The role of STAT3/p53 and PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway on DEHP-induced reproductive toxicity in pubertal male rat

Abstract Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a known environmental endocrine disruptor that impairs development of testis and spermatogenesis. This study aims to explore the effects of STAT3/p53 and PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway on DEHP-induced reproductive toxicity in pubertal male rat. 24 6-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (Control, low-dose, middle-dose and high-dose group) and were treated with increasing concentration of DEHP (0, 250, 500, 1000 mg/kg/day) respectively for 28 consecutive days by intragastric administration. Our results showed that DEHP exposure induced obvious morphological changes of testis, decreased organ coefficient of testis and sperm count, and increased testicular cell apoptosis in the 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day DEHP groups (p