Chronic Exposure to Endocrine Disruptor Vinclozolin Leads to Lung Damage via Nrf2–Nf-kb Pathway Alterations

Abstract

Endocrine-disrupting substances (EDS) are common and pervasive in our environment and pose a serious risk to both human and animal health. Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) have been associated with a variety of detrimental human health effects, including respiratory issues, as a result of their ability to disrupt cell physiology. Vinclozolin ((RS)-3-(3,5-Dichlorophenyl)-5-methyl-5-vinyloxazolidine-2,4-dione) is a common dicarboximide fungicide used to treat plant diseases. Several studies have analyzed the effects of vinclozolin exposure on the reproductive system, but less is known about its effect on other organs such as the lung. Mice were exposed for 28 days to orally administered vinclozolin at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Vinclozolin exposure induced histological alterations and collagen depositions in the lung. Additionally, vinclozolin induced inflammation and oxidative stress that led to lung apoptosis. Our study demonstrates for the first time that the toxicological effects of vinclozolin are not limited to the reproductive system but also involve other organs such as the lung.