Urinary phthalate metabolites and semen quality: a review of a potential biomarker of susceptibility

Phthalates are a class of chemicals with widespread general population exposure. Some phthalates are reproductive and developmental toxicants in laboratory animals. Advances in the field of phthalate research in humans are dependent on the development and implementation of biomarkers to assess exposure and outcome, as well as potential markers that may be indicative of increased susceptibility. Recently, we incorporated a novel biomarker of potential 'susceptibility' into our study on the relationship of phthalates with semen quality and sperm DNA damage among men recruited from an infertility clinic. We measured urinary concentrations of three di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) metabolites, mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) and two oxidative metabolites, mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxylhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) and mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP). We calculated the percent of DEHP excreted as the hydrolytic monoester (i.e., MEHP). We referred to this as %MEHP and considered it a phenotypic marker of the proportion of DEHP excreted in the urine as MEHP. In our sperm DNA study, we found novel results for the DEHP metabolites. Although MEHP was positively correlated with the oxidative metabolites, the association of sperm DNA damage with MEHP, as compared to MEHHP and MEOHP, were in opposite directions. We hypothesized that MEHP is the bioactive toxicant and further metabolism to MEHHP/MEOHP may lower internal burden of MEHP and thus be protective from sperm DNA damage. An alternative explanation may include that the relative percentage of DEHP excreted as MEHP was a surrogate for the function of phase I enzymes. Men with high %MEHP may have higher levels of sperm DNA damage because of poor metabolism (detoxification) of other genotoxic chemicals. Our hypothesis that %MEHP may represent a phenotypic marker of metabolism is novel but requires further exploration to confirm.     

Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP): human metabolism and internal exposure-- an update and latest results

Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) is a reproductive and developmental toxicant in animals and a suspected endocrine modulator in humans. There is widespread exposure to DEHP in the general population. Patients can be additionally exposed through DEHP-containing medical devices. Toxicokinetic and metabolic knowledge on DEHP in humans is vital not only for the toxicological evaluation of DEHP but also for exposure assessments based on human biomonitoring data. Secondary oxidized DEHP metabolites like mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl)phthalate (5OH-MEHP), mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl)phthalate (5oxo-MEHP), mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl)phthalate (5cx-MEPP) and mono-[2-(carboxymethyl)hexyl]phthalate (2cx-MMHP) are most valuable biomarkers of DEHP exposure. They represent the major share of DEHP metabolites excreted in urine (about 70% for these four oxidized metabolites vs. about 6% for MEHP); they are immune to external contamination and possibly the ultimate developmental toxicants. Long half-times of elimination make 5cx-MEPP and 2cx-MMHP excellent parameters to measure the time-weighted body burden to DEHP. 5OH-MEHP and 5oxo-MEHP more reflect the short-term exposure. We calculated the daily DEHP intake for the general population (n = 85) and for children (n = 254). Children were significantly higher exposed to DEHP than adults. Exposures at the 95th percentile (21 and 25 microg/kg/day, respectively) scooped out limit values like the Reference Dose (RfD, 20 microg/kg/day) and the Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI, 20-48 microg/kg/day) to a considerable degree. Up to 20-fold oversteppings for some children give cause for concern. We also detected significant DEHP exposures for voluntary platelet donors (n = 12, 38 microg/kg/apheresis, dual-needle technique). Premature neonates (n = 45) were exposed to DEHP up to 100 times above the limit values depending on the intensity of medical care (median: 42 microg/kg/day; 95th percentile: 1,780 microg/kg/day).     

