Multigenerational exposure to trace concentrations of DDT residues in Wistar rats: Effects on biometric development and biochemical parameters

The Organochlorine Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its residues, Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD) and Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), are Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) that bioaccumulate, persist in the environment, and magnify through the food chain. Chronic exposure is linked to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, emphasizing the need to study its multigenerational impacts on health and development. This study investigated the effects of multigenerational exposure to DDT residues in Wistar rats. Pregnant females were provided water containing trace concentrations of p,p'-DDD (0.015 µM) and p,p'-DDE (0.006 µM) from the first day of gestation (PD0) until the end of the life cycle of two generations (F1 and F2). Biometric and biochemical evaluations were conducted at PND35 and PND105, including weight, naso-anal length, and abdominal circumference. Hepatic, renal, and adipose tissues were analyzed macro- and microscopically, along with biochemical analyses. Statistical analyses included ANOVA and generalized linear models. The hypothetical model confirmed that no significant variations occurred between generations, indicating that effects were driven by group, age, and sex differences. The analysis revealed that DDD/DDE synergism and female sex significantly influenced hepatic, renal, cerebral, and white adipose tissues. DDD/DDE exposure increased hepatic enzyme activity, reduced cerebral cholinesterase and renal antioxidants, and altered adipocyte mass. Age also influenced enzymatic activity and development, with notable differences between PND35 and PND105 in tissues and biometric indices. In conclusion, DDD/DDE exposure, particularly in females, significantly impacted hepatic, renal, cerebral, and adipose tissues. The results highlight that observed effects depend on group, age, and sex, emphasizing the risks associated with environmental contamination.