Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), a common plasticiser, disrupts reproductive health by increasing DNA damage and oxidative stress. Exposure impairs chromosome stability and gene expression, potentially affecting fertility and ageing. Findings highlight concerns about environmental toxins’ impact on longevity and underscore the need for minimising exposure.
October 2024 – PLOS Genetics
Key takeaways
- BBP increases DNA damage: Exposure leads to a rise in double-strand breaks throughout the germline, activating a DNA damage checkpoint. This disruption in repair mechanisms can result in genomic instability, increasing the risk of accelerated ageing, fertility issues, and chronic disease by impairing cellular function and genetic integrity
- BBP disrupts reproductive health: The chemical interferes with meiotic progression, causing chromosome segregation errors and higher germ cell apoptosis. This may lead to reduced fertility and increased risk of aneuploidy, which can affect reproductive success and contribute to long-term hormonal imbalances impacting overall health and longevity
- BBP triggers oxidative stress: Exposure elevates oxidative stress levels, as indicated by increased glutathione S-transferase activity. This imbalance damages DNA, proteins, and cellular structures, accelerating biological ageing and promoting inflammatory conditions that can compromise metabolic health and cognitive function over time
- BBP alters gene expression: Genes involved in detoxification, extracellular matrix organisation, and meiotic cell cycle regulation are significantly impacted. These disruptions may weaken the body’s ability to repair damage, maintain cellular health, and respond to environmental stressors, potentially affecting longevity and increasing susceptibility to age-related diseases
Read the article at: Henderson, Ayana L., et al. “Exposure to Benzyl Butyl Phthalate (BBP) Leads to Increased Double-Strand Break Formation and Germline Dysfunction in Caenorhabditis Elegans.” PLOS Genetics, vol. 20, no. 10, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1011434.