4-Heptanone is a metabolite of the plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in haemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: There is an ongoing discussion about the risks of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) exposure for the general population as well as for specific subgroups in various medical settings. Haemodialysis patients certainly belong to the group with the highest exposure taking into account the repeated treatments over a long period of time. Many studies have shown that DEHP metabolites are more active with regard to cellular responses than DEHP itself. Although 4-heptanone has been shown to be a DEHP metabolite in rats, this has never been tested in humans. On the other hand, 4-heptanone was reported to be associated with diabetes mellitus. METHODS: After establishing analytical methods for all postulated metabolites, we analysed (i) plasma samples from 50 patients on haemodialysis and 50 controls; (ii) urine samples from 100 diabetic patients and 100 controls; and (iii) urine samples from 10 controls receiving DEHP intravenously. RESULTS: 4-Heptanone concentrations in urine did not differ between controls (128.6+/-11.4 micro g/l, mean+/- SEM) and diabetic patients (131.2+/-11.6 micro g/l) but were significantly elevated in plasma from haemodialysis patients (95.9+/-9.6 micro g/l) compared with controls (10.4+/-0.5 micro g/l). Exposure to DEHP led to a significant increase (P<0.001) of the metabolite 4-heptanone and all the proposed intermediates in urine of healthy persons within 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: These studies show that 4-heptanone is not associated with diabetes but is a major DEHP metabolite in humans. Studies concerning the toxicity of DEHP in haemodialysis patients and other highly exposed groups should therefore include 4-heptanone together with DEHP and its primary metabolites mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) and 2-ethylhexanol.     

Uraemic pruritus and exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) in haemodialysis patients

Uraemic pruritus is a frequent and disabling symptom in patientson dialysis. The pathogenesis of uraemic pruritus is neverthelessstill obscure. We investigated whether di (2-ethylhexyl ) phthalate(DEHP), the most commonly used plasticizer in polyvinyichloride(PVC) haemodialysis tubings, is a possible pathogenetic factorin uraemic pruritus. Serum concentrations of DEHP and its majorderivatives mono-(2-ethylhexyl ) phthalate (MEHP), 2-ethylhexanol(2-EH) and phthalic acid (PA) were determined in uraemic patientsbefore and after a haemodialysis session and compared with theoccurrence and intensity of pruritus in these patients. Twenty-onepatients on regular haemodialysis for at least 6 months wereexamined. The severity of uraemic pruritus was assessed usinga standard questionnaire (pruritus score). The quantitativeanalysis of DEHP and its derivatives was carried out by GC/selectedion monitoring mass spectrometry. Fourteen out of 21 patients(66%) complained about uraemic pruritus to a variable degree.The post-dialysis serum concentrations of DEHP, MEHP and 2-EHwere significantly higher than the corresponding pre-dialysisvalues, whereas the post-dialysis concentrations of PA (0.122±0.078µg/ml) were significantly lower than pre-dialysis levels(0.194±0.101 µg/ml, P=0.00068). Neither pre- norpost-dialysis serum concentrations of DEHP, MEHP, PA or 2-EHwere correlated with the severity of uraemic pruritus. Additionally,serum concentrations of DEHP and its metabolites did not differsignificantly in patients with and without pruritus. These findingssuggest that patients on haemodialysis are regularly exposedto considerable amounts of DEHP and metabolites. Phthalic acid,one of the presumed end products of DEHP metabolism, might beeliminated at least in part by haemodialysis. The expositionto DEHP and metabolites during haemodialysis, as assessed bymeasuring serum concentrations, bears no immediate realtionto the occurence or intensity of uraemic pruritus.     

Urinary phthalate excretion in 555 healthy Danish boys with and without pubertal gynaecomastia

