Therapeutic effect of pectin on octylphenol induced kidney dysfunction, oxidative stress and apoptosis in rats

Therapeutic Potential of Pectin and Its Derivatives in Chronic Diseases

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are described as a collection of chronic diseases that do not typically develop from an acute infection, have long-term health effects, and frequently require ongoing care and therapy. These diseases include heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic lung disease, neurological diseases, osteoporosis, mental health disorders, etc. Known synthetic drugs for the treatment or prevention of NCDs become increasingly dangerous over time and pose high risks due to side effects such as hallucination, heart attack, liver failure, etc. As a result, scientists have had to look for other alternatives that are natural products and that are known to be less detrimental and contain useful bioactive compounds. The increasing understanding of the biological and pharmacological significance of carbohydrates has helped to raise awareness of their importance in living systems and medicine, given they play numerous biological roles. For example, pectin has been identified as a class of secondary metabolites found in medicinal plants that may play a significant role in the treatment and management of a variety of NCDs. Pectin is mainly made of homogalacturonan, which is a linear polymer composed primarily of D-galacturonic acid units (at least 65%) linked in a chain by α-(1,4)-glycosidic linkages. There are also modified pectins or derivatives that improve pectin's bioavailability. Pectin is found in the cell walls of higher plants (pteridophytes, angiosperms, and gymnosperms), particularly in the middle lamella of the plant material. Citrus pectin is used in various industries. This article compiles information that has been available for years about the therapeutic importance of pectin in chronic diseases, different modes of pectin extraction, the chemistry of pectin, and the potency of pectin and its derivatives.

The Association between 4-Tertiary-Octylphenol, Apoptotic Microparticles, and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in a Young Taiwanese Population

As one of the most common alkylphenols, 4-tertiary-octylphenol (4-tOP) is commonly used in many consumer products. Our previous epidemiological study revealed a negative correlation between serum 4-tOP levels and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), which serves as a biomarker of arteriosclerosis. We aimed to explore the role of apoptotic microparticles, markers of vascular endothelial cell function, in the 4-tOP and CIMT connection. To investigate this, we enrolled 886 Taiwanese adolescents and young adults (aged 12-30 years) and examined the relationships among serum 4-tOP levels, apoptotic microparticles (CD31+/CD42a-, CD31+/CD42a+), and CIMT. Our results showed negative associations among serum 4-tOP levels, both apoptotic microparticles, and CIMT in multiple linear regression analysis. The odds ratios for CIMT (≥75th percentile) and the natural logarithm of 4-tOP were highest when both CD31+/CD42a- and CD31+/CD42a+ were greater than the 50th percentile. Conversely, the odds ratios were lowest when both CD31+/CD42a- and CD31+/CD42a+ were less than the 50th percentile. In the structural equation model, we demonstrated that serum 4-tOP levels were negatively correlated with CIMT and indirectly and negatively correlated with CIMT through both apoptotic microparticles. In conclusion, our study reported the inverse association between 4-tOP apoptotic microparticles and CIMT in a young Taiwanese population. Further experimental studies are needed to clarify these associations.

Recent progress in pectin extraction, characterization, and pectin-based films for active food packaging applications: A review

Pectin is an abundant complex polysaccharide obtained from various plants. Safe, biodegradable, and edible pectin has been extensively utilized in the food industry as a gelling agent, thickener, and colloid stabilizer. Pectin can be extracted in a variety of ways, thus affecting its structure and properties. Pectin's excellent physicochemical properties make it suitable for many applications, including food packaging. Recently, pectin has been spotlighted as a promising biomaterial for manufacturing bio-based sustainable packaging films and coatings. Functional pectin-based composite films and coatings are useful for active food packaging applications. This review discusses pectin and its use in active food packaging applications. First, basic information and characteristics of pectin, such as the source, extraction method, and structural characteristics, were described. Then, various methods of pectin modification were discussed, and the following section briefly described pectin's physicochemical properties and applications in the food sector. Finally, the recent development of pectin-based food packaging films and coatings and their use in food packaging were comprehensively discussed.

