S. Yesumanipreethi and N. Nirmal Magadalenal
Abstract
Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and methyl paraben (MP) are two prevalent endocrine-disrupting compounds that humans frequently use in their everyday lives. In the present investigation, the impact of individual and combined exposure to DEHP and MP on reproductive function was studied in mice, Mus musculus. The mice were randomly divided into four groups, each containing six mice: control group treated with corn oil; DEHP group treated with 500 mg/kg/day of DEHP; MP group treated with 500 mg/kg/day of MP and DEHP + MP group treated with 250 mg/kg/day of DEHP and 250 mg/kg/day MP. They were given a daily oral dosage for a period of 28 days. Our results suggest that the decreased levels of serum follicle stimulating hormone, testosterone, and elevated levels of serum luteinizing hormone and estradiol lead to testicular abnormalities. In conclusion, this work demonstrates that the synergistic interaction between DEHP and MP highly disrupted the hypothalamic-pituitary-testes axis, which altered the levels of hormones, and negatively affected reproductive function in the male mice.