Di(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate induces a functional zinc deficiency during pregnancy and teratogenesis that is independent of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a peroxisome proliferator whose administration to rodents induces a pleiotropic response mediated by the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-a (PPARa). The mechanisms underlying DEHP-induced reproduc- tive toxicity and teratogenicity are not well understood but could be the result of an alteration in gene expres- sion by PPARa. Additionally, phthalate exposure is known to impair fetal zinc (Zn) levels during pregnancy. In this work, we investigated whether the reproductive toxicity and teratogenicity of DEHP are mediated by PPARa and whether the receptor influences maternal