effects including increased liver weight, elevated alkaline phosphatase activity and reduced cholesterol and lipid levels. Increased liver weight was identified in rats exposed to DMP concentrations of approximately 1,860 mg/kg-day; heightened alkaline phosphatase activity (indicating liver damage) followed prolonged dosage of 500 mg/kg–day; lowered cholesterol and lipid levels were observed after exposure to 107 mg/kg-day. Environmental toxicity Environmental contamination by phthalates, inclusive of DMP, has been a pressing issue for human and marine health. DMP is readily released to the environment could potentially pose harmful risks of exposure on humans. Additionally, pollution of DMP into the environment could also be harmful to micro-organisms and aquatic animals. Toxic effects on bacteria A study on the environmental contamination of DMP has a direct influence on the cell function of Pseudomonas fluroescens (P. fluorescens), such as inhibition of growth, reduced glucose utilisation, etc. Results from the study suggest the presence of alterations in gene expressions that are involved in energy metabolism such as ATP-binding cassette transporters. Additionally, inhibition of the Cori cycle and glycolysis pathway by DMP were also observed in the bacteria. P. fluorescens, a Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacterium (PGPR), is an important bacteria found in soil, leaves and water that produces metabolites that allow plants to resist biotic and abiotic stresses. Hence, the release of DMP as waste into the environment should be more carefully considered. Another study shows the ability of DMP to inhibit the growth and glucose utilization of Pseudomonas fluorescens, a species that can cause bacteremia in humans. Most specifically, cell membrane deformation and membrane channels misopening were observed, as well as altered gene expression responsible of energy metabolism. Aquatic toxicity The toxicity of DMP on adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) was examined and showed oxidative damage after high concentrations of exposure. There was also found that antioxidant enzymes can be used as biochemical markers to identify the toxicant to be DMP. The LC50 after 96h of exposure was 45.8 mg/L, with 100% of mortality in the 200 mg/L exposure group. After 96h of exposure at high concentrations the activity levels of the primary antioxidant enzymes catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione transferase activities were significantly reduced. This resulted in reduction of gene expression of these enzymes. Antioxidant enzymes act as defenders of cells from oxidant damage from contaminants present as free radicals that can cause enzyme inactivation, DNA and cholesterol damage and peroxidation of unsaturated fats in the cell