Are the new phthalates safe? Evaluation of Diisononilphtalate (DINP) effects in porcine ovarian cell cultures

Phthalates are plasticizing chemicals, widely used in packaging materials and consumer products for several decades. These molecules have raised concerns because of their toxicity and their use have been restricted in several countries. Therefore, novel phthalates have been introduced. Among these, diisononilphtalate (DINP) is widely employed. However, its safety has not been properly addressed. Therefore, using a well validated granulosa cell model, collected from swine ovaries with a translational value, we studied potential DINP effects on important cellular functional parameters. In particular, we studied cell growth, steroidogenesis and redox status. Collected data showed that DINP stimulates (p < 0.05) cell growth, increases estrogen and inhibits progesterone production (p < 0.05), disrupts redox balance stimulating free radicals (p < 0.05) while reducing scavenger activities (p< 0.05). Taken together, DINP's impact on cultured swine granulosa cells provides cause for concern regarding its potential adverse effects on reproductive and endocrine functions.