Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)-induced circadian disruption accelerates aging-related functional declines via oxidative stress and insulin/IGF-1 signaling in Caenorhabditis elegans

Jun 3, 2026Environmental toxicology and pharmacology

DEHP chemical disrupts daily rhythms and speeds up aging-related decline through stress and insulin signaling in C. elegans

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Abstract

Exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) at 5μg/mL significantly increased reactive oxygen species and impaired healthspan indicators in aged Caenorhabditis elegans.

  • Circadian disruption is linked to adverse health outcomes, particularly in relation to aging-related functional decline.
  • DEHP exposure under disrupted temperature-entrained rhythms resulted in reduced oxidative stress resistance.
  • Indicators of healthspan, such as pharyngeal pumping and intestinal lipofuscin accumulation, were negatively affected in aged animals.
  • Antioxidant treatment with N-acetylcysteine partially mitigated the negative effects associated with DEHP exposure.
  • Molecular analyses indicated that DEHP impacts insulin/IGF-1 signaling and oxidative stress responses.

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