Phthalates, perfluoroalkyl acids, metals and organochlorines and reproductive function: a multipollutant assessment in Greenlandic, Polish and Ukrainian men (original) (raw)
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Serum phthalate levels and time to pregnancy in couples from greenland, poland and ukraine
PloS one, 2015
Phthalates are ubiquitous industrial chemicals that have been associated with altered reproductive function in rodents. Several human studies have reported an inverse association between male testosterone and phthalate levels. Our aim was to investigate time to pregnancy (TTP) according to serum levels of diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and diisononyl phthalate (DiNP) metabolites in both partners. In 2002-2004 we enrolled 938 pregnant women and 401 male spouses from Greenland, Poland and Ukraine. Six oxidized metabolites of DEHP and DiNP were summarized for each of the two parent compounds to provide proxies of the internal exposure. We used Cox discrete-time models to estimate fecundability ratios (FR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for men and women according to their proxy-DEHP or -DiNP serum levels adjusted for a fixed set of covariates. The FR was slightly elevated among women with high levels of DEHP (FR=1.14, 95% CI 1.00;1.30) suggesting a shorter TTP in these women. Th...
Frontiers in endocrinology, 2018
Phthalates are ubiquitous environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals suspected to interfere with developmental androgen action leading to adverse effects on male reproductive function. Prenatal exposure studies in rodents show cryptorchidism, hypospadias and reduced testicular volume (TV), testosterone and anogenital distance in males. It is postulated that there is a developmental window when phthalate exposure has the most potent adverse effects. Some human studies show associations between prenatal phthalate exposure and reduced calculated "free" serum testosterone in infant boys and shorter anogenital distance. However, there are no data available yet which link antenatal exposure to long-term effects in men. We aimed to correlate antenatal phthalate exposure with adult TV, semen parameters and serum reproductive hormone concentrations. 913 men from the Western Australian (Raine) Pregnancy Cohort were contacted aged 20-22 years. 423 (56%) agreed to participate; 404 u...
After briefly discussing human exposure to phthalates—diesters of 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid (phthalic acid)—this article first presents recent findings from the Study for Future Families, a multi-center pregnancy study in which the human analogue of the phthalate syndrome was first identified. This is one of an increasing number of studies that have investigated human endpoints in relation to environmental exposure to these ubiquitous compounds. This literature, which includes a range of human health endpoints following prenatal, neonatal, childhood, and adult exposures, is then summarized. At least one significant association has been reported for urinary metabolites of din -butyl phthalate (DBP), butylbenzyl phthalate (BzBP), diethyl phthlate (DEP), and di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) and for three of the urinary metabolites of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Many of the findings reported in humans—most of which have been in males—are consistent with the anti-androgenic action that has been demonstrated for several phthalates. Replication of the results described here and further mechanistic studies are needed to strengthen links between phthalates and adverse health outcomes.
International journal of environmental research and public health, 2018
Semen quality may be adversely affected by exposure to environmental chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and perfluorinated alkylate substances (PFASs) that are persistent and may act as endocrine disrupting compounds. The aim of this study was to explore whether PCBs or PFASs exposure were associated with abnormalities in semen quality or reproductive hormones in Faroese men. This population based cross-sectional study includes 263 Faroese men (24⁻26 years) who delivered a semen sample for assessment of sperm concentration, total sperm count, semen volume, morphology and motility. A blood sample was drawn and analyzed for reproductive hormones, PCBs and PFASs. Exposure to ∑PCBs and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was positively associated with sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and luteinizing hormone (LH). In addition, total testosterone (T) was positively associated with ∑PCB. Both PCBs and PFOS appear to lead to increased SHBG, perhaps mediated via the liver. Th...
Screening for phthalates biomarkers and its potential role in infertility outcomes in Jordan
Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology
BACKGROUND: Phthalates are endocrine disrupting chemicals that are used in plastic and personal care products. Phthalate exposure has been linked to reproductive and fertility outcomes. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the phthalate exposures using both urinary level of two DEHP metabolites in females and questionnaires. It also aimed to investigate the association between phthalate levels and reproductive and fertility outcomes. METHODS: 325 females with and without fertility problems at gynaecology clinics filled out a questionnaire and provided a urine sample. Urine samples were analyzed for two DEHP metabolites: MEHHP, mono (2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate; MEOHP, mono (2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate, using an HPLC/MS/MS analytical method. RESULTS: We observed a significant difference between cases and controls in terms of heating plastic in the microwave and use of skin and eye make-up, sunscreen, and nail polish. Our findings showed that MEOHP exposure is significantly associated with infertility among Jordanian women (Adjusted OR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.14, 2.40, p-value = 0.002). SIGNIFICANCE: To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first of its kind done in Jordan to screen for phthalate exposure and investigate its association with infertility. Our study demonstrated high exposure of the Jordanian population to DEHP. It confirms the association between DEHP exposure and infertility. IMPACT STATEMENT: We measured phthalates in infertile and fertile women, in a community unaware of phthalate sources or its impacts, and with no regulation limits set. We aimed to increase awareness to environmental exposure to phthalates, emphasize the importance of implementation of public health interventions to control and minimize the effects of phthalate exposure and provide a base for further studies and future research to aid in the formation of policies and guidelines for the manufacturing and use of phthalates.
