Investigation of the effects of phthalates on feeding behavior and obesity

Aim: Obesogens are known as a subgroup of endocrine disrupting chemicals that are widely used in the world today and cause obesity. Phthalates, known as plasticizers, are among the most commonly used obesogens. This study was planned to investigate the effects of DINP and DIBP chemicals in the phthalates group on obesity and appetite metabolism. Materials and Methods: Fifty-six male Sprague Dawley rats were used in the study. Rats were divided into seven groups (n=8) including control and three different dose groups of DINP and DIBP (0,1, 0,5 and 1 g/kg/day, respectively). Both agents were dissolved in corn oil and rats in the experimental groups were given for eight weeks via oral gavage (control group rats were only taken vehicle). At the end of the experiment, rats were decapitated and brain and blood samples were collected. Serum leptin, ghrelin and irisin levels were determined using by the ELISA. AgRP and POMC protein levels were examined by Western-blot and immunofluorescence analyses. Results: DINP and DIBP application caused to statistically significant increases food intake, serum ghrelin and irisin, and AgRP protein expressions in the experimental groups compared to the control group (p<0.05). On the contrary, both chemicals caused statistically significant decreases in serum leptin and POMC protein levels compared to the control. Conclusion: Our study results showed that DINP and DIBP, both are environmental pollutants, affect food intake and exert these effects by affecting the central food intake pathways and altering endocrine system. Keywords: AgRP, DIBP, DINP, Irisin, Ghrelin, Leptin, Obesity, POMC