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Yu Y, Jia Y, Liu Q, Zhao L, Lin H, Liu Z, Fang T, Jiang W, Cui H, Hou S, Guo L. Prenatal phthalate exposure and birth size: a systematic review and meta-analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 34:2813-2829. [PMID: 37979196 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2023.2275645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Phthalates are common endocrine disruptors. The placental barrier can be crossed by phthalates and may have a negative impact on the health of the fetus. However, the association between prenatal exposure to phthalates and birth size is still debatable. Here, we performed this meta-analysis to assess the relationship between prenatal phthalates exposure and birth size. Eighteen studies were finally included by searching PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Ovid, and Web of Science databases and standardized regression coefficients and standard errors were used to pool effect size. Our results showed that prenatal exposure to MMP (=-0.04, 95%CI: -0.08, -0.01) and MEP (=-0.01, 95%CI: -0.01, -0.002) was significantly associated with birth weight. However, no significant associations were identified for phthalate exposure with birth length, head circumference and chest circumference. Because the limiting of studies, more high-quality case-control studies or cohort studies are urgently needed to draw the best conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Yu
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Fourth Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yaning Jia
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Fourth Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Qisijing Liu
- Research Institute of Public Health, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Fourth Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Wenzhou Safety (Emergency) Institute, Tianjin University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Huishu Lin
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Fourth Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Wenzhou Safety (Emergency) Institute, Tianjin University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ziquan Liu
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Fourth Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Wenzhou Safety (Emergency) Institute, Tianjin University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Tao Fang
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Fourth Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Wenzhou Safety (Emergency) Institute, Tianjin University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wenbing Jiang
- Research Institute of Public Health, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Cardiology, The Dingli Clinical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Huanhuan Cui
- Wenzhou Safety (Emergency) Institute, Tianjin University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shike Hou
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Fourth Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Disaster Medicine Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Liqiong Guo
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Fourth Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Wenzhou Safety (Emergency) Institute, Tianjin University, Wenzhou, China
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Tian X, Qin B, Yang L, Li H, Zhou W. Association of phthalate exposure with reproductive outcomes among infertile couples undergoing in vitro fertilization: A systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:118825. [PMID: 38609072 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Human fertility is impacted by changes in lifestyle and environmental deterioration. To increase human fertility, assisted reproductive technology (ART) has been extensively used around the globe. As early as 2009, the Endocrine Society released its first scientific statement on the potential adverse effects of environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on human health and disease development. Chemicals known as phthalates, frequently employed as plasticizers and additives, are common EDCs. Numerous studies have shown that phthalate metabolites in vivo exert estrogen-like or anti-androgenic effects in both humans and animals. They are associated with the progression of a range of diseases, most notably interference with the reproductive process, damage to the placenta, and the initiation of chronic diseases in adulthood. Phthalates are ingested by infertile couples in a variety of ways, including household products, diet, medical treatment, etc. Exposure to phthalates may exacerbate their infertility or poor ART outcomes, however, the available data on phthalate exposure and ART pregnancy outcomes are sparse and contradictory. Therefore, this review conducted a systematic evaluation of 16 papers related to phthalate exposure and ART pregnancy outcomes, to provide more aggregated results, and deepen our understanding of reproductive outcomes in infertile populations with phthalate exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangming Tian
- Medical Center for Human Reproduction, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Boyi Qin
- Medical Center for Human Reproduction, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Yang
- Medical Center for Human Reproduction, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Huanhuan Li
- Medical Center for Human Reproduction, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenhui Zhou
- Medical Center for Human Reproduction, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
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Hong S, Kang BS, Kim O, Won S, Kim HS, Wie JH, Shin JE, Choi SK, Jo YS, Kim YH, Yang M, Kang H, Lee DW, Park IY, Park JS, Ko HS. The associations between maternal and fetal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and asymmetric fetal growth restriction: a prospective cohort study. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1351786. [PMID: 38665245 PMCID: PMC11043493 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1351786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence has revealed associations between endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and placental insufficiency due to altered placental growth, syncytialization, and trophoblast invasion. However, no epidemiologic study has reported associations between exposure to EDCs and asymmetric fetal growth restriction (FGR) caused by placenta insufficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between EDC exposure and asymmetric FGR. This was a prospective cohort study including women admitted for delivery to the Maternal Fetal Center at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital between October 2021 and October 2022. Maternal urine and cord blood samples were collected, and the levels of bisphenol-A (BPA), monoethyl phthalates, and perfluorooctanoic acid in each specimen were analyzed. We investigated linear and non-linear associations between the levels of EDCs and fetal growth parameters, including the head circumference (HC)/abdominal circumference (AC) ratio as an asymmetric parameter. The levels of EDCs were compared between fetuses with and without asymmetric FGR. Of the EDCs, only the fetal levels of BPA showed a linear association with the HC/AC ratio after adjusting for confounding variables (β = 0.003, p < 0.05). When comparing the normal growth and asymmetric FGR groups, the asymmetric FGR group showed significantly higher maternal and fetal BPA levels compared to the normal growth group (maternal urine BPA, 3.99 μg/g creatinine vs. 1.71 μg/g creatinine [p < 0.05]; cord blood BPA, 1.96 μg/L vs. -0.86 μg/L [p < 0.05]). In conclusion, fetal exposure levels of BPA show linear associations with asymmetric fetal growth patterns. High maternal and fetal exposure to BPA might be associated with asymmetric FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subeen Hong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Soo Kang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Oyoung Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangeun Won
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon Soo Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Ha Wie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Eun Shin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bucheon St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sae Kyung Choi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Incheon St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Sung Jo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Vincent’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon Hee Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Uijeongbu St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mihi Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Goodbeing Center Co. Ltd., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Huiwon Kang
- College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Goodbeing Center Co. Ltd., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Wook Lee
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, Inha University Hospital, Inha University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - In Yang Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joong Shin Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Sun Ko
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Leader J, Mínguez-Alarcón L, Williams PL, Ford JB, Dadd R, Chagnon O, Oken E, Calafat AM, Hauser R, Braun JM. Associations of parental preconception and maternal pregnancy urinary phthalate biomarker and bisphenol-a concentrations with child eating behaviors. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2024; 257:114334. [PMID: 38350281 PMCID: PMC10939723 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eating behaviors are controlled by the neuroendocrine system. Whether endocrine disrupting chemicals have the potential to affect eating behaviors has not been widely studied in humans. We investigated whether maternal and paternal preconception and maternal pregnancy urinary phthalate biomarker and bisphenol-A (BPA) concentrations were associated with children's eating behaviors. METHODS We used data from mother-father-child triads in the Preconception Environmental exposure And Childhood health Effects (PEACE) Study, an ongoing prospective cohort study of children aged 6-13 years whose parent(s) previously enrolled in a fertility clinic-based prospective preconception study. We quantified urinary concentrations of 11 phthalate metabolites and BPA in parents' urine samples collected preconceptionally and during pregnancy. Parents rated children's eating behavior using the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ). Using multivariable linear regression, accounting for correlation among twins, we estimated covariate-adjusted associations of urinary phthalate biomarkers and BPA concentrations with CEBQ subscale scores. RESULTS This analysis included 195 children (30 sets of twins), 160 mothers and 97 fathers; children were predominantly non-Hispanic white (84%) and 53% were male. Paternal and maternal preconception monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP) concentrations and maternal preconception mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP) were positively associated with emotional overeating, food responsiveness, and desire to drink scores in children (β's= 0.11 [95% CI: 0.01, 0.20]-0.21 [95% CI: 0.10, 0.31] per loge unit increase in phthalate biomarker concentration). Paternal preconception BPA concentrations were inversely associated with scores on food approaching scales. Maternal pregnancy MnBP, mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP) and MBzP concentrations were associated with increased emotional undereating scores. Maternal pregnancy monocarboxy-isononyl phthalate concentrations were related to decreased food avoiding subscale scores. CONCLUSIONS In this cohort, higher maternal and paternal preconception urinary concentrations of some phthalate biomarkers were associated with increased food approaching behavior scores and decreased food avoiding behavior scores, which could lead to increased adiposity in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordana Leader
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA.
| | - Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Harvard Medical School & Brigham and Women's Hospital, USA
| | - Paige L Williams
- Departments of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Jennifer B Ford
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Ramace Dadd
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Olivia Chagnon
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Emily Oken
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, USA
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Russ Hauser
- Departments of Environmental Health and Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Joseph M Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
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Ouidir M, Jedynak P, Rolland M, Lyon-Caen S, Thomsen C, Sakhi AK, Sabaredzovic A, Bayat S, Slama R, Philippat C. Analyzing the impact of phthalate and DINCH exposure on fetal growth in a cohort with repeated urine collection. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 186:108584. [PMID: 38513557 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most previous studies investigating the associations between prenatal exposure to phthalates and fetal growth relied on measurements of phthalate metabolites at a single time point. They also focused on weight at birth without assessing growth over pregnancy, preventing the identification of potential periods of fetal vulnerability. We examined the associations between pregnancy urinary phthalate metabolites and fetal growth outcomes measured twice during pregnancy and at birth. METHODS For 484 pregnant women, we assessed 13 phthalate and two 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid, diisononyl ester (DINCH) metabolite concentrations from two within-subject weekly pools of up to 21 urine samples (median of 18 and 34 gestational weeks, respectively). Fetal biparietal diameter, femur length, head and abdominal circumferences were measured during two routine pregnancy follow-up ultrasonographies (median 22 and 32 gestational weeks, respectively) and estimated fetal weight (EFW) was calculated. Newborn weight, length, and head circumference were measured at birth. Associations between phthalate/DINCH metabolite and growth parameters were investigated using adjusted linear regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression models. RESULTS Detection rates were above 99 % for all phthalate/DINCH metabolites. While no association was observed with birth measurements, mono-iso-butyl phthalate (MiBP) and mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP) were positively associated with most fetal growth parameters measured at the second trimester. Specifically, MiBP was positively associated with biparietal diameter, head and abdominal circumferences, while MnBP was positively associated with EFW, head and abdominal circumferences, with stronger associations among males. Pregnancy MnBP was positively associated with biparietal diameter and femur length at third trimester. Mixture of phthalate/DINCH metabolites was positively associated with EFW at second trimester. CONCLUSIONS In this pregnancy cohort using repeated urine samples to assess exposure, MiBP and MnBP were associated with increased fetal growth parameters. Further investigation on the effects of phthalates on child health would be relevant for expanding current knowledge on their long-term effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Ouidir
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, 38000, Grenoble, France.
| | - Paulina Jedynak
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Matthieu Rolland
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Sarah Lyon-Caen
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | | | | | | | - Sam Bayat
- Department of Pulmonology and Physiology, Grenoble University Hospital, La Tronche, France; Synchrotron Radiation for Biomedicine Laboratory (STROBE), Inserm UA07, Grenoble Alpes University, Grenoble, France
| | - Rémy Slama
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Claire Philippat
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, 38000, Grenoble, France
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He X, Xue Q, Li D, Zhang S, Wu N, Li S, Yang Y, Dong Y, Li F, Li P, Wen Y, Pan XF. Association between Biomarkers of Phthalate Exposure and Serum Folate Concentrations in Children: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study of the NHANES from 2011 to 2016. J Nutr 2024:S0022-3166(24)00157-3. [PMID: 38484977 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2024.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although adverse health effects of phthalates have been reported, very few studies have assessed the associations between biomarkers of phthalate exposure and serum folate concentrations in children. OBJECTIVES We aimed to examine the association between urinary phthalate metabolites, as biomarkers of exposure to phthalates, and total serum folate concentrations in children using national data from the United States. METHODS We conducted cross-sectional analyses of 2100 individuals aged 6-18 y enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2011-2016. Multivariable linear regression was applied to examine the relationship between natural logarithm (ln)-transformed urinary phthalate metabolites and serum folate concentrations. The quantile-based g-computation was used to assess the association of urinary phthalate metabolite mixture with serum folate levels. Subgroup analyses were conducted by sex, age, and race/ethnicity, and the interactions were assessed by adding interaction terms of these stratifying variables and phthalates and modeling through the Wald test. RESULTS In multiple linear regression models, for participants in the highest tertile of MEHHP, MEOHP, DEHP, MCPP, and MCOP, total serum folate concentrations were 1.566 [β: -1.566; 95% confidence interval: -2.935, -0.196], 1.423 (-1.423; -2.689, -0.157), 1.309 (-1.309; -2.573, -0.044), 1.530 (-1.530; -2.918, -0.142), and 1.381 (-1.381; -2.641, -0.122) ng/mL lower than those in the lowest tertile. The inverse associations were consistent in different subgroups by sex, age, and race/ethnicity (P for interaction ≥0.083 for all). In addition, the phthalate mixture showed a strong inverse correlation with serum folate; a quartile increase in the phthalate mixture on the ln scale was associated with 0.888 (-0.888; -1.677, -0.099) ng/mL decrease in the serum folate. CONCLUSIONS Higher concentrations of urinary phthalate metabolites were associated with lower serum folate concentrations in children. Although our findings should be validated through additional population and mechanistic studies, they support a potential adverse effect of phthalate exposure on folate metabolism in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingchen He
- Section of Epidemiology and Population Health & Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children & National Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory for Technical Research on Drug Products In Vitro and In Vivo Correlation, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qingping Xue
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Di Li
- Data Science Program, New York University Shanghai, Pudong, Shanghai, China
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- Section of Epidemiology and Population Health & Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children & National Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory for Technical Research on Drug Products In Vitro and In Vivo Correlation, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Nianwei Wu
- Section of Epidemiology and Population Health & Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children & National Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory for Technical Research on Drug Products In Vitro and In Vivo Correlation, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shuo Li
- Section of Epidemiology and Population Health & Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children & National Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory for Technical Research on Drug Products In Vitro and In Vivo Correlation, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yunhaonan Yang
- Section of Epidemiology and Population Health & Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children & National Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory for Technical Research on Drug Products In Vitro and In Vivo Correlation, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yidan Dong
- Section of Epidemiology and Population Health & Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children & National Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory for Technical Research on Drug Products In Vitro and In Vivo Correlation, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fan Li
- Section of Epidemiology and Population Health & Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children & National Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory for Technical Research on Drug Products In Vitro and In Vivo Correlation, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Wen
- Department of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiong-Fei Pan