Fertility and Sterility, 2014
Objective: To assess the relationship between environmental chemicals and couple fecundity or time to pregnancy (TTP). Design: Prospective cohort. Setting: Communities of targeted populations with reported exposure. Patient(s): 501 couples recruited upon discontinuing contraception to become pregnant, 2005-2009. Intervention(s): None. Main Outcome Measure(s): Fecundability odds ratios (FORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) estimated for each partner's chemical concentrations adjusted for age, body mass index, cotinine, creatinine, and research site while accounting for time off contraception. Result(s): Couples completed interviews and anthropometric assessments and provided the urine specimens for quantification of bisphenol A (BPA) and 14 phthalate metabolites, which were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrospray triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer. Women recorded menstruation and pregnancy test results in daily journals. Couples were evaluated until a positive human-chorionic gonadotropin pregnancy test or 12 cycles without pregnancy. Neither female nor male BPA concentration was associated with TTP (FOR 0.98; 95% CI, 0.86, 1.13 and FOR 1.04; 95% CI, 0.91, 1.18, respectively). Men's urinary concentrations of monomethyl, mono-n-butyl, and monobenzyl phthalates were associated with a longer TTP (FOR 0.80; 95% CI, 0.70, 0.93; FOR 0.82, 95% CI, 0.70, 0.97; and FOR 0.77, 95% CI, 0.65 0.92, respectively). Conclusion(s): Select male but not female phthalate exposures were associated with an approximately 20% reduction in fecundity, underscoring the importance of assessing both partners' exposure to minimize erroneous conclusions. (Fertil
Urinary di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP)—Metabolites and male human markers of reproductive function
International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, 2009
Introduction: Phthalates are suspected to act as endocrine modulators in humans and exert reproductive toxicity. The general population is exposed to phthalates through nutrition, consumer products, medications and medical devices. The aim of the present study is to explore whether internal phthalate exposure represented by metabolites of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) can be related to human markers of reproductive function (i.e. semen concentration, motility and morphology). Methods: We recruited 349 men who were part of subfertile couples and were referred for fertility work-up between April 2004 and November 2005. Semen analysis was performed according to recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO). Parameters were dichotomized based on 1999 WHO reference values for sperm concentration (o20 million/ml) and motility (o50% sperm with progressive motility), as well as Tygerberg strict criteria for morphology (o4% normal forms). We analyzed internal DEHP exposure in single spot urine samples by determining its secondary metabolites mono(2-ethyl-5-oxo-hexyl)phthalate (5oxo-MEHP), mono(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl)phthalate (5OH-MEHP) and 5carboxy-mono(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (5cx-MEPP) next to the monoester metabolite mono(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (MEHP). Logistic regression was performed for the three semen parameters (concentration, motility, and normal morphology) to estimate their dependence on the sum of the four DEHP metabolites (DEHP-4) under consideration. Adjustment was performed for age, duration of abstinence, and smoking status. Results: DEHP metabolites of n ¼ 349 men (age: median ¼ 34ys) were analysed. Median concentrations [mg/l] were MEHP (n ¼ 337) 4.35, 5OH-MEHP (n ¼ 341) 12.66, 5oxo-MEHP (n ¼ 341) 9.02, and 5cx-MEPP (n ¼ 292) 14.53. Semen parameters of n ¼ 349 men were analysed by logistic regression. Semen concentration (o20 mio/ml: 35%) or sperm motility (WHO A+B o50% ¼ 20%) were not found to be associated statistically significantly with the sum the DEHP metabolites (DEHP-4). Discussion: Metabolites of DEHP and other phthalates analyzed in urine are very specific for determining recent internal phthalate exposure. According to our evaluation human reproductive parameters from semen analyses do not show significant associations with concentrations of DEHP metabolites determined in spot urine sampled at the day of andrological examination.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
The production of plastic products, which requires phthalate plasticizers, has resulted in the problems for human health, especially that of reproductive health. Phthalate exposure can induce reproductive disorders at various regulatory levels. The aim of this review was to compile the evidence concerning the association between phthalates and reproductive diseases, phthalates-induced reproductive disorders, and their possible endocrine and intracellular mechanisms. Phthalates may induce alterations in puberty, the development of testicular dysgenesis syndrome, cancer, and fertility disorders in both males and females. At the hormonal level, phthalates can modify the release of hypothalamic, pituitary, and peripheral hormones. At the intracellular level, phthalates can interfere with nuclear receptors, membrane receptors, intracellular signaling pathways, and modulate gene expression associated with reproduction. To understand and to treat the adverse effects of phthalates on human ...
International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 2020
Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates are abundantly used endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of single and combined exposures to BPA and/or di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in prenatal and lactational period on rat male reproductive system in later stages of life. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly to four groups (n = 3/group): Control (corn oil); DEHP (30 mg/kg/ day); BPA (50 mg/kg/day); and BPA+ DEHP (30 mg/kg/day DEHP and 50 mg/kg/day BPA). Groups exposed to EDCs through 6-21 gestational days and lactation period by intragastric lavage. Male offspring (n = 6/ group) from each mother were fed till adulthood and were then euthanized. Later, reproductive hormones, sperm parameters, and oxidative stress parameters were determined. In conclusion, we can suggest that prenatal and lactational exposure to BPA and DEHP may cause adverse effects in male reproductive system in later stages of life especially after combined exposure.