DEHP mediates drug resistance by metabolic reprogramming in colorectal cancer cells

The role of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in cancer initiation and progression: Mechanisms and health implications

The increasing prevalence of cancer has been linked to various environmental factors associated with modern industrial and societal advancements. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a commonly used plasticizer, is one such environmental contaminant with potential carcinogenic effects. While epidemiological studies have suggested a positive association between DEHP exposure and cancer risk, the specific role of DEHP in cancer initiation and progression requires further clarification. This review systematically examines the relationship between DEHP exposure and cancer, highlighting key mechanisms involved in tumorigenesis. DEHP has been found to influence several critical aspects of cancer biology, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, drug resistance, immune regulation, and cancer stem cell maintenance. These carcinogenic effects are mediated through multiple pathways, such as the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, estrogen receptor activation, epigenetic modifications, oxidative stress, and inflammation. By elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying DEHP's role in cancer, this review aims to contribute to the development of targeted prevention and intervention strategies to mitigate the cancer risks associated with DEHP exposure.

Exposure to endocrine disruptor DEHP promotes the progression and radiotherapy resistance of pancreatic cancer cells by increasing BMI1 expression and properties of cancer stem cells

Most patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer are initially at an advanced stage, and radiotherapy resistance impact the effectiveness of treatment. This study aims to investigate the effects of endocrine disruptor Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) on various biological behaviors and the radiotherapy sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells, as well as its potential mechanisms. Our findings indicate that exposure to DEHP promotes the proliferation of various cancer cells, including those from the lung, breast, pancreas, and liver, in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, DEHP exposure could influence several biological behaviors of pancreatic cancer cells in vivo and vitro. These effects include reducing cell apoptosis, causing G0/G1 phase arrest, increasing migration capacity, enhancing tumorigenicity, elevating the proportion of cancer stem cells (CSCs), and upregulating expression levels of CSCs markers such as CD133 and BMI1. DEHP exposure can also increase radiation resistance, which can be reversed by downregulating BMI1 expression. In summary our research suggests that DEHP exposure can lead to pancreatic cancer progression and radiotherapy resistance, and the mechanism may be related to the upregulation of BMI1 expression, which leads to the increase of CSCs properties.

Association between urinary phthalates and phthalate metabolites and cancer risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Phthalates, widely utilized in industrial products, are classified as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Although certain phthalate and their metabolites have been implicated in cancer development, the reported findings have exhibited inconsistencies. Therefore, we conducted the comprehensive literature search to assess the association between phthalate and their metabolites and cancer risk by identifying original studies measuring phthalates or their metabolites and reporting their correlation with cancer until July 4, 2023. The Odds Ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted and analyzed to estimate the risk. Pooled data from eleven studies, including 3101 cancer patients and 6858 controls, were analyzed using a fixed- or random-effects model based on heterogeneity tests. When comparing extreme categories of different phthalates and their metabolites, we observed a significant association between urinary phthalates and phthalate metabolites (MEHHP, MECPP, DBP and MBzP) and cancer risk. The findings of our meta-analysis reinforce the existing evidence that urinary phthalates and phthalate metabolites is strongly associated with cancer development. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of this association. These results may offer novel insights into cancer development.