- Section of Epidemiology and Population Health & Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children & National Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory for Technical Research on Drug Products In Vitro and In Vivo Correlation, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Shuangliu Institute of Women's and Children's Health, Shuangliu Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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7
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Rosen EM, Stevens DR, Ramos AM, McNell EE, Wood ME, Engel SM, Keil AP, Calafat AM, Botelho JC, Sinkovskaya E, Przybylska A, Saade G, Abuhamad A, Ferguson KK. Personal care product use patterns in association with phthalate and replacement biomarkers across pregnancy. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2024:10.1038/s41370-023-00627-w. [PMID: 38177334 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00627-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Humans are exposed to phthalates, a class of non-persistent chemicals, through multiple products, including personal care and cosmetics. Associations between specific phthalates and product use have been inconsistent. However, determining these connections could provide avenues for exposure reduction. OBJECTIVE Examine the association between patterns of personal care product use and associations with phthalate and replacement biomarkers. METHODS In the Human Placenta and Phthalates Study, 303 women were enrolled in early pregnancy and followed for up to 8 visits across gestation. At each visit, women completed a questionnaire about product use in the prior 24 hours and contributed urine samples, subsequently analyzed for 18 phthalate and replacement metabolites. At early, mid-, and late pregnancy, questionnaire responses were condensed and repeated metabolite concentrations were averaged. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to determine groups of women with similar use patterns, and weighted associations between group membership and biomarker concentrations were assessed. RESULTS LCA sorted women into groups which largely corresponded to: (1) low fragranced product use (16-23% of women); (2) fragranced product and low body wash use (22-26%); 3) fragranced product and low bar soap use (26-51%); and (4) low product use (7-34%). Monoethyl phthalate (MEP) urinary concentrations were 7-10% lower and concentrations of summed di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate metabolites were 15-21% lower among women in the "low fragranced product use" group compared to the population mean. Few other consistent associations between group and biomarker concentrations were noted. IMPACT STATEMENT Personal care products and cosmetics are a known exposure source for phthalates and potentially represent one of the most accessible intervention targets for exposure reduction. However, in this analysis accounting for concurrent use and fragranced status of products, we did not find any use patterns that corresponded to universally lower levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma M Rosen
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Danielle R Stevens
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Amanda M Ramos
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Erin E McNell
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Mollie E Wood
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Stephanie M Engel
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Alexander P Keil
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Julianne Cook Botelho
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Elena Sinkovskaya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Ann Przybylska
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - George Saade
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Alfred Abuhamad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Kelly K Ferguson
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, USA.
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Rosen EM, Stevens DR, McNell EE, Wood ME, Engel SM, Keil AP, Calafat AM, Botelho JC, Sinkovskaya E, Przybylska A, Saade G, Abuhamad A, Ferguson KK. Variability and Longitudinal Trajectories of Phthalate and Replacement Biomarkers across Pregnancy in the Human Placenta and Phthalates Study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:13036-13046. [PMID: 37607343 PMCID: PMC10513743 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c04043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Human exposure to phthalates is widespread, but assessment of variability across pregnancy has been hampered by short half-lives of phthalate biomarkers and a few repeated measures in prior studies. We aimed to characterize the variability and longitudinal profiles of phthalate and replacement biomarkers across pregnancy. Within the Human Placenta and Phthalates Study, 303 pregnant women provided urine samples at up to 8 visits across gestation. Concentrations of 14 metabolites of phthalates and 4 metabolites of replacements were quantified in each sample, and subject-specific averages within each trimester were calculated. We examined variability in individual biomarker concentrations across the 8 visits, within trimesters, and across trimester-specific averages using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). To explore longitudinal exposure biomarker profiles, we applied group-based trajectory modeling to trimester-specific averages over pregnancy. Pooling multiple visits into trimester-specific averages improved the ICCs for all biomarkers. Most biomarkers generally showed stable concentrations across gestation, i.e., high-, medium-, and low-concentration profiles, with small proportions of participants falling into the "high"-exposure groups. Variability over pregnancy is likely attributable to random fluctuations around a baseline exposure rather than true changes in concentrations over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma M. Rosen
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina 27709, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Danielle R. Stevens
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina 27709, USA
| | - Erin E. McNell
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina 27709, USA
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Mollie E. Wood
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Stephanie M. Engel
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Alexander P. Keil
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, USA
| | - Julianne Cook Botelho
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, USA
| | - Elena Sinkovskaya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23507, USA
| | - Ann Przybylska
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23507, USA
| | - George Saade
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23507, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, USA
| | - Alfred Abuhamad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23507, USA
| | - Kelly K. Ferguson
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina 27709, USA
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9
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Jin S, Cui S, Xu J, Zhang X. Associations between prenatal exposure to phthalates and birth weight: A meta-analysis study. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 262:115207. [PMID: 37393820 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that phthalates are associated with birth weight. However, most phthalate metabolites have not been fully explored. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to assess the relationship between phthalate exposure and birth weight. We identified original studies that measured phthalate exposure and reported its association with infant birth weight in relevant databases. Regression coefficients (β) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted and analyzed for risk estimation. Fixed-effects (I2 ≤ 50%) or random-effects (I2 > 50%) models were adopted according to their heterogeneity. Overall summary estimates indicated negative associations of prenatal exposure to mono-n-butyl phthalate (pooled β = -11.34 g; 95% CI: -20.98 to -1.70 g) and mono-methyl phthalate (pooled β = -8.78 g; 95% CI: -16.30 to -1.27 g). No statistical association was found between the other less commonly used phthalate metabolites and birth weight. Subgroup analyses indicated that exposure to mono-n-butyl phthalate was associated with birth weight in females (β = -10.74 g; 95% CI: -18.70 to -2.79 g). Our findings indicate that phthalate exposure might be a risk factor for low birth weight and that this relationship may be sex specific. More research is needed to promote preventive policies regarding the potential health hazards of phthalates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihao Jin
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Road, Tianjin 300070, PR China
| | - Shanshan Cui
- School of Public Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Jinghan Xu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Road, Tianjin 300070, PR China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Road, Tianjin 300070, PR China.
