Researchers have consistently shown that prenatal exposure to Di (2-ethyhexyl) phthalate harms the reproductive system in male mice and causes fertility defects. In a new study, scientists from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have shown that the combination of DEHP and a high-fat diet in pregnant mice can cause more damage to pups than each factor alone. Male reproductive disorders are a growing issue due to the global decrease in sperm count and quality.
Concerningly, chemicals like DEHP, which can be found in food storage containers, pharmaceuticals, and building materials, have been found to be one of the contributing factors. The toxicity of DEHP is due to its ability to mimic the hormones in our bodies, leading to long-term effects on health. "The scientific community is aware of the fact that the current generation of men produce half as much sperm compared to the previous one," said CheMyong Jay Ko (EIRH), a professor of veterinary medicine.
"Although it is shocking, not much attention is paid to understanding the causes." The researchers used the Barker hypothesis as a guiding principle for their study. Proposed by the British physician and epidemiologist David Barker, the hypothesis argued that the nine months in utero are one of the most critical periods in a person's life and can shape their future health trajectories.
"The Barker hypothesis primarily focuses on nutrition and we wanted to test whether the mother's diet could change the health of the nex.
