"Effects of exposure to the non-phthalic plasticizer DEHT on morphophysiology of the male genital system, metabolism and interactions with the intestinal microbiota of rats"

• Grant number: 24/16463-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: March 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Juliana Elaine Perobelli
• Grantee: Lindiane Eloisa de Lima
• Host Institution: Instituto de Saúde e Sociedade (ISS). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Baixada Santista. Santos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Plasticizers are chemical additives that impart flexibility, lightness, and durability to plasticpolymers. Over the past decade, widely used phthalate plasticizers such as Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate and Bisphenol A have faced restrictions in food, packaging, toys, and medicaldevices due to their documented health risks, including endocrine disruption and fertilityimpairment. In response, new non-phthalate plasticizers have been introduced to the market,including bis(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DEHT), aimed at safer alternatives for humanconsumption and exposure. However, understanding the potential adverse effects of theseplasticizers on exposed organisms, particularly concerning reproductive function, metabolicstatus, and interactions with intestinal microbiota (MI), remains limited. This study aims toassess the impact of DEHT on the morphophysiology of the male genital system, metabolism,and interactions with MI in prepubescent male rats orally exposed to environmentally relevantdoses over 65 days. Additionally, we will investigate the role of MI in the metabolism andtoxicity of the plasticizer using rats with healthy MI (eubiosis) and rats with dysbiosis inducedby oral administration of non-absorbable antibiotics (nABX).The obtained results will providecritical insights into the toxicity of these alternative plasticizers, elucidating cellular signalingpathways and metabolism involved, as well as the role of MI in this context. Moreover, theywill stimulate discussions on plastic pollution, opening new avenues for studies and strategiesto mitigate potential impacts on human and animal health.