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10
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Zang L, Lv H, Du J, Pan Y, Lin Y, Dai J. Association of phthalate exposure with low birth weight in couples conceiving naturally or via assisted reproductive technology in a prospective birth cohort. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 855:158852. [PMID: 36122707 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have investigated the adverse effects of preconception phthalate (PAE) exposure on birth weight in couples receiving assisted reproductive technology (ART) compared to naturally conceived newborns. OBJECTIVES We examined the association between parental preconception/prenatal urinary phthalate exposure and low birth weight (LBW) risk in couples who conceived using ART or naturally. METHODS From the Jiangsu Birth Cohort Study (China), we recruited 544 couples who conceived after infertility treatment and 940 couples who conceived naturally and gave birth to a singleton infant between November 2014 and December 2019. Seventeen metabolites of phthalate and three metabolites of phthalate alternatives were analyzed in parental spot urine samples. Clinical data were collected from medical records. We used generalized linear models, elastic net regression, Bayesian kernel machine regression, and quantile-based g-computation to examine the individual and joint effects of parental phthalate exposure on birth weight and LBW risk ratios (RR). RESULTS The relationship between parental phthalate exposure and birth weight was consistent between ART and natural conception. Maternal exposure to mono-ethyl phthalate and mono-carboxyisooctyl phthalate was associated with an increased risk of LBW in ART-conceived infants (RR = 1.27; 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.03, 1.56; and RR = 1.31; 95 % CI: 1.03, 1.67, respectively). In contrast, in the spontaneously conceived infants, higher paternal prenatal concentrations of mono-benzyl phthalate and mono-carboxyisononyl phthalate were associated with a 40 % and 53 % increase in LBW risk, respectively. Exposure to PAE mixtures was associated with LBW in ART-conceived infants, with the effects primarily driven by di-ethyl phthalate, benzylbutyl phthalate, and di-isononyl phthalate metabolites. Sex-specific LBW was observed, with females appearing to be more susceptible than males. CONCLUSIONS Maternal preconception and paternal prenatal exposure to phthalates were associated with increased risk of LBW in infants. Compared with natural conception, ART-conceived fetuses were more sensitive to PAE mixtures, which requires further attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hong Lv
- State Keey Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (Suzhou Centre), Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Jiangbo Du
- State Keey Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yitao Pan
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China; State Keey Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yuan Lin
- State Keey Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (Suzhou Centre), Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou 215006, China.
| | - Jiayin Dai
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China; State Keey Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
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Batra V, Norman E, Morgan HL, Watkins AJ. Parental Programming of Offspring Health: The Intricate Interplay between Diet, Environment, Reproduction and Development. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091289. [PMID: 36139133 PMCID: PMC9496505 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
As adults, our health can be influenced by a range of lifestyle and environmental factors, increasing the risk for developing a series of non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Over the past few decades, our understanding of how our adult health can be shaped by events occurring before birth has developed into a well-supported concept, the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD). Supported by epidemiological data and experimental studies, specific mechanisms have been defined linking environmental perturbations, disrupted fetal and neonatal development and adult ill-health. Originally, such studies focused on the significance of poor maternal health during pregnancy. However, the role of the father in directing the development and well-being of his offspring has come into recent focus. Whereas these studies identify the individual role of each parent in shaping the long-term health of their offspring, few studies have explored the combined influences of both parents on offspring well-being. Such understanding is necessary as parental influences on offspring development extend beyond the direct genetic contributions from the sperm and oocyte. This article reviews our current understanding of the parental contribution to offspring health, exploring some of the mechanisms linking parental well-being with gamete quality, embryo development and offspring health.
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12
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Welch BM, Keil AP, Buckley JP, Calafat AM, Christenbury KE, Engel SM, O'Brien KM, Rosen EM, James-Todd T, Zota AR, Ferguson KK. Associations Between Prenatal Urinary Biomarkers of Phthalate Exposure and Preterm Birth: A Pooled Study of 16 US Cohorts. JAMA Pediatr 2022; 176:895-905. [PMID: 35816333 PMCID: PMC9274448 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.2252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Importance Phthalate exposure is widespread among pregnant women and may be a risk factor for preterm birth. Objective To investigate the prospective association between urinary biomarkers of phthalates in pregnancy and preterm birth among individuals living in the US. Design, Setting, and Participants Individual-level data were pooled from 16 preconception and pregnancy studies conducted in the US. Pregnant individuals who delivered between 1983 and 2018 and provided 1 or more urine samples during pregnancy were included. Exposures Urinary phthalate metabolites were quantified as biomarkers of phthalate exposure. Concentrations of 11 phthalate metabolites were standardized for urine dilution and mean repeated measurements across pregnancy were calculated. Main Outcomes and Measures Logistic regression models were used to examine the association between each phthalate metabolite with the odds of preterm birth, defined as less than 37 weeks of gestation at delivery (n = 539). Models pooled data using fixed effects and adjusted for maternal age, race and ethnicity, education, and prepregnancy body mass index. The association between the overall mixture of phthalate metabolites and preterm birth was also examined with logistic regression. G-computation, which requires certain assumptions to be considered causal, was used to estimate the association with hypothetical interventions to reduce the mixture concentrations on preterm birth. Results The final analytic sample included 6045 participants (mean [SD] age, 29.1 [6.1] years). Overall, 802 individuals (13.3%) were Black, 2323 (38.4%) were Hispanic/Latina, 2576 (42.6%) were White, and 328 (5.4%) had other race and ethnicity (including American Indian/Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, >1 racial identity, or reported as other). Most phthalate metabolites were detected in more than 96% of participants. Higher odds of preterm birth, ranging from 12% to 16%, were observed in association with an interquartile range increase in urinary concentrations of mono-n-butyl phthalate (odds ratio [OR], 1.12 [95% CI, 0.98-1.27]), mono-isobutyl phthalate (OR, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.00-1.34]), mono(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (OR, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.00-1.34]), and mono(3-carboxypropyl) phthalate (OR, 1.14 [95% CI, 1.01-1.29]). Among approximately 90 preterm births per 1000 live births in this study population, hypothetical interventions to reduce the mixture of phthalate metabolite levels by 10%, 30%, and 50% were estimated to prevent 1.8 (95% CI, 0.5-3.1), 5.9 (95% CI, 1.7-9.9), and 11.1 (95% CI, 3.6-18.3) preterm births, respectively. Conclusions and Relevance Results from this large US study population suggest that phthalate exposure during pregnancy may be a preventable risk factor for preterm delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barrett M. Welch
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | - Jessie P. Buckley
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Kate E. Christenbury
- Social & Scientific Systems, Inc, a DLH Holdings Company, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | | | - Katie M. O'Brien
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Emma M. Rosen
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill
| | | | - Ami R. Zota
- Milken School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Kelly K. Ferguson
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, North Carolina
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Zhang Y, Mustieles V, Williams PL, Souter I, Calafat AM, Demokritou M, Lee A, Vagios S, Hauser R, Messerlian C. Association of preconception mixtures of phenol and phthalate metabolites with birthweight among subfertile couples. Environ Epidemiol 2022; 6:e222. [PMID: 36249269 PMCID: PMC9555928 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Although parental preconception exposure to some phenols and phthalates have been associated with reduced birthweight, few studies have examined these chemicals as complex mixtures.
