Publications (2)7.36 Total impact
-
Article: The role of androgen-induced growth factor (FGF8) on genital tubercle development in a hypospadiac male rat model of prenatal exposure to di-n-butyl phthalate.
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGF8) is an androgen-induced growth factor (AIGF) that is crucial for embryonic development. This study was developed to investigate the role of FGF8 in developmental abnormalities of the genital tubercle (GT) in hypospadiac male rats when prenatally exposed to di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP). DBP was administered to timed-pregnant rats to establish the hypospadiac rat model where the incidence of hypospadias in male offspring was 43.6%. On postnatal day (PND) 7, decreased mRNA and protein expression levels for androgen receptor (AR) and FGF8 were observed in the GT of hypospadiac rats. Decreased serum testosterone (T) levels were observed in groups displaying hypospadias, which was confirmed using histological analysis. Further anatomical examination using digital photography helped to reveal visualized expression of dysplasia in organs strongly associated with hypospadias. In addition, changes in body weight (BW) and anogenital distance (AGD) were recorded, showing definitive decreases. Collectively, these data clearly demonstrate an interaction between androgen and FGF8, which might play an important role in the occurrence of hypospadias and abnormal organ development induced by DBP.Toxicology 03/2012; 293(1-3):53-8. · 3.68 Impact Factor -
Article: Prenatal exposure to di-n-butyl phthalate induces anorectal malformations in male rat offspring.
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The objectives of this study were to investigate the dysplasia, histological malformations, and genetic abnormalities in male rats induced by maternal exposure to di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP). Here we report novel findings concerning developmental abnormalities resulting from prenatal exposure to DBP, which leads to significant anorectal malformations (ARMs) in male rat offspring. The incidence of ARMs was 39.5% in male offspring and all abnormal pups were complicated with secondary megacolon. General images, histological analysis and anatomy examination confirmed the malformation. The development abnormalities such as decreased bodyweight (BW) and anogenital distance (AGD), shortened body lengths (with tail removed), as well as increased abdominal circumference were observed at different developmental stages of ARMs in male rat. The developmental abnormalities in both solid organs (brain, heart, liver, spleen, lung and kidney) and reproductive organs (testes and epididymis) of abnormal pubs on PND35 were also investigated. In addition, the serum testosterone (T) level of ARMs in male rats on PND1 was significantly lower than that of controls with accompanying reduced expression of androgen receptor (AR), sonic hedgehog (Shh) and bone morphogenetic protein 4 (Bmp4) mRNA from tissues of the terminal rectum. These results conclusively demonstrate for the first time that in utero exposure to DBP leads to an increased likelihood for the development of ARMs and subsequent complicating megacolon in male rat offspring.Toxicology 12/2011; 290(2-3):322-6. · 3.68 Impact Factor
