Effects of Di-2-Ethylhexyl Phthalate on Central Nervous System Functions: A Narrative Review

Background: Phthalates are widely used in the plastics industry. Di-2-Ethylhexyl Phthalate (DEHP) is one of the most important phthalate metabolites that disrupt the function of endocrine glands. Exposure to DEHP causes numerous effects on animals, humans, and the environment. Low doses of DEHP increase neurotoxicity in the nervous system that has arisen deep concerns due to the widespread nature of DEHP exposure and its high absorption during brain development. Objective: In this review article, we evaluated the impacts of DEHP exposure from birth to adulthood on neurobehavioral damages. Then, the possible mechanisms of DEHP-induced neurobehavioral impairment were discussed. Methodology: Peer-reviewed articles were extracted through Embase, PubMed, and Google Scholar till the year 2021. Results: The results showed that exposure to DEHP during pregnancy and infancy leads to memory loss and irreversible nervous system damage. Conclusion: Overall, it seems that increased levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators possess a pivotal role in DEHP-induced neurobehavioral impairment.