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PRINT ISSN : 2319-7692
Online ISSN : 2319-7706 Issues : 12 per year Publisher : Excellent Publishers Email : editorijcmas@gmail.com / submit@ijcmas.com Editor-in-chief: Dr.M.Prakash Index Copernicus ICV 2018: 95.39 NAAS RATING 2020: 5.38 |
Phthalates are ubiquitous contaminants in food, indoor air, soils and sediments. PVC medical devices contain, on average 20% to 40% Diethylhexyl Phthalate (DEHP) by weight. DEHP imparts important qualities to polyvinylchloride products, such as flexibility, strength, temperature tolerance, stability during sterilization and resistance to kinking. Phthalic acid esters are well-known peroxisome proliferators (PPs). After binding to the peroxisome proliferator receptor they increased the formation of peroxisomal enzymes which participate in metabolism of fats and enhanced β-oxidation of fatty acids. As a result of oxidation of fatty acids, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and large quantities of hydrogen peroxide are generated which aggravate tissue damage and ultimately leads to carcinogenicity and teratogenicity. It has been known that DEHP exposure activates metallothioneins in the liver of pregnant females and prevents it from being carried to foetuses by blood. Many phthalates are hormone-disrupting chemicals that interfere with the production of the male sex hormone, testosterone, which is necessary for proper development and function of the male reproductive organs. Foetal exposure in male animals has been associated with infertility, decreased sperm count, undescended testes and malformations of the penis and urethra. Phthalate exposures in humans have been linked to changes in sex hormone levels, altered development of genitals, low sperm count and quality. Phthalates have also been linked with obesity, reduced female fertility, preterm birth with low birth weight, allergy and asthma.