal Heart via Mitochondrial...

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a major cause of infant mortality and morbidity, with growing interest in the role of environmental factors in its etiology. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), an environmental endocrine disruptor, has been implicated in the development of CHD. This study aimed to investigate the effects of DEHP exposure on fetal heart development in mice. Pregnant mice exposed to DEHP exhibited increased fetal malformations, decreased fetal weight, and reduced crown-rump length.f Transcriptomic analysis revealed the downregulation of genes involved in aerobic respiration and mitochondrial ATP synthesis. Functional assays demonstrated reduced mitochondrial respiration, decreased ATP production, elevated reactive oxygen species levels, and lowered mitochondrial membrane potential in DEHP-exposed fetal cardiomyocytes. These findings underscore the detrimental effects of DEHP on fetal cardiac health and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying DEHP-induced CHD. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing preventive strategies against environmental toxicants that affect fetal cardiac development.