Di-n-Butyl Phthalate (DBP) Exposure Induces Oxidative Damage in Testes of Adult Rats

Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant, extensively used as a plasticizer in many products including plastics, cosmetics, and medical devices. Some studies have shown that DBP has potential testicular toxicity. However, the mechanism of action of DBP on male reproduction is not clear. The present study was designed to further investigate the potential male reproductive toxicity of DBP . Oxidative stress was assessed in rat testes as an underlying mechanism. Forty SD adult rats were randomly allotted to four groups, and DBP was administered to each group by oral gavage at doses of 0 (control), 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg/d for 2 consecutive weeks. The results indicated that the reproductive toxicity of DBP is dose-dependent. Body and testicular weight was significantly decreased in rats of DBP exposure at a dose of 500 mg/kg/d. Sperm count and motility were significantly decreased at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg/d. The same two doses significantly inhibited the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and glutathione (GSH) while the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly increased in testes of rats. Microscopy with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining showed that seminiferous tubules atrophy and seminiferous epithelial cells disintegrated and shed in rats of DBP exposure at doses of 500 mg/kg/d. In conclusion, DBP alters the testicular structure and function, at least partly, by inducing oxidative stress in testes of adult rats.