Alterações morfológicas em pulmões de ratos expostos a uma mistura de disruptores endócrinos

Abstract

Xenobiotics are substances considered foreign to the human body, among which endocrine disruptors (EDs) are particularly notable. These substances are found in the environment at low concentrations, yet sufficient to cause adverse effects in animals and humans exposed over the long term. The lungs play a crucial role in communication with the external environment through the air, which has the potential to carry thousands of toxins and even microorganisms to the pulmonary epithelium, leading to various adverse effects on respiratory health. Consequently, EDs have the capacity to directly impact this vital organ. In this context, it is evident that studies characterizing exposure to which humans and animals are subjected in the environment are of great importance. This study aimed to compare the morphological findings in the lungs of rats exposed to EDs. An investigation was conducted into the aspects of the physiology-environment relationship in exposure to a mixture of endocrine disruptors, using rats to assess the toxicity of EDs. A mixture of twelve chemical compounds was used, selected as representatives of other EDs, mimicking human exposure to toxic substances. The composition of the mixture included twelve compounds (phthalates, pesticides, UV filters, bisphenol A, butylparaben), predominantly with androgenic inhibitory properties, along with four substances with xenoestrogenic characteristics. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley females were randomly divided into two experimental groups: Ctrl Group (vehicle: corn oil, by gavage) and ED Mix Group (received 32.11 mg/kg/day diluted in corn oil [2 ml/kg], by gavage). After lactation, F1 generation females were maintained with access to water and food ad libitum until they reached 365 days of age, at which point they were euthanized and their lungs collected. No changes were observed in the inflammation score, but alterations in mast cells were found. Therefore, we conclude that lifelong exposure to EDs induces pulmonary damage.