DEHP triggers cerebral mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in quail (Coturnix japonica) via modulating mitochondrial dynamics and biogenesis and activating Nrf2-mediated defense response

Abstract Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in the environment and food chain may impact cerebrum development and neurobehavioral in humans and wildlife. However, it is unclear that DEHP exposure caused cerebral toxicity. This experiment used gavage to expose female quail to 0, 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg BW/day for 45 days to assess the potential neurotoxicity of DEHP to the cerebrum. It can be observed that there will be obvious neurological abnormalities in the experiment. Cerebrum histological lesions can be observed with HE-staining. Detecting oxidative stress indices, Nrf2 pathway, and mitochondrial dynamics factor, by analyzing the results, these results were observed that DEHP exposure can cause damage to the cerebrum by causing oxidative stress and affecting the balance of mitochondrial dynamics. Nrf2-mediated defense is not activated by exposure to 250 mg/kg DEHP. Nrf2-mediated defense is activated but is not resistant to exposure to medium and high doses of DEHP (500 mg/kg; 1000 mg/kg). DEHP triggers cerebral mitochondrial dysfunction via modulating mitochondrial dynamics.