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14
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Yao Q, Gao Y, Zhang Y, Qin K, Liew Z, Tian Y. Associations of paternal and maternal per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances exposure with cord serum reproductive hormones, placental steroidogenic enzyme and birth weight. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 285:131521. [PMID: 34273704 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure has been associated with placental function and fetal growth measures. However, few studies have simultaneously investigated paternal and maternal exposure effects. OBJECTIVES We evaluated the associations of paternal or maternal PFAS levels with placental function and fetal growth measures. METHODS We studied six PFAS measured in matched parental serums collected within 3 days before delivery in a birth cohort from LaiZhouWan, China. Outcomes evaluated include cord serum estradiol (n = 351), testosterone (n = 349), placental P450aromatase (n = 125), and birth weight (n = 369). Multiple linear regression was applied to estimate the associations for these outcomes according to paternal or maternal PFAS level after adjusting for socio-demographic confounders. Co-adjustment analysis of both paternal and maternal PFAS in the same model was performed. RESULTS Maternal and paternal PFAS levels were correlated (Spearman's r = 0.23-0.45). Maternal PFAS were associated with increased estradiol (e.g. , PFOA β = 0.03, 95%CI: 0.00, 0.07), testosterone (e.g. , PFUA β = 0.14, 95%CI: 0.00, 0.27), and P450aromatase (e.g. , PFOA β = 0.13, 95%CI: 0.04, 0.22). Maternal PFAS were also associated with a lower mean of birth weight but the estimated 95% CI included the null. Paternal PFAS were not associated with any of the outcomes evaluated. CONCLUSIONS Several maternal PFAS were associated with fetal steroid hormones and placental enzymes. Despite a correlation of PFAS level within the couples, no association was found for paternal PFAS exposure on these outcomes. The findings suggest the intrauterine PFAS exposure effect on fetal endocrine hormones and growth is unlikely to be confounded by exposure sources or familial factors shared within the couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Yao
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yu Gao
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Kaili Qin
- Institute of Inspection and Supervision, Shanghai Municipal Health Commission, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Zeyan Liew
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, 06510, USA; Yale Center for Perinatal, Pediatric and Environmental Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, 06510, USA.
| | - Ying Tian
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China; MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xin Hua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200093, China.
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15
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Mesquita I, Lorigo M, Cairrao E. Update about the disrupting-effects of phthalates on the human reproductive system. Mol Reprod Dev 2021; 88:650-672. [PMID: 34617353 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Phthalate esters are synthetic chemicals used in the plastic industry as plasticizers and consumable products. According to United Nations, about 400 million tons of plastic are produced every year. In parallel with increased production, the concerns about its effects on human health have increased because phthalates are endocrine-disrupting compounds. Humans are continuously exposed to phthalates through different routes of exposure. Experimental data have associated the phthalates exposure to adverse effects on development and reproduction in women (e.g., earlier puberty, primary ovarian insufficiency, endometriosis, preterm birth, or in vitro fertilization) and men (e.g., anogenital distance, cryptorchidism, hypospadias, and changes in adult reproductive function) although there is no consensus. Therefore, one question arises: could the increase in infertility be related to phthalates exposure? To answer this question, we aimed to assess the disrupting-effects of phthalates on the human reproductive system. For this, we reviewed the current literature based on epidemiological and experimental data and experimental studies in humans. The phthalate effects were discussed in a separate mode for female and male reproductive systems. In summary, phthalates induce toxicity in the reproductive system and human development. The increased plastic production may be related to the increase in human infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Mesquita
- CHUCB, University Hospital Centre of Cova da Beira, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Margarida Lorigo
- FCS-UBI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.,CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Elisa Cairrao
- FCS-UBI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.,CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
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16
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Zhang Y, Mustieles V, Williams PL, Wylie BJ, Souter I, Calafat AM, Demokritou M, Lee A, Vagios S, Hauser R, Messerlian C. Parental preconception exposure to phenol and phthalate mixtures and the risk of preterm birth. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 151:106440. [PMID: 33640694 PMCID: PMC8488320 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parental preconception exposure to select phenols and phthalates was previously associated with increased risk of preterm birth in single chemical analyses. However, the joint effect of phenol and phthalate mixtures on preterm birth is unknown. METHODS We included 384 female and 211 male (203 couples) participants seeking infertility treatment in the Environment and Reproductive Health (EARTH) Study who gave birth to 384 singleton infants between 2005 and 2018. Mean preconception urinary concentrations of bisphenol A (BPA), parabens, and eleven phthalate biomarkers, including di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) metabolites, were examined. We used principal component analysis (PCA) with log-Poisson regression and Probit Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) with hierarchical variable selection to examine maternal and paternal phenol and phthalate mixtures in relation to preterm birth. Couple-based BKMR model was fit to assess couples' joint mixtures in relation to preterm birth. RESULTS PCA identified the same four factors for maternal and paternal preconception mixtures. Each unit increase in PCA scores of maternal (adjusted Risk Ratio (aRR): 1.36, 95%CI: 1.00, 1.84) and paternal (aRR: 1.47, 95%CI: 0.90, 2.42) preconception DEHP-BPA factor was positively associated with preterm birth. Maternal and paternal BKMR models consistently presented the DEHP-BPA factor with the highest group Posterior Inclusion Probability (PIP). BKMR models further showed that maternal preconception BPA and mono(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate, and paternal preconception mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate were positively associated with preterm birth when the remaining mixture components were held at their median concentrations. Couple-based BKMR models showed a similar relative contribution of paternal (PIP: 61%) and maternal (PIP: 77%) preconception mixtures on preterm birth. We found a positive joint effect on preterm birth across increasing quantiles of couples' total mixture concentrations. CONCLUSION In this prospective cohort of subfertile couples, maternal BPA and DEHP, and paternal DEHP exposure before conception were positively associated with preterm birth. Both parental windows jointly contributed to the outcome. These results suggest that preterm birth may be a couple-based pregnancy outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vicente Mustieles
