Mechanism of testicular injury induced by Di-ethylhexyl phthalate and its protective agents

Di-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is used as an important plasticizer in a wide range of products such as paints, food packaging, medical devices and children's toys. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the toxic effects of DEHP on the male reproductive organs, the testicles. Here, we reviewed the basic pathways of testicular damage caused by DEHP. The mechanism involves oxidative stress, ferroptosis, interfering with hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPGA) and testosterone level. We summarized the protective agents that have been shown to be effective in repairing this type of testicular damage in recent years. This provides a new perspective and direction for future research into the health effects and molecular mechanisms of DEHP.

Automated summary

Di-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is widely used as a plasticizer in various products. It has been found to have toxic effects on the testicles, causing testicular damage through oxidative stress, ferroptosis, interference with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, and testosterone level. Recent studies have identified protective agents that can repair this type of testicular damage, suggesting new directions for future research on the health effects and molecular mechanisms of DEHP.