Effects of endocrine disruptor di-n-butyl phthalate on the growth of Bok choy (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis).

The effects of the endocrine disrupter, di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), on the growth of leaf vegetable Bok choy (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis, white stem Bok choy) were investigated. The results showed that leaves of Bok choy became white in color with the occurrence of chlorosis and necrosis upon treating with 30 mg l(-1) DBP for 42 days. Transmission electron microscopic images revealed that changes in the chloroplast structures accompanied the chlorosis. In addition, a decrease in biomass and chlorophyll, and accumulation of DBP, were found in DBP-treated Bok choy. The growth and morphology of Bok choy showed a significant dose-response relationship upon treatment with DBP in a hydroponic culture medium. The proteome of the leaf tissue was analyzed using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and mass spectrometry (MS). Six protein spots were identified in 2-DE that showed reproducible differences in expression between the normal control and the DBP-treated sample. Based on proteome level studies two protein spots increased and were identified as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase 21 precursor. These proteins are believed to increase in expression in response to free radical exposure as a detoxification mechanism. The other four protein spots that disappeared on treatment with DBP were identified as heat shock cognate protein 80, protein disulfide isomerase precursor, apocytochrome f precursor, and RNA polymerase beta subunit. The first two play an important role in polypeptide folding, the third is associated with electron transport, and the last has a critical function in DNA transcription. This study indicated that DBP affects the proteome formation as well as the physiology and the morphology of Bok choy during growth. The decrease in those four proteins might be related to the growth and development of a plant.