How to translate text using browser tools
16 July 2014 Disruption of Rat Testis Development Following Combined In Utero Exposure to the Phytoestrogen Genistein and Antiandrogenic Plasticizer Di-(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate
Steven Jones, Annie Boisvert, Tam B. Duong, Sade Francois, Peter Thrane, Martine Culty
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Fetal exposure to environmental endocrine disruptors (EDs) is thought to contribute to reported idiopathic increases in adult male reproductive abnormalities. Although humans are exposed to myriad EDs from conception to adulthood, few studies have evaluated the effects of combined EDs on male reproduction. In the present study, we demonstrate that simultaneous gestational exposure to the phytoestrogen genistein and the antiandrogenic plasticizer di-(2-ethyhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) induces long-term alterations in testis development and function. Pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were gavaged from Gestational Day 14 to birth with corn oil, genistein, DEHP, or their mixture at 10 mg/kg/day, a dose selected from previous dose-response studies using single chemicals for its lack of long-term testicular effects. Hormonal and testicular end points were examined in adult male offspring. Serum testosterone levels were unchanged. However, significant increases were observed in testis weight and in the expression of mast cell markers in testes from adult rats exposed gestationally to combined compounds. The ED mixture also altered the mRNA expression of Sertoli cell makers Wt1 and Amh and germ cell markers cKit and Sox17, measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), suggesting long-term disruption in testis function and spermatogenesis. Alterations in germ cell markers might reflect direct effects on fetal gonocytes or indirect effects via primary targeting of somatic cells, as suggested by differentially regulated Leydig cell associated genes (Hsd3b, Anxa1, Foxa3, and Pdgfra), determined by gene expression array, qPCR, and protein analyses. The two chemicals, when given in combination, induced long-term reproductive toxicity at doses not previously reported to produce any conspicuous long-term effects. Our study therefore highlights a need for a more comprehensive evaluation of the effects of ED mixtures.

Steven Jones, Annie Boisvert, Tam B. Duong, Sade Francois, Peter Thrane, and Martine Culty "Disruption of Rat Testis Development Following Combined In Utero Exposure to the Phytoestrogen Genistein and Antiandrogenic Plasticizer Di-(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate," Biology of Reproduction 91(3), (16 July 2014). https://doi.org/10.1095/biolreprod.114.120907
Received: 29 April 2014; Accepted: 1 June 2014; Published: 16 July 2014
KEYWORDS
endocrine disruptor
genistein
germ cells
Leydig
phthalate
Sertoli
testis
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top