title: Reproductive toxicity of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in selenium-supplemented and selenium-deficient rats.
abstract: Phthalates are abundantly produced plasticizers, and di(ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is the most widely used derivative in various consumer products and medical devices. Animal studies show that DEHP and various other phthalates cause reproductive and developmental toxicity. Although the evidences are limited, it seems reasonable that DEHP may have a potential for similar adverse effects in humans. Such concerns are increasing, particularly for the developing reproductive system of male infants and children. By taking into account the essentiality of selenium (Se) in testicular structure and functions and the high prevalence of inadequate Se intake in various part of the world, this study was designed to investigate the testicular toxicity of DEHP in Se-deficient male rats and to examine the possible preventive effects of Se supplementation on phthalate toxicity. Se deficiency was generated by feeding 3-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats with a ≤0.05 Se mg/kg diet for 5 weeks. Supplementation groups were on a 1 mg Se/kg diet, and DEHP-treated groups received a 1,000 mg/kg dose by gavage during the last 10 days of the feeding period. Testicular histopathology, sperm count and motility, and sperm morphology were examined, and plasma levels of sex hormones were measured. Toxicity and antiandrogenic effects of DEHP were evidenced by disturbed testicular histology and spermatogenesis, diminished testosterone, leutinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, and sperm motility. The effects of DEHP were much more pronounced in Se-deficient rats, whereas Se supplementation was found to be protective, reflecting its regulating role in cellular redox equilibrium.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Pinar
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Erkekoglu
authors.forename: N Dilara
authors.initials: ND
authors.lastname: Zeybek
authors.forename: Belma
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Giray
authors.forename: Esin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Asan
authors.forename: Josiane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Arnaud
authors.forename: Filiz
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Hincal
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004051:Diethylhexyl Phthalate / Q000633:toxicity*; D052244:Endocrine Disruptors / Q000633:toxicity*; D004822:Epididymis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012098:Reproduction / Q000187:drug effects*; D012643:Selenium / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000172:deficiency; D013076:Sperm Count; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000187:drug effects; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D013737:Testis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D052244:Endocrine Disruptors; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D004051:Diethylhexyl Phthalate; D012643:Selenium