الفهرس 
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Abstract
In the present study, the effect of oral administration of low and high doses of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP; a plasticizer) and
propyl paraben (PP; a preservative) to adult male rats for 2 and 4 consecutive weeks was investigated. Both compounds significantly
decreased serum testosterone (T) level and in contrast increased serum estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), as well as prolactin (PRL) levels as compared with age matching controls. Biochemical and histopathological results
indicated severe liver dysfunction as demonstrated by the significant increase in serum marker enzymes, along with suppression of protein
biosynthesis. A dose- and duration-dependent deterioration in kidney function was also noticed following treatment of adult male rats with
both compounds. Furthermore, signs of oxidative stress induction by means of DEHP and PP were observed, which were responsible for hepatic and testicular toxicity. In conclusion, the endocrine disruption potential of 2 synthetic xenoestrogens was verified in the present model by inducing disturbances in the normal feed-back regulation of the hypothalmo-pituitary-gonadal axis probably by eliciting an oxidative stress and subsequent alteration in the normal oxidant/antioxidant balance.
Key words: Di-(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate, hormones, liver, oxidative stress, propyl paraben, testis.