Dynamic epigenetic changes involved in testicular toxicity induced by di-2-(ethylhexyl) phthalate in mice

Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2010 Feb;106(2):118-23. doi: 10.1111/j.1742-7843.2009.00483.x. Epub 2009 Nov 11.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse epigenetic (specifically, DNA methylation) change in testes induced by maternal exposure to di-2-(ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in mice. Testicular dysgenesis syndrome was induced in foetuses by maternal exposure to DEHP. High-performance liquid chromatography was performed to analyse DNA methylation status, and expression levels of the DNA methyltransferases were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. DEHP significantly had more than 10% relative increase in the global DNA methylation and also increased DNA methyltransferases' expression. Changes in DNA methylation may play an important role in abnormal testicular function caused by environmental factors such as maternal exposure to DEHP, which may be one possible mechanism of DEHP-mediated testicular toxicity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blotting, Western
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • DNA Methylation / drug effects*
  • DNA Modification Methylases / genetics
  • Diethylhexyl Phthalate / toxicity*
  • Epigenesis, Genetic / drug effects
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Gonadal Dysgenesis / chemically induced*
  • Gonadal Dysgenesis / genetics
  • Male
  • Maternal Exposure
  • Mice
  • Plasticizers / toxicity*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Pregnancy
  • Testis / drug effects
  • Testis / pathology

Substances

  • Plasticizers
  • Diethylhexyl Phthalate
  • DNA Modification Methylases