Current Advancements in Pectin: Extraction, Properties and Multifunctional Applications

Pectin is a heterogeneous hydrocolloid present in the primary cell wall and middle lamella in all dicotyledonous plants, more commonly in the outer fruit coat or peel as compared to the inner matrix. Presently, citrus fruits and apple fruits are the main sources for commercial extraction of pectin, but ongoing research on pectin extraction from alternate fruit sources and fruit wastes from processing industries will be of great help in waste product reduction and enhancing the production of pectin. Pectin shows multifunctional applications including in the food industry, the health and pharmaceutical sector, and in packaging regimes. Pectin is commonly utilized in the food industry as an additive in foods such as jams, jellies, low calorie foods, stabilizing acidified milk products, thickener and emulsifier. Pectin is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry for the preparation of medicines that reduce blood cholesterol level and cure gastrointestinal disorders, as well as in cancer treatment. Pectin also finds use in numerous other industries, such as in the preparation of edible films and coatings, paper substitutes and foams. Due to these varied uses of pectin in different applications, there is a great necessity to explore other non-conventional sources or modify existing sources to obtain pectin with desired quality attributes to some extent by rational modifications of pectin with chemical and enzymatic treatments.

Anti-Cancer Pectins and Their Role in Colorectal Cancer Treatment

A class of plant polysaccharides, pectin is known to display several medicinal properties including in cancer. There is some evidence that pectin from some fruits can reduce the severity of colorectal cancer (CRC) due to its antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, antimetastatic and pro-apoptotic properties. Pectin fermentation in the colon induces antiproliferative activity via butyrate. Research also showed that pectin acts as a potent inducer of programmed cell death and cell-cycle arrest, thereby selectively targeting cancer cells. Pectin can limit oxidative stress to maintain cellular homeostasis while increasing reactive oxygen species damage to activate cancer cell death. Pectin regulates various signaling cascades, e.g., signal transduction and transcriptional activator and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling, that contribute to its anticancer activity. By curbing inflammation-activated signaling and bolstering immune-protective mechanisms pectin can eradicate CRC. Due to its chemical structure, pectin can also inhibit galectin-3 and suppress tumor growth and metastasis. Prior reports also suggested that pectin is beneficial to use alongside the CRC standard care. Pectin can increase sensitivity to conventional CRC drugs, alleviate unwanted side effects and reduce drug resistance. Although some preclinical studies are promising, early clinical trials are showing some evidence for pectin's efficacy in tumor growth inhibition and preventing metastasis in some cancers; however, the clinical use of pectin in CRC therapy is not yet well established. Further studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of pectin treatment as a valid clinical therapy for CRC in humans.

Production and molecular characterization of tailored citrus pectin-derived compounds

In this study, tailored-made citrus pectin-derived compounds were produced through controlled enzymatic and/or chemical modifications of commercial citrus pectin with different degrees of methylesterification (DM) and similar average molecular weight (M_W). In the first treatment, degradation of the citrus pectin (CP) materials by endo-polygalacturonase (EPG) yielded pectins with average M_w's (between 2 and 60 kDa). Separation and identification of the oligosaccharide fraction present in these samples, revealed the presence of non-methylesterified galacturonic acid oligomers with degree of polymerization (DP) 1-5. In the second treatment, exploiting the combined effect of EPG and pectin lyase, compounds with M_W between 2 and 21 kDa, containing methylesterified and non-methylesterified polygalacturonans (DP 1-6), were generated. Finally, CP was sequentially modified by chemical saponification and the action of EPG. A sample of DM 11% and M_W 2.7 kDa, containing POS (DP 1-5), was produced. Diverse pectin-derived compounds were successfully generated for further studies exploring their functionality.

