Objective To study the effect of terephthalic acid (TPA) on lipid metabolism in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Methods Five groups of SD rats that ingested 0%, 0.04%, 0.2%, 1%, and 5% TPA, respectively, were included in a 90-day subchronic feeding study. Effects of TPA on levels of serum protein, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), total antioxidative capability (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were observed. Urine samples were collected and analyzed for concentration of ion. Results TPA decreased the level of serum T-AOC in a dose dependent manner. The contents of serum and bladder MDA significantly decreased in 1% and 5% TPA ingestion groups. Serum CuZn superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) lowered in groups of 0.2%, 1%, and 5% TPA. TPA subchronic feeding had no significant influences on serum TC, LDL or HDL, but increased serum TG, TP and ALB after administration of 0.04% and/or 0.2% TPA. Concentrations of urinary Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, and K+ were elevated in 1% and 5% TPA groups. Conclusion Antioxidative potential decreased after TPA exposure. MDA increase in serum and bladder tissues was one of the most important reactions in rats which could protect themselves against TPA impairment. The decrease of serum CuZnSOD was related to the excretion of Zn2+. Objective To study the effect of terephthalic acid (TPA) on lipid metabolism in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Methods Five groups of SD rats that ingested 0%, 0.04%, 0.2%, 1%, and 5% TPA, respectively, Effects of TPA on levels of serum protein, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), total-antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide Urine samples were collected and analyzed for concentration of ion. Results TPA decreased the level of serum T-AOC in a dose dependent manner. The contents of serum and bladder MDA significantly decreased in 1 Serum CuZn superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) was reduced in groups of 0.2%, 1%, and 5% TPA. TPA subchronic feeding had no significant influences on serum TC, LDL or HDL, but increased serum TG, TP and ALB after administration of 0.04% and / or 0.2% TPA. Concentrations of urinary Conclusions Antioxidative potential decreased after TPA exposure. MDA increase in serum and bladder tissues was one of the most important reactions in rats which could protect themselves against TPA impairment The decrease of serum CuZnSOD was related to the excretion of Zn2 +.