Effects of Dimethyl Phthalate (DMP) on Serum Sex Hormone Levels and Apoptosis in C57 Female Mice

BACKGROUND: The effects of dimethyl phthalate (DMP) on the reproductive system of mammal females are unclear because no studies have been conducted on this topic. METHODS: In this study, 40 C57 female mice were used as experimental subjects and evenly divided into 8 groups, which were fed with mixed DMP (0, 0.5, 1, and 2 g/kg bw/day) and corn oil. After 20 days and 40 days of gavage, the mice were weighed and their individual ovary organ coefficients measured. RESULTS: Changes were discovered on progesterone, estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone in mouse serum, and on the apoptosis rate of ovarian granulosa cells. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged exposure to DMP led to decreased secretion of FSH hormones and increased secretion of E2 and LH hormones. Furthermore, DMP interfered with the pituitary-ovary axis and increased the apoptosis rate of ovarian granulosa cells. Therefore, prolonged exposure to DMP is likely to have negative effects on reproduction and development.