We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Endocrine-disruptor endpoints in the ovary and thyroid of adult female rats exposed to realistic doses of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
Summary
Female rats injected with daily doses of DEHP for 21 days showed disrupted ovarian follicle development and altered thyroid gland structure at doses within the range of human environmental exposure. The results provide experimental evidence that DEHP acts as an endocrine disruptor targeting both reproductive and thyroid hormonal axes in females.
Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is the world's most widely used polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plasticizer and is used in virtually every category of flexible PVC. In fact, DEHP is extensively used in food cosmetics and medical packaging. It has become a serious problem in recent years. DEHP can be absorbed into the human body through the air, food, water, and skin. The current study involved intraperitoneal injection of DEHP dissolved in corn oil once daily for 21 consecutive days to investigate the effects of DEHP on the thyroid and the reproductive system in female rats. Results show that ovarian hormones (progesterone and estrogen) decreased significantly in the rats treated with DEHP compared to control. This result is supported by the alteration of folliculogenesis, the decrease of the follicles viability, and the apoptosis of the granulosa cells observed on histological sections of ovary and thyroid in female rats exposed to low doses of DEHP. Histopathological study revealed that DEHP could damage thyroid tissue and disrupt these functions. We also observed cellular damage, particularly in the liver cells, and a significant increase in biochemical parameters such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) compared to the control group.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Research Progress on the Correlation between Environmental Phthalate Exposure and Thyroid Hormone Level
This review examines how phthalate plasticizers — widely used in food packaging, toys, and medical supplies — disrupt thyroid hormone levels after environmental release, drawing on epidemiological and toxicological evidence linking phthalate exposure to thyroid dysfunction. The findings highlight phthalates as endocrine-disrupting chemicals with significant public health implications.
Phthalate exposure and risk of ovarian dysfunction in endometriosis: human and animal data
Researchers explored the link between phthalate exposure and ovarian dysfunction in endometriosis patients, using both human clinical data and animal models to identify potential mechanisms by which these environmental endocrine disruptors impair reproductive function.
Advances in understanding the reproductive toxicity of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in women
This review examines how endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as bisphenol A, phthalates, and triclosan may interfere with the female reproductive system. Evidence indicates that these chemicals, found widely in the environment, can disrupt hormone function and may contribute to adverse reproductive outcomes, though the precise mechanisms are still being studied.
Assessment of endocrine-disrupting activities of alternative chemicals for bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate
Researchers assessed the endocrine-disrupting potential of alternative plasticizers used to replace the commonly restricted DEHP (bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate), finding that several substitutes also displayed hormonal activity. The results raise concerns that some replacement plasticizers used in consumer plastics may carry similar health risks as the chemicals they were designed to replace.
Nano and microplastics: unveiling their profound impact on endocrine health
This review summarizes existing research showing that micro- and nanoplastics can disrupt the endocrine (hormone) system, altering reproductive hormones, thyroid function, and gene expression in lab and animal studies. Exposure to these particles triggered inflammation markers and oxidative stress in hormone-producing organs, suggesting that widespread plastic pollution may be contributing to rising rates of hormonal and reproductive health problems.