Interference of in utero exposure to di-n-butyl phthalate and an excessive consumption of saturated-fat diet in the reproductive parameters of the gerbil

Author(s)

Ana Carolina Negrin

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: Campinas, SP.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Instituto de Biologia
• Defense date: 2018-03-28

Examining board members

Rejane Maira Góes; Glaura Scantamburlo Alves Fernandes; Juliana Elaine Perobelli; Estela Sasso Cerri

• Advisor: Maria Etelvina Pinto Fochi; Rejane Maira Góes

Abstract

The deleterious effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC) and high-fat diets on male reproductive parameters are serious problems in modern life. Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) is an EDC known to cause severe reproductive anomalies when administered during sexual differentiation, but the damage caused by such exposure to the sperm parameters of the gerbil remains little known. High lipid intake in the diet has also been associated with impairments in male fertility, since it compromises sperm quantity and quality. However, lipid activity on reproductive functions varies according to the amount and nature of the lipid. The present study evaluated the consequences of gestational exposure to DBP for testicular function and sperm parameters of the Mongolian gerbil and the interference in the DBP effects of the diluent vehicle corn oil, widely used in the administration of liposoluble substances. The study also investigated the effects of a high-saturated-fat diet (lard), from weaning up to adulthood, on these reproductive aspects. Adult gerbils (16 weeks of age), born from mothers fed a standard diet, and intact (C), exposed only to corn oil (O), or to corn oil containing DBP (Ph) were used. Half of the offspring of intact mothers received a diet containing high-saturated fat, from weaning up to adulthood (D). DBP (100 mg/kg /day) and corn oil (0.1 ml) were administered to mothers, via gavage, from gestational day 8 to 23. Twelve animals were used per experimental group. Gestational exposure to DBP caused dyslipidemia, increased serum and intratesticular estradiol levels, enhanced the levels of oxidized biomolecules in the blood, and reduced sperm reserve and motility in gerbil. Maternal corn oil consumption increased, even if only marginally, the non-HDL cholesterol levels, enhanced serum estradiol levels and testicular ERalpha content, and decreased both sperm reserve and the rate of sperm without progressive movement in the adult offspring. Postnatal consumption of a lard diet increased serum levels of total cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol, decreased intratesticular testosterone levels and increased intratesticular estradiol levels (p=0.052). These changes were accompanied by an increase in the testicular content of the nuclear receptors ERalpha and LXRalpha, as well as a reduction in sperm motility. It was concluded that gestational exposure to DBP disrupts the lipid metabolism and steroidogenesis and compromises the sperm reserve and motility of the adult gerbil. In addition, corn oil per se altered the lipid and hormonal profile and impaired sperm quantity and quality, suggesting that this vehicle interferes with the reproductive DBP response. It was also concluded that a diet rich in lard induces obesity and hypercholesterolemia and impairs the gerbils sperm motility (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/04146-2 - Interference of in utero exposure to di-n-butyl phthalate and excessive consumption of saturated fat to reproductive parameters of gerbil
• Grantee: Ana Carolina Negrin
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate