Di-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is a global environmental pollutant. Human exposure to DEHP occurs
through environmental sources. Community exposure (food, air, water) as well as medical settings’
exposure impose crucial effects on the human health. DEHP had been reported to have cytotoxic,
immunotoxic, genotoxic, and reproductive toxic properties. This work aims to assess the possible toxic
effects of DEHP on adult albino rats' lungs and to evaluate the possible protective effects of Nacetylcysteine (NAC) using body weight and relative lung weight parameters. Assessment of DHEP toxicity
is measured by biochemical, histopathological and immunohistochemical methods. Fifty male adult albino
rats were divided into five equal groups as follows: Group Ι (Negative control group), Group ΙΙ (Positive
control group), Group IΙΙ (NAC-treated group): was given NAC orally (200 mg/kg/day), Group IV (DEHPtreated group): was given DEHP orally (3gm/kg once daily for 4 weeks) and Group V: (DEHP + NACtreated group): was treated with DEHP concomitantly with NAC at the same previous doses. The results of
the present study revealed that DEHP have significantly increased the lipid peroxidation level and
significantly reduced in glutathione content (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and catalase
activity. The histological results of group IV showed inflammatory cellular infiltration of the lungs
associated with interstitial edema, hemorrhage and interalveolar septal thickening that were markedly
reduced in group V. Also, group V, showed a significant decrease in the collagen fibers accumulation and in
caspase-3 expression as compared to group IV. Conclusion: treatment with NAC can protect against DEHP
induced pulmonary toxicity in rats by decreasing oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis.
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