Effects Of Di-2-Ethylhexyl Phthalate (DEHP) On Sex Hormones In Female Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant. Most rodent studies showed sex hormones abnormalities following exposure to high levels above the estimated daily human exposure. The effects of exposure on female rat sex hormones at levels similar to daily human exposure is unknown.

Aim: To determine the effects of DEHP at environmentally relevant level on the sex hormones of female Wistar rats.

Methodology: Forty adult female Wistar rats were randomized into two groups, an experimental group A and control group B. Rats in the experimental group were administered DEHP in oil daily for 12-15 days, those in the control group were administered equal amounts of oil daily for 12-15 days. All rats were housed under similar environmental conditions and sacrificed during estrus. Serum levels of sex hormones were determined and compared.

Results: The mean serum FSH levels were 39.266 ±14.469 IU/ml and 47.243 ± 3.310 IU/ml in the study and control groups respectively (p = 0.029). The mean serum LH values were 22.994 ± 11.336 IU/ml and 20.529 ± 8.878 IU/ml in the study and control groups respectively (p = 0.477). The median serum estradiol levels were 240.000pg/ml and 306.700pg/ml (p = 0.632) in the study and control groups respectively. The median serum progesterone levels were 52.860ng/ml and 55.940ng/ml (p = 0.448) in the study and control groups respectively.

Conclusion: Even at low level of exposure, DEHP is associated with significant reduction in FSH, with a non-significant increase in LH, and non-significant reduction in estradiol and progesterone.