| Volume: 8; Issue: 1; June 2026 |
|---|
| Title : GESTATIONAL AND EARLY-LIFE CO-EXPOSURE TO CADMIUM AND DEHP DISRUPTS HEPATIC BIOMARKERS AND ENDOCRINE REGULATION IN RATS |
| Authour(s): Lubna Jasmine and P. Mahaboob Basha |
| Keywords: Cadmium, DEHP, Endocrine disruption, Gestational exposure, Hepatotoxicity, TSH, T3, T4. |
| Abstract: Environmental exposure to chemical mixture represents a growing concern for maternal and developmental health. Cadmium (Cd) and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants with well-documented endocrine-disrupting and hepatotoxic properties. However, toxicological evaluations largely rely on single-compound exposure models, which inadequately reflect real- life scenarios. The present study investigated whether combined gestational exposure to Cd and DEHP exacerbates hepatic dysfunction and hormonal imbalance compared to individual exposures. Pregnant Wistar rats were orally exposed to Cd, DEHP, or their combination throughout gestation. Serum hepatic biomarkers (ALP, SGOT, SGPT, LDH) and endocrine parameters (TSH, T3, T4, Cortisol) were assessed. Combined exposure produced a marked elevation of liver enzymes, particularly LDH, indicating synergistic hepatocellular injury. Simultaneously, significant disruption of thyroid hormones and cortisol levels was observed, reflecting dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid and adrenal axes. These findings demonstrate that gestational co-exposure to Cd and DEHP induces aggravated hepatic and endocrine toxicity, emphasizing the need for mixture-based risk assessment approaches. |
| DOI: https://doi.org/10.46505/IJBI.2026.8112 |
| How to cite this article: Jasmine L. and Basha P.M. (2026). Gestational and early-life co-exposure to cadmium and DEHP disrupts hepatic biomarkers and endocrine regulation in Rats. International Journal of Biological Innovations. 8(1): 114-120. https://doi.org/10.46505/IJBI.2026.8112 |
Pages: 114-120 | Viewed: 14 | Downloaded: 17| Download: PDF (2018KB) |