Association of serum levels of 4-tertiary-octylphenol with cardiovascular risk factors and carotid intima-media thickness in adolescents and young adults

In the family of alkylphenolic compounds, 4-tertiary-Octylphenol (4-t-OP) is extensively used in many products. In animal and in vitro studies, 4-t-OP exposure has been linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors; however, there are no previous human epidemiological studies. In this study, 886 subjects were recruited from a cohort of Taiwanese adolescents and young adults to study the relationship between serum levels of 4-t-OP, CVD risk factors, and common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT). The geometric mean (SD) 4-t-OP concentration was 32.52 (1.71) ng/mL. We found that serum levels of 4-t-OP were negatively associated with markers of glucose homeostasis (insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function (HOMA-β)), z score of body mass index (BMI z score) and CIMT but were positively associated with lipid profiles (high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), Apolipoprotein A1). A one-unit elevation in natural log-transformed 4-t-OP (ng/mL) was negatively correlated with CIMT (mm) (β = -0.029, SE = 0.003, P < 0.001) in multiple linear regression analyses. The relationship between 4-t-OP and CIMT remained the same in all subgroups or if bisphenol A (BPA) was considered a covariate. In this study, we observed that higher levels of 4-t-OP levels were negatively correlated with markers of glucose homeostasis, BMI z score, and CIMT; positively correlated with lipid profiles (HDL-C and apolipoprotein A) in this cohort. Future research on exposure to 4-t-OP and CVD risk factors is warranted.

Oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity of Rana chensinensis exposed to low doses of octylphenol

This study investigated the effects of low doses of octylphenol (OP) on the oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity in amphibian liver. The frog, Rana chensinensis, were exposed to 10^-8, 10^-7, 10^-6 mol/L OP for 10, 20 and 30 days. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in liver were reduced at first, then recovered slightly, and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) were increased significantly. Histopathology showed that in some liver tissues of OP treated frogs, the hematococoel expansion, the fat accumulation, the cytoplasmic vacuolization and even hepatocyte necrosis were present. Ultrastructure revealed that there were lipid droplet accumulation, mitochondria deformation and nuclear condensation in some hepatocytes. These results confirm that low doses OP exposure can give rise to oxidative stress in the liver of frogs, reduce antioxidant enzymes activities, lead to partial organelles damage in hepatocyte and the fat accumulate in hepatic tissue.

Pectin Oligosaccharides Ameliorate Colon Cancer by Regulating Oxidative Stress- and Inflammation-Activated Signaling Pathways

Colon cancer (CC) is the third common neoplasm worldwide, and it is still a big challenge for exploring new effective medicine for treating CC. Natural product promoting human health has become a hot topic and attracted many researchers recently. Pectin, a complex polysaccharide in plant cell wall, mainly consists of four major types of polysaccharides: homogalacturonan, xylogalacturonan, rhamnogalacturonan I and II, all of which can be degraded into various pectin oligosaccharides (POS) and may provide abundant resource for exploring potential anticancer drugs. POS have been regarded as a novel class of potential functional food with multiple health-promoting properties. POS have antibacterial activities against some aggressive and recurrent bacterial infection and exert beneficial immunomodulation for controlling CC risk. However, the molecular functional role of POS in the prevention of CC risk and progression remains doubtful. The review focuses on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory roles of POS for promoting human health by regulating some potential oxidative and inflammation-activated pathways, such as ATP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathways. The activation of these signaling pathways increases the antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities, which will result in the apoptosis of CC cells or in the prevention of CC risk and progression. Thus, POS may inhibit CC development by affecting antioxidant and antiinflammatory signaling pathways AMPK, Nrf2, and NF-κB. However, POS also can activate signal transduction and transcriptional activator 1 and 3 signaling pathway, which will reduce antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and promote CC progression. Specific structural and structurally modified POS may be associated with their functions and should be deeply explored in the future. The present review paper lacks the important information for the linkage between the specific structure of POS and its function. To further explore the effects of prebiotic potential of POS and their derivatives on human immunomodulation in the prevention of CC, the specific POS with a certain degree of polymerization or purified polymers are highly demanded to be performed in clinical practice.

Fertaric Acid Protects from Octylphenol-Related Hepatotoxicity in Rats: Biochemical, Molecular, and Histopathological Studies

The endocrine-disrupting chemical 4-tert-octylphenol (OP) can mimic estrogen and testosterone hormones and threaten health; fertaric acid (FA) is a hydroxycinnamic acid found in grapefruit. This study aimed to investigate whether FA has a protective effect on 4-tert-octylphenol-related hepatotoxicity. Thirty male albino rats were divided into 5 equal groups of 6 rats each as follows: control group-administrated orally with 1 ml saline 3 days/week for 4 weeks; corn oil group-administrated orally with 1 ml corn oil 3 days/week for 4 weeks; FA-treated group-administrated orally with FA (45 mg /kg body weight) dissolved in saline 3 days/week for 4 weeks; OP-treated group-administrated orally with OP (40 mg /kg body weight) dissolved in corn oil 3 days/week for 4 weeks; FA + OP-treated group-administrated orally with FA (45 mg /kg body weight) dissolved in saline 3 days/week for 4 weeks then administrated orally with OP (40 mg/kg body weight) dissolved in corn oil 3 days/week for another 4 weeks. The results obtained showed that OP-exposed rats had significant increase in serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, bilirubin, serum and liver tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β and malondialdehyde, serum interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 and significant decrease in serum alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, serum and liver superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase. OP caused an inhibitory action on the gene expression of liver proteins. Rats treated with FA before OP exposure had near-normal values. In addition, FA prevented the degradation of liver deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), and DNA reformation occurred. In conclusion, FA protects from dangerous OP-related hepatic effects, and these results were supported by molecular and histological investigations.

Genistein attenuates di‑(2‑ethylhexyl) phthalate-induced testicular injuries via activation of Nrf2/HO‑1 following prepubertal exposure

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and genistein (GEN) are of the most common endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) present in the environment or the diet. However, investigation of the effects of acute exposure to these two EDCs during prepuberty has been lacking. In this study, DEHP and GEN were administrated to prepubertal male Sprague-Dawley rats by gavage from PND22 to PND35 with vehicle control, GEN 50 mg/kg body weight (bw)/day, DEHP50, 150 and 450 mg/kg bw/day, and combined treatment. Reproductive parameters including testis weight, anogenital distance and organ coefficient were evaluated on PND36. Enzyme activity involved in the regulation of testicular redox state as well as expression of genes and proteins related to anti-oxidative ability and apoptosis were also investigated. The results revealed that by PND36, DEHP treatment had significantly decreased the testis weight, organ coefficient, testicular anti-oxidative enzyme activities and caused tubular vacuolation; however, co-administration of GEN partially alleviated DEHP-induced testicular injuries and enhanced testicular anti-oxidative enzyme activities and upregulated the expression of NF-E2 related factor 2 and heme oxygenase-1, which indicated that GEN partially attenuated DEHP-induced male reproductive system damage through anti-oxidative action following acute prepubertal exposure to DEHP. Thus, GEN may have use in attenuating the damaging effects of other EDCs that lead to reproductive disorders.

Structure characterization and biological activities of a pectic polysaccharide from cupule of Castanea henryi

A pectic polysaccharide (CHIP3) was fractionated from the natural cupule of Castanea henryi. It contained mannose (10.70%), rhamnose (8.70%), galacturonic acid (38.21%), galactose (13.75%) and arabinose (28.63%) with a molecular weight of 2.44 × 10⁴ g/mol by multi-laser light scattering. The structure was elucidated by using FT-IR spectroscopy, methylation analysis and NMR analysis. Results showed that the backbone of CHIP3 consisted of 1, 4-α-linked d-GalpA residues containing the non-methyl-esterified carboxyl groups, interspersed with a few 1,2-α-l-Rhap units. Its side chains were attached by two branches to O-4 of Rhap with 1,4-β-linked d-Galp units and 1,5-α-l-linked Araf units bearing 3,5-substituted α-l-linked Araf residues as branching points. AFM data revealed it existed as a flexible chain in 0.1 M NaNO₃ aqueous solution. Furthermore, CHIP3 was demonstrated to have notable antioxidant activity of FRAP, ABTS⁺ radical scavenging and reducing power. Cytotoxicity assay showed it displayed inhibitory activity against HepG2 cells with IC₅₀ values of 242.6 μg/mL.

