title: Effects of low concentrations of di-(2-ethylhexyl) and mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate on steroidogenesis pathways and apoptosis in the murine leydig tumor cell line MLTC-1.
abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of low concentrations of DEHP and MEHP on steroidogenesis in a murine Leydig tumor cell line (MLTC-1) in vitro. The result of flow cytometry analysis revealed that the proportion of apoptotic cells was significantly increased after the exposure to DEHP. All three genes (P450scc, P450c17, and 3βHSD) under study showed an increased expression following exposure to DEHP or MEHP, although some insignificant inhibitory effects appeared in the 10 μmol/L treatment group as compared with the controls. It was also found that compared with the controls. It was also found that DEHP or MEHP stimulated INSL3 mRNA and protein especially in the 0.001 μmol/L treatment group. Testosterone secretions were stimulated after the exposure to DEHP or MEHP. Alternations of steroidogenic enzymes and INSL3 in MLTC-1 cells might be involved in the biphasic effects of DEHP/MEHP on androgen production.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China.
authors.forename: Xi
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Ya Nan
authors.initials: YN
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Qing Hong
authors.initials: QH
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Ling
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Leng
authors.forename: Ying
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Nai Jun
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Tang
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D004051:Diethylhexyl Phthalate / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000633:toxicity*; D007984:Leydig Cell Tumor / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D051379:Mice; D013256:Steroids / Q000096:biosynthesis*
chemical_list: D013256:Steroids; D004051:Diethylhexyl Phthalate; C016599:mono-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate