['This study aimed to determine whether nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 antagonized the oxidative stress induced by di-N-butylphthalate (DBP) in testicular Leydig cells.', 'Mouse TM3 testicular Leydig cells were treated with Nrf2 knockdown (KD) or overexpression in the presence and absence of DBP. Oxidative profiles were examined. Nrf2 target antioxidant genes were studied, and the effects of Nrf2 inducer sulphoraphane (SFN) were tested.', 'DBP induced intracellular oxidative stress to a similar extent with Nrf2 KD. Expression and protein levels of Nrf2 were increased together with its target genes, namely heme oxygenase 1, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate quinone oxidoreductase 1 and peroxiredoxin 6, following DBP stimulation. Use of SFN not only restored the intracellular oxidative toxicity but also cell proliferation and testosterone secretion in response to DBP.'] Does nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 rescue the oxidative stress induced by di-N-butylphthalate in testicular Leydig cells?