Protective potency of free radical scavengers against DEHP-induced testicular atrophy: A mini-review

Contamination with the plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is widespread worldwide. DEHP has been found to have testicular toxicity in animal experiments, and is suspected to be reproductively toxic to mammals, including humans. Therefore, it is important to explore the effects of prophylaxis on DEHP-induced reproductive toxicity, such as testicular atrophy. The DEHP metabolite mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) is a potent oxidative stress factor and is thought to be an active toxicant involved in testicular damage. For this reason, free radical scavengers that protect the testis from inflammation and generation of reactive oxygen species are considered to be effective prophylactic agent. The authors discuss the efficacy of several free radical scavengers in preventing testicular atrophy. The efficacy of these free radical scavengers was revealed in a DEHP mixed diet exposure experiment. Examples include nicotinic acid, caffeine, ethanol, and the rare sugar D-allulose.