Pubertal gynaecomastia is a clinical sign of an oestrogen-androgen imbalance, which occurs in 40-60% of adolescent Caucasian boys. In most cases no underlying endocrinopathy can be identified. A recent study reports higher plasma phthalate levels in Turkish boys with pubertal gynaecomastia. Therefore, we asked whether there was an association between concurrent measures of urinary phthalate metabolites and pubertal timing as well as the presence of gynaecomastia in otherwise healthy boys. We studied a total of 555 healthy boys (age 6.07-19.83 years) as part of the COPENHAGEN Puberty Study. Anthropometry and pubertal stages (PH1-6 and G1-5) were evaluated, and the presence of gynaecomastia was assessed. Non-fasting blood samples were analysed for serum testosterone and morning urine samples were analysed for the total content of 12 phthalate metabolites (MEP, MnBP, MiBP, MBzP, MEHP, MEHHP, MEOHP, MECPP, MiNP, MHiNP, MiONP and MCiOP) by LC-MS/MS. A statistically significant negative correlation was observed between chronological age and the urinary concentration of the sum of measured metabolites DEHP (∑DEHPm) (r = -0.164) and DiNP (∑DiNPm) (r = -0.224), respectively, and the sum of monobutyl phthalate (MBP) isomers (∑MBP((i+n))) (r = -0.139) (all with p < 0.01). In contrast urinary monoethyl phthalate concentration was positively correlated to age (r = 0.187, p < 0.01). The urinary levels of phthalate metabolites were not associated with age at pubertal onset, serum testosterone levels or presence of gynaecomastia. In conclusion, we did not find evidence of anti-androgenic effects of phthalates in our healthy boys. Thus, current phthalate exposure was not associated with pubertal timing, testosterone levels or with the presence of pubertal gynaecomastia in this cross-sectional study. However, longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate possible perinatal or long-term postnatal effects of phthalates on healthy boys.     

Plasticizer di(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate interferes with osteoblastogenesis and adipogenesis in a mouse model

Plasticizer di(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) can leach from medical devices such as blood storage bags and the tubing. Recently, epidemiological studies showed that phthalate metabolites levels in the urine are associated with low bone mineral density (BMD) in older women. The detailed effect and mechanism of DEHP on osteoblastogenesis and adipogenesis, and bone loss remain to be clarified. Here, we investigated the effect and mechanism of DEHP and its active metabolite mono(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate (MEHP) on osteoblastogenesis and adipogenesis. The in vitro study showed that osteoblast differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) was significantly and dose‐dependently decreased by DEHP and MEHP (10–100 µM) without cytotoxicity to BMSCs. The mRNA expressions of alkaline phosphatase, Runx2, osteocalcin (OCN), Wnt1, and β‐catenin were significantly decreased in DEHP‐ and MEHP‐treated BMSCs during differentiation. MEHP, but not DEHP, significantly increased the adipocyte differentiation of BMSCs and PPARγ mRNA expression. Both DEHP and MEHP significantly increased the ratios of phosphorylated β‐catenin/β‐catenin and inhibited osteoblastogenesis, which could be reversed by Wnt activator lithium chloride and PPARγ inhibitor T0070907. Moreover, exposure of mice to DEHP (1, 10, and 100 mg/kg) for 8 weeks altered BMD and microstructure. In BMSCs isolated from DEHP‐treated mice, osteoblastogenesis and Runx2, Wnt1, and β‐catenin expression were decreased, but adipogenesis and PPARγ expression were increased. These findings suggest that DEHP and its metabolite MEHP exposure may inhibit osteoblastogenesis and promote adipogenesis of BMSCs through the Wnt/β‐catenin‐regulated and thus triggering bone loss. PPARγ signaling may play an important role in MEHP‐ and DEHP‐induced suppression of osteogenesis. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1124–1134, 2018.

     

Exposure of patients to phthalates from polyvinyl chloride tubes and bags during dialysis

The exposure of patients to the plasticizer di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubes and bags during dialysis has been investigated. In vitro studies of the migration of DEHP from hemodialysis tubes into plasma revealed a migration coefficient of 7.7 micrograms/ml/h. An artificial kidney did not influence the plasma concentration of DEHP. The calculated exposure from a single hemodialysis can be as much as the total annual exposure using continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). CAPD fluids in PVC bags contain low concentrations of DEHP and its hydrolysis product mono-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (MEHP). These phthalates were analyzed in serum from patients receiving both CAPD and hemodialysis using gas chromatography. A group of patients not yet on dialysis treatment was used as control. In no case could MEHP be detected. The DEHP concentration was 0.8-4.2 micrograms/ml serum in the 17 hemodialysis patients after dialysis and 0.1-0.9 microgram/ml in 4 of the CAPD patients. In 3 of the CAPD and all of the predialysis patients, DEHP could not be detected (less than 0.1 microgram/ml).     

