Arh Hig Rada Toksikol 2, vol.73, no.4, pp.285-296, 2022 (SCI-Expanded)
Considering that research of adverse effects of mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) and monobutyl phthalate (MBP), two key metabolites
of the most common phthalates used as plasticisers in various daily-life products, has been scattered and limited, the aim of our study was
to provide a more comprehensive analysis by focusing on major organ systems, including blood, liver, kidney, and pancreas in 66 male pubertal
rats randomised into eleven groups of six. The animals were receiving either metabolite at doses of 25, 50, 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg bw a day
by gavage for 28 days. The control group was receiving corn oil. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for biochemical,
haematological, and immunological analyses. Samples of kidney, liver, and pancreas were dissected for histopathological analyses. Exposure
to either compound resulted in increased liver and decreased pancreas weight, especially at the highest doses. Exposed rats had increased
ALT, AST, glucose, and triglyceride levels and decreased total protein and albumin levels. Both compounds increased MCV and decreased
haemoglobin levels compared to control. Although they also lowered the insulin level, exposed rats had negative islet cell and insulin
antibodies, same as control. Treatment-related histopathological changes included sinusoidal degeneration in the liver, glomerular
degeneration in the kidney, and degeneration of pancreatic islets. Our findings document toxic outcomes of MEHP and MBP on endocrine
organs in male pubertal rats but also suggest the need for additional studies to better understand the mechanisms behind adverse effects
in chronic exposure