Effect of Free and Nanoencapsulated Copaiba Oil on Monocrotaline-induced Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Copaiba oil comes from an Amazonian tree and has been used as an alternative medicine in Brazil. However, it has not been investigated yet in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. This study was designed to test whether copaiba oil or nanocapsules containing this oil could modulate monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Male Wistar rats (170 ± 20 g) received oil or nanocapsules containing this oil (400 mg/kg) by gavage daily for 1 week. At the end of this period, a single injection of MCT (60 mg/kg i.p.) was administered and measurements were performed after 3 weeks. The animals were divided into 6 groups: control, copaiba oil, nanocapsules with copaiba oil, MCT, oil + MCT, and nanocapsules + MCT. Afterward, echocardiographic assessments were performed, and rats were killed to collect hearts for morphometry and oxidative stress. MCT promoted a significant increase in pulmonary vascular resistance, right ventricle (RV) hypertrophy, and RV oxidative stress. Both oil and copaiba nanocapsules significantly reduced RV hypertrophy and oxidative stress. Pulmonary vascular resistance was reduced by copaiba oil in natura but not by nanocapsules. In conclusion, copaiba oil seems to offer protection against MCT-induced PAH. Our preliminary results suggest that copaiba oil may be an important adjuvant treatment for PAH.

Antihypercholesterolemic Effects of Fruit Aqueous Extract of Copernicia prunifera (Miller) H. E. Moore in Mice Diet-Induced Hypercholesterolemia

The present objective of the investigation is to evaluate the antihypercholesterolemic activity of the aqueous fruit pulp extract (APE) of Copernicia prunifera (Miller) H. E. Moore (Arecaceae family). Various chemical characterization methods like thin layer chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H and 13C NMR, and molecular weight by gel permeation chromatography have been employed to characterize the extracted pectin. The present study demonstrated that hypercholesterolemic diet (HD) created hypercholesterolemia, caused significant increases in body weight, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein, and caused decreases in high-density lipoprotein in serum compared with SD group. Two doses (APE 150 and 300 mg/Kg b.w./day) were administered to hyperlipidemic mice for 90 days. APE reversed body weight changes, changed serum lipids to normal values, and significantly inhibited the changes of lipid peroxidation and inflammation in the liver tissues. The renal parameters analyzed (urea and creatinine) altered by diet were reverted to normal values. Our results revealed that aqueous fruit pulp extracts of carnauba reduced hypercholesterolemia showing a potential preventive effect against cardiovascular diseases without side effects cause.

Apple pectin: A natural source for cancer suppression in 4T1 breast cancer cells in vitro and express p53 in mouse bearing 4T1 cancer tumors, in vivo

PURPOSE

Increase in the number of cancer related deaths has made the study on developing new drugs and treatments essential. One of the main aims in developing new therapies is to use natural resources which have the ability to induce apoptosis. Pectin is one of these natural compounds, a complex polysaccharide found in apples with anti-cancer properties. The aim of this study was to examine anti-cancer properties of pectic acid both in vitro in 4T1 breast cancer cells and in vivo using an animal model of breast cancer.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

MTT cell proliferation assays, double fluorescence staining (acridine orange/ethidium bromide) and cell cycle analysis were employed to measure apoptosis in vitro. 4T1 cells were implanted into female BALB/c mice for in vivo studies. Then tumor volumes, histological analysis and immunohistochemical staining of P53 and tunnel test were applied to evaluate apoptosis in tumors.

RESULTS

The results of in vitro studies showed that concentration of 0.1% of pectic acid could induce apoptosis, inhibit cell growth (p<0.001) and reduce cell attachment, fragmented chromatin, and membrane blebbing as well as blocking the sub-G1 phase (p<0.001). In addition, in vivo studies showed that pectic acid could inhibit the progression of tumors through over-expression of P53 and increasing the number of apoptotic cells.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated that pectic acid, a natural component of apple, can prevent metastasis in both cancer cell lines and primary tumors. This potential effect is mainly due to its ability to induce apoptosis.

