Combined effects of two environmental endocrine disruptors nonyl phenol and di-n-butyl phthalate on rat Sertoli cells in vitro

In this study, our purpose is to analyze combined effects of nonyl phenol (NP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) for rat testicular Sertoli cell toxicity in vitro. Sertoli cells were isolated, purified, cultured, and identified with FSHR fluorescence staining. Then the purified Sertoli cells were treated with different doses of NP, DBP or NP + DBP. Although we did not find dramatic morphological changes, cell viability decreased significantly at high-dose NP and their mixture. The following Annexin V-PI staining demonstrated that DBP alone did not show apoptosis induction, the combination effect on apoptosis induction was due to NP, in addition, nucleus of Sertoli cell showed apoptosis morphological changes. In addition, increased LDH leakage was also observed in high-dose mixture. According to the above phenomena, we inferred that the combined effect of the two substances on Sertoli cell toxicity had an additive effect, and the induction of apoptosis may play an important role.

Research highlights▶ High dose NP and the mixture of NP and DBP induced Sertoli cell viability decrease. ▶ NP and the mixture of NP and DBP induced apoptosis in Sertoli cell. ▶ The combination effect of NP and DBP on apoptosis induction was due to NP.