- University of Granada, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria Ibs GRANADA, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 18100, Spain
| | - Paige L Williams
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Blair J Wylie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Irene Souter
- Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Melina Demokritou
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexandria Lee
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stylianos Vagios
- Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Russ Hauser
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carmen Messerlian
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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17
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Wu LJ, Teng XM, Yao YC, Liu C, Du YY, Deng TR, Yuan XQ, Zeng Q, Li YF, Guo N. Maternal preconception phthalate metabolite concentrations in follicular fluid and neonatal birth weight conceived by women undergoing in vitro fertilization. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 267:115584. [PMID: 33254621 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to phthalates during gestation has been associated with decreased birth weight among offspring. However, the associations between preconception phthalate metabolites in follicular fluid (FF) and offspring birth weight among women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) remain largely unknown. Here, we explored the associations between preconception phthalate metabolite concentrations in FF and the birth weights of singletons and twins among women undergoing IVF. We recruited 147 female participants who gave birth to 90 singletons and 57 twin infants at the Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Wuhan, between November and December 2016. Each participant was asked to complete a questionnaire at the time of recruitment and provide a FF sample on the day of oocyte retrieval. The FF concentrations of eight phthalate metabolites were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Birth outcomes were abstracted from medical records. The associations between phthalate metabolites in FF and birth weights of the singleton and twin groups were evaluated using generalized linear models (GLMs). We found that birth weight in the twin group had negative dose-response associations with maternal preconception monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP) and mono(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP) in FF (both P for trends < 0.05) and that birth weight in the singleton group had positive dose-response associations with monoethyl phthalate (MEP) and mono(2-ethyl-5 hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) in FF (both P for trends < 0.05). These associations persisted when we modeled as continuous variables. In addition, we observed male-specific association between decreased twin birth weight and MEOHP and MBzP and a female-specific associations between increased singleton birth weight and MEP, MEHHP and the sum of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (∑DEHP) (all P for interactions < 0.05). Preconception phthalate metabolites in maternal FF may affect the birth weights of both singleton and twin newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Jing Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Xue-Mei Teng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yang-Cheng Yao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Chong Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, And State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yao-Yao Du
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Tao-Ran Deng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Xiao-Qiong Yuan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Qiang Zeng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, And State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yu-Feng Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Na Guo
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China.
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18
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Abstract
In recent years, a new focus of the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease hypothesis has emerged examining the potential role that paternal health may play in embryo development, fetal growth and long-term offspring health. While the association between male health and sperm quality has been studied in detail, our understanding of the long-term paternal effects on offspring health remains limited. As with studies aimed at understanding maternal programming, animal models are an essential tool with which to define the underlying mechanisms linking paternal health to post-fertilisation development and offspring well-being. Here, new insights into the genetic and epigenetic nature of the sperm, as well as the role seminal plasma plays in modulating the maternal reproductive environment, are demonstrating the significant role a father's wellbeing at the time of conception has for programming the health of his offspring. In this article we will outline the current understanding of the impact of male health on semen quality, reproductive fitness and post-fertilisation offspring development and explore the mechanisms underlying the paternal programming of offspring health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Watkins
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
| | - Eleonora Rubini
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Elizabeth D Hosier
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Hannah L Morgan
- Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
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19
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Segal TR, Giudice LC. Before the beginning: environmental exposures and reproductive and obstetrical outcomes. Fertil Steril 2020; 112:613-621. [PMID: 31561863 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
There is growing consensus that preconception exposure to environmental toxins can adversely affect fertility, pregnancy, and fetal development, which may persist into the neonatal and adult periods and potentially have multigenerational effects. Here we review current data on preconception and prenatal exposure to several chemicals, including heavy metals, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, pesticides, and air pollution, and their associated obstetrical and reproductive health effects. Reproductive endocrinologists and affiliated health care providers have a unique opportunity to counsel patients before they get pregnant to minimize exposure to hazardous chemicals with the goal to improve reproductive outcomes and assure a healthy lifestyle overall. We provide practical tools and some publicly available resources for reproductive health professionals to assess a patient's risks and ways to reduce chemical and air pollution exposures during the critical preconception and prenatal periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thalia R Segal
- Center for Reproductive Health, University of California, San Francisco, California.
