Di(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate (DEHP) Exacerbates Food Allergy via Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction and Enhancing Allergic Sensitization

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a ubiquitous plasticizer, has raised concerns due to its potential role in exacerbating food allergy through chronic human exposure. The study aimed to investigate the potential effects of DEHP on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced food allergy and elucidate the underlying mechanisms related to intestinal barrier homeostasis. In OVA-sensitized BALB/c mice, DEHP exposure significantly exacerbated allergic responses by functioning as an immunoadjuvant, as evidenced by heightened anaphylactic symptoms, elevated serum levels of inflammatory mediators (IgE, IgG, IgG1, IgG2), and increased concentrations of histamine and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). Furthermore, DEHP disrupted intestinal barrier integrity and impaired mucin secretion. Administration of high-dose DEHP significantly downregulated the expression of tight junction proteins and mucins. Histopathological analysis revealed goblet cell depletion and diminished mucin production. The results suggest that DEHP exacerbated food allergy through a multifactorial mechanism involving intestinal barrier dysfunction and immune dysregulation. This study establishes a critical association between oral DEHP exposure and food allergy pathogenesis, providing insights into the interplay of environmental pollutants, intestinal immunity, and food allergy manifestation.