Lycopene prevents DEHP-induced testicular endoplasmic reticulum stress regulating nuclear xenobiotic receptors and unfolded protein response in mice.

Lycopene (LYC) is a potent antioxidant synthesized by red vegetables or plants. Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is frequently detected in diverse agricultural environments and considered as a reproductive toxicant. The present research was designed to assess the potential mechanisms of DEHP-induced testicular toxicity and the treatment efficacy of LYC. In this study, after the oral administration of LYC at the dose of 5 mg per kg b.w. per day, mice were given 500 or 1000 mg per kg b.w. per day of DEHP. This research suggested that LYC prevented the DEHP-induced disorder at the levels of activity and content of CYP450 enzymes. LYC attenuated DEHP-caused enhancement in nuclear xenobiotic receptors (NXRs) and the phase I metabolizing enzymes (CYP1, CYP2, CYP3, ) levels. Furthermore, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was induced by DEHP and triggered unfolded protein response (UPR). Interestingly, LYC could effectively ameliorate these "hit". The present study suggested that LYC prevents DEHP-induced ER stress in testis regulating NXRs and UPR.