Short-term effects of di-（2-ethylhexyl） phthalate on testes,liver, kidneys and pancreas in mice

Aim： To determine the biochemical effect of di-（2-ethylhexyl） phthalate （DEHP） on testes, liver, kidneys and pancreas on day 10 in the process of degeneration of the seminiferous epithelium. Methods： Diets containing 2% DEHP were given to male Crlj：CDI（ICR） mice for 10 days. The dose of DEHP was 0.90±0.52 mg/mouse/day. Their testes, livers, kidneys and pancreata were examined for detection of mono-（2-ethylhexyl） phthalate （MEHP）, nitrogen oxides （NOx） produced by peroxidation of nitric oxide （NO） with free radicals, and lipid peroxidation induced by the chain reaction of free radicals. Results： Histological observation and serum analysis showed the presence of severe sperrnatogenic disturbance, Leydig cell dysfunction, liver dysfunction and dehydration. Unexpectedly, the concentration of MEHP in the testes was extremely low compared with that in the liver. However, the concentration of the NOx in the testes was as high as the hepatic concentration. Furthermore, free radical-induced lipid peroxidation was histochemically detected in the testes but not in the liver. Conclusion： The results indicate that DEHP-induced aspermatogenesis is caused by the high sensitivity of the testicular tissues to MEHP rather than the specific accumulation or uptake of circulating MEHP into the testes.     

Foetal exposure to phthalate esters and anogenital distance in male newborns

Phthalate esters, commonly used as plasticizers, show anti-androgenic activity and cause male reproductive malformation in experimental animals. However, the effects of prenatal exposure to phthalate esters in humans have not been extensively studied. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between prenatal exposure to phthalate esters and the anogenital distance (AGD) as a reproductive endpoint in human male newborns. Spot urine samples were collected from 111 Japanese pregnant women after obtaining their informed consent. Seven urinary phthalate ester metabolites were determined by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Urinary isoflavones concentrations were measured as possible covariates because their oestrogenicities and high exposure levels among Japanese have the potential to affect male genital development. Birth outcomes and AGD, the distance from the centre of the anus to external genitalia, were measured for their male newborns. In a multiple regression model, the log-transformed mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate concentration (specific gravity-corrected) was negatively significant, and maternal smoking status was positively significant, in explaining anogenital index (AGI) when potential covariates were controlled for. Urinary isoflavones did not significantly contribute to AGI in any models. Our results suggest that prenatal exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate affects reproductive development in human males.     

邻苯二甲酸单乙基己基酯对原代培养大鼠睾丸Leydig细胞睾酮合成的影响

目的:探讨邻苯二甲酸二乙基己基酯(DEHP)的代谢产物邻苯二甲酸单乙基己基酯(MEHP)对SD大鼠体外培养睾丸间质细胞(Leydigcells)睾酮合成的影响。方法:建立SD大鼠睾丸Leydig细胞体外原代培养模型,MEHP染毒剂量组分为对照(0μmol/L)、62.5、125、250、500、1000μmol/L,通过噻唑蓝(MTT)法观察线粒体活性,放射免疫法测定睾酮浓度,RTPCR法测定Leydig细胞类固醇合成急性调节蛋白(StAR)mRNA表达。结果:MEHP染毒24h后,Leydig细胞线粒体活性在250μmol/L时显著上升,1000μmol/L时显著下降,与对照组比较,差异均有显著性(P<0.01)。基础状态及人绒毛膜促性腺激素(hCG)刺激状态下,Leydig细胞睾酮合成水平均呈上升趋势,与对照组相比,250、500μmol/L剂量组差异均有显著性(P<0.01)。Leydig细胞StARmRNA的表达在62.5、125、250μmol/L时与对照组相比均未见有显著性改变,在500、1000μmol/L时显著下降(P<0.01)。结论:MEHP直接影响原代培养Leydig细胞线粒体活性及睾酮合成,胆固醇跨膜转运的调节因子StAR与MEHP引起睾酮合成上升的原因可能无关。     

