Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate exposure induces ferroptosis by regulating the Nrf2-mediated signaling pathway in mouse ovaries

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), an endocrine-disrupting chemical present in plasticized products, exerts strong modulation on the anatomy and function of the female reproductive system. However, the potential mechanisms underlying DEHP-induced regulation of prepubertal female reproductive toxicity have not yet been elucidated. Therefore, this study was designed to elucidate the molecular mechanism of ovarian injury induced by DEHP exposure in mice. Elevated serum mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) concentrations, decreased levels of ovarian hormones (E2 and P4), and observed ovarian injury were found after DEHP exposure. Ovarian transcriptome analysis revealed significant alterations in ferroptosis-associated gene expression, with potential regulation by Nrf2. Subsequent analysis of ferrous iron, malondialdehyde (MDA), Western blotting, and immunofluorescence of the ovaries confirmed the RNA-seq findings. Transcriptome analysis of granulosa cells revealed a direct or indirect regulatory relationship between Nrf2 and downstream ferroptosis-related proteins following MEHP exposure. Further experiments demonstrated that ferrostatin-1 attenuated MEHP-induced ferroptosis in granulosa cells. Additionally, Nrf2 stabilization and accumulation in the nucleus of granulosa cells were observed following MEHP treatment. RNAi-mediated knockdown of Nrf2 exacerbated MEHP-induced ferroptosis in granulosa cells. This evidence indicates that DEHP exposure induces ferroptosis through regulation of the Nrf2-mediated signaling pathway in mouse ovaries, laying the groundwork for future studies aiming to develop therapeutic strategies against DEHP toxicity.