Perinatal exposure to di-ethyl-hexyl phthalate via parenteral route induced polycystic ovarian syndrome-like genetic and pathologic changes in F1 offspring mice

Abstract

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the disease of anovulation in women with multifactorial causes. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as DEHP (Di-ethyl hexyl phthalate) is thought to play a role in the development of PCOS. The routes of exposure to DEHP including the enteral and parenteral routes, and plastic-containing medical devices are one of the source of high DEHP exposure. We hypothesised perinatal exposure to DEHP via parenteral route induce polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)-like genetic, morphologic, and physical changes in adult mice. Pregnant mice were administered DEHP perinatally via parenteral route. The effects of perinatal DEHP exposure was examined in the F1 mice and the results were compared with those obtained for a control group. Offspring female F1 mice exhibited genetic, pathological, and physical changes in the ovaries, similar to those observed in patients with PCOS, after exposure to DEHP in utero and during lactation. Perinatal DEHP exposure caused some genetic and pathologic changes in mice, mimicking PCOS in human.