To observe the effects of diethlhexyl phthalate (DEHP) on lipid peroxidation and the life span in Drosophila melanogaster.
Fed Drosophila with the concentration 0.20% DEHP of exposure after 0, 14, 28 days, the activity of total superoxide dismutase (SOD), CuZn-SOD and the concentration of malondialdehyde were determined. At the same time, the longevity test was carried out to examine the effect of DEHP on the Drosophila's lifespan.
The lifespan of Drosophila was shortened in a dose of DEHP exposed groups. The indexes of mean life span (MLS), 50% lethal time and mean maximum life span in three DEHP-treated groups (concentration of 0.05%, 0.10% and 0.20%) were lower than those of the controlled group respectively (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). The MLS of both Drosophila sexes were reduced from the control of 64 days and 59 days to the test 60 days-52 days and 54 days-49 days respectively. DEHP decreased the activity of SOD (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), and lead to a time-dependent relation and an increase in the concentration of malondialdehyde (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05) in the DEHP-exposed Drosophila groups.
DEHP might promote the process of lipid peroxidation and shorten the life span in Drosophila melanogaster. It should be one of the reasons in the senescence of Drosophila.