| | - Linda C Giudice
- Center for Reproductive Health, University of California, San Francisco, California
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20
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Zhang Y, Mustieles V, Yland J, Braun JM, Williams PL, Attaman JA, Ford JB, Calafat AM, Hauser R, Messerlian C. Association of Parental Preconception Exposure to Phthalates and Phthalate Substitutes With Preterm Birth. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e202159. [PMID: 32259265 PMCID: PMC7139277 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.2159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Although phthalate exposure during pregnancy has been associated with preterm birth, the association of preconception exposure in either parent with preterm birth constitutes a knowledge gap. OBJECTIVE To examine the association of paternal and maternal preconception urinary concentrations of biomarkers of phthalates and phthalate substitutes with singleton preterm birth. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This study, conducted at an academic fertility center in Boston, Massachusetts, included a prospective preconception cohort of subfertile couples comprising 419 mothers and 229 fathers and their 420 live-born singleton offspring born between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2018. Statistical analysis was performed from August 1 to October 31, 2019. EXPOSURES Urinary concentrations of metabolites of phthalates and phthalate substitutes obtained before conception. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Gestational age was abstracted from delivery records and validated using the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines for births after medically assisted reproduction. The risk ratio (RR) of preterm birth (live birth before 37 completed weeks' gestation) was estimated in association with urinary concentrations of 11 individual phthalate metabolites, the molar sum of 4 di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (ΣDEHP) metabolites, and 2 metabolites of 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINCH, a nonphthalate plasticizer substitute) using modified Poisson regression models adjusted for covariates. RESULTS The mean (SD) age of the 419 mothers was 34.7 (4.0) years, the mean (SD) age of the 229 fathers was 36.0 (4.5) years, and the mean (SD) gestational age of the 420 singleton children (217 boys) was 39.3 (1.7) weeks, with 34 (8%) born preterm. In adjusted models, maternal preconception ΣDEHP concentrations (RR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.09-2.06; P = .01) and cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic acid monohydroxy isononyl ester (MHiNCH, a metabolite of DINCH) concentrations (RR, 1.70; 95% CI, 0.89-3.24; P = .11) were associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. After additional adjustment for prenatal ΣDEHP or MHiNCH concentrations, the association of maternal preconception exposure to ΣDEHP and preterm birth remained robust (RR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.17-2.44; P = .006), while the association of maternal preconception exposure to MHiNCH and preterm birth was attenuated (RR, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.49-2.81; P = .72). The remaining urinary metabolites examined in either parent showed no association with preterm birth. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this prospective cohort of subfertile couples, maternal preconception exposure to ΣDEHP metabolites was associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. The results suggest that female exposure to select phthalate plasticizers during the preconception period may be a potential risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes, which may need to be considered in preconception care strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- School of Health Humanities, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Vicente Mustieles
- University of Granada, Center for Biomedical Research, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria Ibs Granada, Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Granada, Spain
| | - Jennifer Yland
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Joseph M. Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Paige L. Williams
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jill A. Attaman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Boston
| | - Jennifer B. Ford
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Antonia M. Calafat
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Russ Hauser
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Boston
| | - Carmen Messerlian
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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21
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Li J, Xia W, Wu C, Zhao H, Zhou Y, Wei J, Ji F, Luan H, Xu S, Cai Z. Variations of phthalate exposure and metabolism over three trimesters. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 251:137-145. [PMID: 31078085 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.04.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Maternal exposure to phthalates may cause some adverse health effects on both mother and fetus, but variations of phthalate exposure and metabolism during pregnancy have not been thoroughly characterized. A total of 946 participants were selected from a cohort study conducted in Wuhan between 2014 and 2015 through which they had provided a complete set of urine samples at three trimesters. Eight phthalate metabolites were analyzed in 2838 urine samples. Based on urinary concentrations, various parameters (i.e. phthalate metabolite concentrations, ratios of metabolites of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in DEHP, and percentages of individual metabolites in total phthalates) were compared over three visits. We observed that levels of phthalate metabolites showed a U-shaped trend across three trimesters. The significant variations in the ratios of DEHP metabolites indicated that the efficiency in metabolizing DEHP declined during pregnancy and less recent exposure occurred in mid-pregnancy. The changes of percentages of individual compound in total phthalates suggested the inconsistent pattern over trimesters. This longitudinal study found that the exposure pattern, exposure timing and metabolic susceptibility varied by trimesters, which suggests that urine samples should be collected at multiple time points and mothers should be especially careful in the early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiufeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wei Xia
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chuansha Wu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongzhi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yanqiu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Juntong Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Fenfen Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hemi Luan
- SUSTech Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088, Xueyuan Rd, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shunqing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zongwei Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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22
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Baken KA, Lambrechts N, Remy S, Mustieles V, Rodríguez-Carrillo A, Neophytou CM, Olea N, Schoeters G. A strategy to validate a selection of human effect biomarkers using adverse outcome pathways: Proof of concept for phthalates and reproductive effects. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 175:235-256. [PMID: 31146096 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Human biomonitoring measures the concentrations of environmental chemicals or their metabolites in body fluids or tissues. Complementing exposure biomarkers with mechanistically based effect biomarkers may further elucidate causal pathways between chemical exposure and adverse health outcomes. We combined information on effect biomarkers previously implemented in human observational studies with mechanisms of action reported in experimental studies and with information from published Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs), focusing on adverse reproductive effects of phthalate exposure. Phthalates constitute a group of chemicals that are ubiquitous in consumer products and have been related to a wide range of adverse health effects. As a result of a comprehensive literature search, we present an overview of effect biomarkers for reproductive toxicity that are substantiated by mechanistic information. The activation of several receptors, such as PPARα, PPARγ, and GR, may initiate events leading to impaired male and female fertility as well as other adverse effects of phthalate exposure. Therefore, these receptors appear as promising targets for the development of novel effect biomarkers. The proposed strategy connects the fields of epidemiology and toxicology and may strengthen the weight of evidence in observational studies that link chemical exposures to health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten A Baken
- Unit Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO NV), Mol, Belgium.
| | - Nathalie Lambrechts
- Unit Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO NV), Mol, Belgium
| | - Sylvie Remy
- Unit Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO NV), Mol, Belgium; Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Vicente Mustieles
- Biosanitary Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), University Hospitals of Granada, Granada, Spain; Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
| | | | - Christiana M Neophytou
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Nicolas Olea
- Biosanitary Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), University Hospitals of Granada, Granada, Spain; Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Greet Schoeters
- Unit Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO NV), Mol, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Environmental Medicine, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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23
