In order to identify non-invasive, biochemical indicators of
di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (
DEHP) exposure, we have compared the effects in blood serum with biochemical effects in liver in rats fed a diet containing 0, 0.25, 0.75 and 2%
DEHP for 2 weeks. After 3 days of treatment serum
arylesterase activity levels and serum
triglycerides were decreased to 60% and 20% of control values, respectively. After a 2-week treatment with
DEHP the effects were generally stronger. Compared to a control group, serum
arylesterase activity levels, serum
triglycerides and serum
cholesterol were decreased to 40%, 20% and 50%, respectively. Serum
cholinesterase activity levels and
serum albumin concentrations were increased by the
DEHP treatment to 290% and 135% of control values, respectively. In the livers a
hepatomegaly, an induction of
cytochrome P-450 IVA1 and induction of the activity of
palmitoyl-CoA oxidase and
carnitine acetyl-CoA transferase was found to be 180%, 1080%, 1300% and 1700% of control values, respectively. The liver is a more sensitive target for
DEHP exposure compared to the biochemical effects in serum, but determination of the serum parameters can be used to determine early
biological effects of exposure to
DEHP.