Biphasic effects of postnatal exposure to diethylhexylphthalate on the timing of puberty in male rats

Phthalate esters such as di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), which are commonly found in cosmetics and in flexible plastics distributed by the food, construction, and medical products industries, have been classified as anti-androgens. High-dose DEHP exposure in utero is associated with decreased androgen levels. However, when administered after birth, low doses of DEHP (eg, 10 mg/kg body weight) may stimulate androgen production. In the present study, the potential of phthalate exposure to advance or delay the timing of puberty was assessed. Male Long-Evans rat pups were chronically subjected to low or high doses of DEHP, with the androgen-driven process of preputial separation serving as an index of pubertal timing. Rats were treated with 0, 10, 500, or 750 mg/kg body weight DEHP for 28 days starting at day 21 postpartum. The average age at which the animals completed preputial separation was measured in each group. The age of preputial separation was 41.5 +/- 0.1 days postpartum in controls (vehicle). The 10 mg/kg DEHP dose advanced pubertal onset significantly to 39.7 +/- 0.1 days postpartum, whereas the 750 mg/kg DEHP dose delayed pubertal onset to 46.3 +/- 0.1 days postpartum. The 10 mg/kg DEHP dose also significantly increased serum testosterone (T) levels (3.13 +/- 0.37 ng/mL) and seminal vesicle weights (0.33 +/- 0.02 g) compared with control serum T (1.98 +/- 0.20 ng/mL) and seminal vesicle weight (0.26 +/- 0.02 g), while the 750 mg/kg dose decreased serum T (1.18 +/- 0.18 ng/mL) as well as testes and body weights. Direct action of the DEHP metabolite, monoethylhexylphthalate (MEHP), on Leydig cell steroidogenic capacity was investigated in vitro. MEHP treatment at a low concentration (100 microM) increased luteinizing hormone-stimulated T production, whereas 10 mM concentrations were inhibitory. In conclusion, data from the present study indicate that DEHP has a biphasic effect on Leydig cell function, with low-dose exposure advancing the onset of puberty. High doses of DEHP, which are anti-androgenic, may also be outside the range of real environmental exposure levels.     

Perioperative exposure to plasticizers in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass

Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate and its principal metabolite, mono(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, are contaminants of blood that are extracted on contact with polyvinylchloride surfaces, such as blood collection bags and tubing used in cardiopulmonary bypass. In this study, levels of the two plasticizers were measured in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting, orthotopic transplantation, implantation of the Jarvik 7-70 total artificial heart during bridge-to-transplant procedures, and in infants who underwent corrective operations for congenital defects. In all adult patients the levels of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate increased tenfold by the end of cardiopulmonary bypass, whereas the levels of mono(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate increased ninefold. In infants, levels of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate rose seven times by the end of bypass and mono(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate rose significantly as well. In most of the patients having coronary bypass, the two plasticizers declined to preoperative levels within 24 hours. However, in some of the patients having orthotopic transplantation and in those in whom the Jarvik 7-70 total artificial heart was used as a bridge to transplant, the levels were still detectable 120 hours postoperatively. Circulating levels of mono(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate are only 20- to 35-fold lower in patients undergoing cardiac operations than the level of mono(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate causing a 50% reduction in developed contractile force and arrhythmias in an in vitro human atrial trabecular preparation. This study shows that patients with multisystem failure and infants may be at risk for this acute exposure to mono(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate.     

