8th Annual WML Academic Symposium

Presenter(s): Prajakta More
Title: Effects of MEHP and TNFα co-treatment on Steroidogenesis in MA-10 Leydig cells
Developed under the guidance of Dr. Kassim Traore , Osteopathic Medicine

From previous studies, it was observed that the daily exposure of plastic products containing an endocrine disruptor MEHP and an inflammatory mediator TNFα have inhibited the testicular steroidogenesis independently. However, the role of TNFα in amplifying the MEHP activity is still unclear. In the present study, we address the cellular mechanism underlying the effects of co-treatment of MEHP and TNFα on steroidogenesis in MA-10 Leydig cells. We hypothesize that the TNFα potentiate the MEHP activity which inhibits the steroidogenesis. The co-treatment results in mitochondrial damage and less production of progesterone which overall supports our hypothesis.