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate induces apoptosis of GC-2spd cells via TR4/Bcl-2 pathway

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a widely used environmental endocrine disruptor. Many studies have reported that DEHP exposure causes reproductive toxicity and cells apoptosis. However, the mechanism by which DEHP exposure causes male reproductive toxicity remains unknown. This study investigated the role of the testicular orphan nuclear receptor4 (TR4)/Bcl-2 pathway in apoptosis induced by DEHP, which resulted in reproductive damage. To elucidate the mechanism underpinning the male reproductive toxicity of DEHP, we sought to investigate apoptotic effects, expression levels of TR4/Bcl-2 pathway in GC-2spd cells, including TR4, Bcl-2 and caspase-3. GC-2spd cells were exposed to various concentrations of DEHP (0, 50, 100, or 200μM). The results indicated that, with the increase of the concentrations of DEHP, the survival rate of cell decreased gradually. DEHP exposure at over 100μM significantly induced apoptotic cell death. DEHP decreased SOD and GSH-Px activity in 200μM group. Compared to the control group, the mRNA levels of caspase-3 increased significantly, however, Bcl-2 mRNA decreased (P<0.05). In addition, there was a significant reduction in TR4, Bcl-2 and procaspase-3 protein levels. Taken together, these results lead us to speculate that in vitro exposure to DEHP might induce apoptosis in GC-2spd cells through the TR4/Bcl-2 pathway.

Cytotoxic effects of 4-octylphenol on fish hepatocytes

The present study was conducted to determine cytotoxic effects of 4-octylphenol (4-OP) on primary cultured hepatocytes of pearl mullet (Alburnus tarichi). Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, malondialdehyde (MDA) level, antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST)] and glutathione (GSH) content were measured after 24-h exposure to 4-OP. 4-OP caused dose- and time-dependent increases in LDH release. Significant induction of MDA level and decrease in GSH content were found. SOD and GPx activities were decreased while GST activity was increased. These findings suggest that 4-OP leads to cytotoxicity by depressing antioxidant defenses in fish hepatocytes.

Antioxidant activity of Citrus fruits

Citrus is well-known for its nutrition and health-promotion values. This reputation is derived from the studies on the biological functions of phytochemicals in Citrus fruits and their derived products in the past decades. In recent years, the antioxidant activity of Citrus fruits and their roles in the prevention and treatment of various human chronic and degenerative diseases have attracted more and more attention. Citrus fruits are suggested to be a good source of dietary antioxidants. To have a better understanding of the mechanism underlying the antioxidant activity of Citrus fruits, we reviewed a study on the antioxidant activity of the phytochemicals in Citrus fruits, introduced methods for antioxidant activity evaluation, discussed the factors which influence the antioxidant activity of Citrus fruits, and summarized the underlying mechanism of action. Some suggestions for future study were also presented.

Prepubertal exposure to genistein alleviates di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate induced testicular oxidative stress in adult rats

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is the most widely used plastizer in the world and can suppress testosterone production via activation of oxidative stress. Genistein (GEN) is one of the isoflavones ingredients exhibiting weak estrogenic and potentially antioxidative effects. However, study on reproductive effects following prepubertal multiple endocrine disrupters exposure has been lacking. In this study, DEHP and GEN were administrated to prepubertal male Sprague-Dawley rats by gavage from postnatal day 22 (PND22) to PND35 with vehicle control, GEN at 50 mg/kg body weight (bw)/day (G), DEHP at 50, 150, 450 mg/kg bw/day (D50, D150, D450) and their mixture (G + D50, G + D150, G + D450). On PND90, general morphometry (body weight, AGD, organ weight, and organ coefficient), testicular redox state, and testicular histology were studied. Our results indicated that DEHP could significantly decrease sex organs weight, organ coefficient, and testicular antioxidative ability, which largely depended on the dose of DEHP. However, coadministration of GEN could partially alleviate DEHP-induced reproductive injuries via enhancement of testicular antioxidative enzymes activities, which indicates that GEN has protective effects on DEHP-induced male reproductive system damage after prepubertal exposure and GEN may have promising future in its curative antioxidative role for reproductive disorders caused by other environmental endocrine disruptors.