High urinary phthalate concentration associated with delayed pubarche in girls

Phthalates are a group of chemicals present in numerous consumer products. They have anti-androgenic properties in experimental studies and are suspected to be involved in human male reproductive health problems. A few studies have shown associations between phthalate exposure and changes in pubertal timing among girls, although controversies exist. We determined the concentration of 12 phthalate metabolites in first morning urine samples from 725 healthy Danish girls (aged 5.6-19.1 years) in relation to age, pubertal development (breast and pubic hair stage) and reproductive hormone levels (luteinizing hormone, oestradiol and testosterone). Furthermore, urinary phthalates were determined in 25 girls with precocious puberty (PP). In general, the youngest girls with less advanced pubertal development had the highest first morning urinary concentration of the monobutyl phthalate isoforms (∑MBP((i+n))), monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP), metabolites of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (∑DEHPm) and of di-iso-nonyl phthalate (∑DINPm). After stratification of the urinary phthalate excretion into quartiles, we found that the age at pubarche was increasing with increasing phthalate metabolite quartiles (except for MEP). This trend was statistically significant when all phthalate metabolites (except MEP) were summarized and expressed as quartiles. No association between phthalates and breast development was observed. In addition, there were no differences in urinary phthalate metabolite levels between girls with PP and controls. We demonstrated that delayed pubarche, but not thelarche, was associated with high phthalate excretion in urine samples from 725 healthy school girls, which may suggest anti-androgenic actions of phthalates in our study group of girls.     

Phthalates: metabolism and exposure

Summary In human metabolism studies we found that after oral application of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), diisononyl phthalate (DiNP) and di(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (DPHP), at least 74, 44 and 34%, respectively, are excreted via urine. In contrast to the short chain phthalates, their oxidized products, not the simple monoesters, were found to be the main metabolites. Based on urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations we estimated in 102 German subjects between 6 and 80 years of age median daily intakes (μg/kg/day) of 2.7 for DEHP, 2.1 for di-n-butyl phthalate, 1.5 for diisobutyl phthalate, 0.6 for DiNP, and 0.3 for butylbenzyl phthalate. In general, children have higher exposures compared to adults and seem to have a more effective oxidative metabolism of phthalates. For individual phthalates tolerable daily intake (TDI) values have been deduced. However, in rats some phthalates have been shown to act as endocrine disrupters via a common mechanism of action in a dose-additive manner. Therefore, the concept of a cumulative TDI value may be more appropriate for the consideration of the overall exposure and the potential human health risks resulting from everyday and simultaneous exposure to several phthalates.     

Possible impact of phthalates on infant reproductive health

Phthalates adversely affect the male reproductive system in animals, inducing hypospadias, cryptorchidism, reduced testosterone production and decreased sperm counts. Phthalate effects are much more severe after in utero than adult exposure. Little is known about human health effects. This study discusses two recent studies on perinatal phthalate exposure, which indicated that human testicular development might be susceptible to phthalates. One study analysed phthalate monoesters in breast milk and reproductive hormone levels in infants. Five of six phthalates [monoethyl-(MEP), monobutyl- (MBP), monomethyl- (MMP), mono-2-ethylhexyl- (MEHP) and mono-isononyl phthalate (MiNP)] showed correlation with hormone levels in healthy boys, which were indicative of lower androgen activity and reduced Leydig cell function. MEP and MBP were positively correlated with serum sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels. MMP, MEP, MBP, MEHP and MiNP were positively correlated with the LH/testosterone ratio. Another study found a reduction of the anogenital index (AGI) in infant boys with increasing levels of MBP, MEP, monobenzyl- and mono-isobutyl phthalate in maternal urine samples during late-pregnancy. Boys with small AGI showed a high prevalence of cryptorchidism and small genital size. Taken together these studies suggest an antivirilizing effect of phthalates in infants. Most of these findings are in line with animal observations. However, the possible effects of MEP appear to be limited to humans. This may be due to differences in exposure routes (inhalation and dermal absorption which circumvents liver detoxification in addition to oral) and metabolism, or this association could be spurious. As phthalates are produced as bulk chemicals worldwide, these new findings raise concern about the safety of phthalate exposure for pregnant women and infants.     

Mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate increases spermatocyte mitochondrial peroxiredoxin 3 and cyclooxygenase 2

Mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), the biologically active metabolite of the plasticizer di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, is a member of a class of chemical compounds with known adverse effects on the male reproductive system. Recent studies showed that oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in germ cells may contribute to phthalate-induced disruption of spermatogenesis. To determine whether the redox-protein mitochondrial thioredoxin-dependent peroxidase, peroxiredoxin 3 (Prx3), may be a component of germ cell homeostasis mechanisms, this study first examined the physiologic relevance of Prx3 in the rodent testis by determining its cell-specific expression. Our findings show that prx3 mRNA is expressed in a developmental, cell-specific manner in rat Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, and germ cells; among mouse germ cells, prx3 expression was highest in spermatocytes, findings consistent with those in rat. In mouse meiotic spermatocytes, Prx3 was strikingly localized at the nuclear perimeter and cytoplasm, findings suggestive of a direct role for Prx3 in determining spermatocyte response to toxicants. To better define the mechanisms involved in male germ cell dysfunction following phthalate exposure, an immortalized mouse spermatocyte-derived germ cell line, GC-2spd(ts), was exposed to MEHP (24 hours; 100 and 200 microM). We determined whether Prx3 and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), pivotal proteins involved in oxidative stress responses in spatially restricted subcellular domains, were affected. Mitochondrial Prx3 and mitochondrial and cytosolic COX-2 significantly increased following 200 microM MEHP treatment; proliferation was inhibited without inducing cell death. Using this germ cell model, the data suggest that changes in cellular oxidation-reduction (redox) homeostasis in the germline can accompany MEHP exposure, disrupting mitochondrial antioxidant defenses, despite absence of phthalate-induced apoptosis.     

邻苯二甲酸二乙基己酯及代谢产物MEHP对幼鼠睾丸组织TGF-β1表达和端粒酶活性的影响

目的:观察邻苯二甲酸二乙基己酯(DEHP)及代谢产物邻苯二酸-单-2-乙基己酯(MEHP)对幼鼠睾丸组织转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)表达和端粒酶活性的影响,探讨DEHP和MEHP损害生精功能可能的机制。方法:生后2周龄的Wistar雄性幼鼠96只,随机分8组,每组12只。随机选择1组行生理盐水[0.9%NS0.2 ml/(kg.d),喂养3周]灌胃,作为正常对照组(NC组);再选1组行环磷酰胺[CTX 100 mg/(kg.d),喂养1周]灌胃,作为阳性对照组(PC组);余各组分别用DEHP、MEHP按低剂量[100 mg/(kg.d),喂养3周]、中剂量[200 mg/(kg.d),喂养2周]、高剂量[300 mg/(kg.d),喂养1周]灌胃制作动物模型。观察不同时期、不同剂量下睾丸组织精子形态变化,光镜下计数精子头部及畸形率;应用免疫组化SABC法及RT-PCR法检查睾丸组织TGF-β1的表达,并测定面密度;ELISA法检查睾丸组织中端粒酶活性。结果:①睾丸组织内精子形态变化:用药组精子数量减少,出现精子断头、无钩、双尾等畸形精子;在光镜下精子计数,与NC组比较,用药各组精子头部显著减少(P<0.05),畸形率增加(P<0.05),但高剂量短时间用药组与低剂量长时间用药组比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。②睾丸组织TGF-β1的表达变化:NC组低表达,DEHP及代谢产物MEHP染毒各组生精细胞内表达增多,PC组大量表达,阳性细胞呈黄褐色,主要分布于胞膜及胞质。NC组面密度为0.156 0±0.003 5、TGF-β1mRNA为1.51±0.20,PC组面密度为0.534 0±0.003 1、TGF-β1 mRNA为8.43±1.75;用药的DEHP组面密度均值为0.289 0±0.003 6、TGF-β1 mRNA为3.83±1.57,MEHP组面密度均值为0.284 0±0.003 1、TGF-β1 mRNA为3.51±1.41,用药各组与NC组、PC组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.01),但高剂量短时间用药组与低剂量长时间用药组比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);③睾丸组织中端粒酶活性:与NC组比较,用药各组睾丸组织中端粒酶活性下降(P<0.05),高剂量短时间用药组与低剂量长时间用药组比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:DEHP及代谢产物MEHP对幼鼠生精功能有明显损害,其损害机制可能与DEHP及代谢产物MEHP诱导睾丸组织TGF-β1的表达水平升高、端粒酶活性降低有关。     

