Insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying phthalates-induced nephrotoxicity

Abstract

Phthalates are the most common environmental toxicantsthat are added to plastics to improve their elasticity and extensibility. Different products such as baby toys, personalcare products, packaging materials and pharmaceutical products contain various phthalates like Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), etc. During processing, transportation and preparation, these phthalates can leach out into food anddrinks. Despite their commercial advantages, phthalates have shown multi-organ toxicity, including nephrotoxicity. Phthalates exposure can lead to morphological as well as functional alterations in renal tissues. Intoxication to these phthalates can increase the risk of nephrotoxicity through various signaling pathways, including ferroptosis, oxidative stress, inflammatory, mitochondrial and DNA damage-associated pathways. This review aims to outline recent in-vivo and epidemiological studies to deepen the knowledge on underlying molecular mechanisms of nephrotoxicity caused by different phthalates. Moreover, various pharmacological interventions have also been discussed in this review, which serve as the scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of the Phthalates-induced kidney damage.

Keywords: DBP; DEHP; Environmental toxicants; Kidney; Nephrotoxicity; Phthalates.