Taurine ameliorates cytotoxic effects of Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate on Leydig cells

It has been revealed that di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) has toxic impacts on the male reproductive system. Taurine (TAU) is an amino acid with antioxidant property and beneficial impacts on the male reproductive system. In this study, protective impacts of Taurine (TAU) on DEHP-induced Leydig TM3 cell toxicity were investigated. The cells exposed to DEHP (0.8 µmol) or TAU (100 mg/ml) for 24 hr. Cell viability (MTT assay), apoptosis, oxidative stress and testosterone level were examined. DEHP could significantly decrease the cell viability percentage, reduce testosterone level, increase apoptosis, elevate Bax/ Bcl-2 ratio and enhance caspase-3 and -9 activity in the TM3 cells. Additionally, DEHP significantly elevated malondialdehyde contents and reactive oxygen species levels. It also augmented superoxide dismutase and catalase activity in the Leydig cells. Co-treatment of DEHP with TAU increased viability and testosterone level, while oxidative stress and apoptosis significantly reduced. TAU could decrease Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and caspase-3 and -9 activity in the DEHP-intoxicated cells. Our results have clearly shown that TAU protects TM3 cells against oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by DEHP.     

The relationship between environmental exposure to phthalates and computer-aided sperm analysis motion parameters

The general population is exposed to phthalates through consumer products, diet, and medical devices. The present study explored whether phthalates, reproductive toxins in laboratory animals, were associated with altered sperm movement characteristics in men. Two-hundred twenty subjects provided a semen sample for computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) and a urine sample for measurement of phthalate monoesters, monoethyl (MEP), monobenzyl (MBzP), mono-n-butyl (MBP), mono-2-ethylhexyl (MEHP), and monomethyl (MMP). Three CASA parameters, straight-line velocity (VSL), curvilinear velocity (VCL), and linearity (LIN), were used as measures of sperm progression, sperm vigor, and swimming pattern, respectively. There were suggestive dose-response relationships (shown as the predicted change in mean sperm motion parameter for the second and third tertiles compared with the first tertile; P value for trend) for MBzP with VSL (-2.36 microm/s, -2.81 microm/s; P =.09) and VCL (-1.67 microm/s, -2.45 microm/s; P =.4). There were suggestive negative associations between MBP and VSL (-3.07 microm/s, -2.87 microm/s; P =.08) and VCL (-3.25 microm/s, -3.46 microm/s; P =.2), and between MEHP with VSL (-1.09 microm/s, -2.73 microm/s; P =.1) and VCL (-0.29 microm/s, -2.93 microm/s; P =.3). In contrast to the other phthalates, MEP was positively associated with VSL and VCL but negatively associated with LIN. No consistent relationship was found for MMP and any sperm motion parameter. Although we did not find statistically significant associations, trends between CASA parameters, sperm velocity, and forward progression, and increased urinary levels of MBP, MBzP, and MEHP warrant further follow-up.