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Kamai EM, McElrath TF, Ferguson KK. Fetal growth in environmental epidemiology: mechanisms, limitations, and a review of associations with biomarkers of non-persistent chemical exposures during pregnancy. Environ Health 2019; 18:43. [PMID: 31068204 PMCID: PMC6505101 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-019-0480-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-persistent chemicals, such as phthalates, environmental phenols, organophosphate pesticides, and others, are challenging to study because of their ubiquity in the environment, diverse exposure routes, and high temporal variability of biomarkers. Nonetheless, there is interest in understanding how gestational exposure to these chemicals may affect fetal growth, as perturbations to normal fetal growth are related to a plethora of adverse health outcomes in childhood and adulthood. METHODS The purpose of this review is to describe the state of the science on this topic. We searched PubMed for studies that included both 1) biomarkers of non-persistent chemicals collected during pregnancy and 2) fetal growth outcomes measured at birth (e.g., birth weight) or by ultrasound in utero (e.g., estimated fetal weight). RESULTS The bulk of the literature we found uses biomarkers measured at a single time point in pregnancy and birth weight as the primary measure of fetal growth. There is a small, but growing, body of research that uses ultrasound measures to assess fetal growth during pregnancy. In addition to summarizing the findings of the publications we identified, we describe inconsistencies in methodology, areas for improvement, and gaps in existing knowledge that can be targeted for improvement in future work. This literature is characterized by variability in methodology, likely contributing to the inconsistency of results reported. We further discuss maternal, placental, and fetal pathways by which these classes of chemicals may affect fetal growth. CONCLUSIONS To improve understanding of how everyday chemical exposures affect fetal growth, and ultimately lifelong health outcomes, mechanisms of toxicant action should be considered alongside improved study designs for future hypothesis-driven research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M. Kamai
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, 2101 McGavran-Greenberg Hall, CB #7435, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Thomas F. McElrath
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Kelly K. Ferguson
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 USA
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24
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Al-Saleh I, Coskun S, Al-Doush I, Al-Rajudi T, Abduljabbar M, Al-Rouqi R, Al-Hassan S. The extent and predictors of phthalate exposure among couples undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2019; 191:316. [PMID: 31041540 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-019-7474-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Phthalates are chemicals used as plasticizers and solvents in many consumer products but are suspected of disrupting the endocrine system and are known for their reproductive/developmental health risks. This study examined the extent and predictors of phthalate exposure among 599 couples undergoing in vitro fertilization. A questionnaire was administered to obtain sociodemographic, health, and lifestyle data, and two spot urine samples were collected from the couples to analyze eight phthalate metabolites, cotinine (COT) as a smoking index, and creatinine to adjust for urine dilution. Seven phthalate metabolites were detected in > 94% of the urine samples, and monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP) was found in 24% of the women and 26% of their male partners. Median phthalate levels were highest for monoethyl phthalate (MEP), at 333.26 μg/l in women and 290 μg/l in male partners, and lowest for MBzP, at 1.17 μg/l in women and 1.14 μg/l in male partners. Correlation coefficients of ≥ 0.4 between the women and their male partners for the eight urinary phthalate metabolites may indicate a shared source of exposure. A multivariate regression model was used to assess the association between predictors and each urinary phthalate metabolite. Several potential predictors for the variations in specific urinary phthalate metabolites were identified, including the body mass index, age, socioeconomic status, and regional distribution for both women and their male partners but with slightly different patterns. Women with a history of breastfeeding, using bottled water for cooking and storing food in plastic bags had lower MEP (8.7%), mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP) (9.2%), and both mono-iso-butyl phthalate and MECPP (8.2 and 8.1%). A history of contraceptive use was associated with an increase in MECPP (8.7%), mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (11.4%), mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (7.6%), and the molar sum of bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate metabolites (8.9%). Urinary COT levels were associated with an increase of 10-16% in all urinary metabolites in women but of only 10.5% in mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in male partners. More than 95% of the couples reported the use of cosmetics, perfumes, and personal-care products, but we were not able to find associations with urinary phthalate metabolites, perhaps due to their short half-lives. MEP levels associated with the use of household cleaning products were 11.2% higher in male partners. Our levels were generally higher than those reported elsewhere, perhaps due to different lifestyles, cultural practices, dietary habits, use of personal-care products, and governmental legislation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Al-Saleh
- Environmental Health Program, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Serdar Coskun
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Inaam Al-Doush
- Environmental Health Program, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tahreer Al-Rajudi
- Environmental Health Program, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mai Abduljabbar
- Environmental Health Program, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem Al-Rouqi
- Environmental Health Program, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saad Al-Hassan
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
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25
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Al-Saleh I, Coskun S, Al-Doush I, Al-Rajudi T, Al-Rouqi R, Abduljabbar M, Al-Hassan S. Exposure to phthalates in couples undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment and its association with oxidative stress and DNA damage. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 169:396-408. [PMID: 30529141 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This prospective study of 599 couples seeking fertility treatment and who were recruited between 2015 and 2017 was conducted to (a) explore the associations between phthalate exposure and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes; and (b) examine the implication of oxidative stress as a mediator of these. We measured eight phthalate metabolites in two spot urine samples; oxidative stress biomarkers such as malondialdehyde, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, hydrogen peroxide, catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity in follicular fluid and seminal plasma. We also examined DNA damage in sperm and granulosa cells. Couples were exposed to a broad range of phthalate compounds and seven metabolites were detected in over 94% of the urine samples, whereas monobenzyl phthalate was found in only 24% of women and 26% of men. Our results showed high levels of seven urinary phthalate metabolites (except monobenzyl phthalate) and a notable increase in many oxidative stress markers in both follicular fluid and seminal plasma. However, their associations with exposure were rather limited. Multivariate binomial regression modeling showed higher levels of follicular CAT levels reduced the probability of fertilization rate (≤ 50%) [Adjusted relative risk (RRadj) = 0.52, p = 0.005] and unsuccessful live birth (RRadj = 0.592, p = 0.023). We observed a 46% decrease in the probability of clinical pregnancy in association with an elevated percentage of DNA in the tail (RRadj = 0.536, p = 0.04). There was a 32% and 22% increase in the probability of clinical pregnancy and unsuccessful live birth associated with higher levels of mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (RRadj = 1.32, p = 0.049) and monoethyl phthalate (RRadj = 1.22, p = 0.032) in women, respectively. In contrast, the probability of clinical pregnancy reduced by 20% with higher levels of mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (RRadj = 0.797, p = 0.037) and 19.6% with mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP) (RRadj = 0.804, p = 0.041) in men. Other oxidative stress biomarkers or urinary phthalate metabolites showed suggestive relationships with certain IVF outcomes. Lastly, our results demonstrated that elevated levels of CAT in follicular fluid might have a positive impact on fertilization rate ≥ 50% and successful live birth. CAT seems to play a potential role in mediating the relationship between the risk of poor fertilization rate and MEOHP and mono-isobutyl phthalate. Additional data are required to understand the clinical implications of oxidative stress and its contribution to the reproductive toxicity of phthalate exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Al-Saleh
- Environmental Health Program, Research Centre, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Serdar Coskun
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Inaam Al-Doush
- Environmental Health Program, Research Centre, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tahreer Al-Rajudi
- Environmental Health Program, Research Centre, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem Al-Rouqi
- Environmental Health Program, Research Centre, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mai Abduljabbar
- Environmental Health Program, Research Centre, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saad Al-Hassan
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
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Mustieles V, Mínguez-Alarcón L, Christou G, Ford JB, Dimitriadis I, Hauser R, Souter I, Messerlian C. Placental weight in relation to maternal and paternal preconception and prenatal urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations among subfertile couples. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 169:272-279. [PMID: 30497002 PMCID: PMC6347561 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Phthalates are known reproductive toxicants that reduce placental and fetal weight in experimental animal studies. Although phthalate exposure has been associated with reduced birth weight in humans, there is limited epidemiologic evidence on whether the placenta is also affected. OBJECTIVE To assess whether maternal and paternal preconception and prenatal urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations are associated with placental weight, and the birth weight: placental weight (BW:PW) ratio among singletons conceived by subfertile couples. METHODS The present analysis included 132 mothers and 68 fathers, and their corresponding 132 singletons recruited in an academic hospital fertility center in Boston, Massachusetts. Urinary concentrations of eleven phthalate metabolites were measured and averaged in multiple paternal (n = 196) and maternal (n = 596) preconception, and maternal prenatal (n = 328) samples. Placental weight and birth weight (grams) were abstracted from delivery records, and the BW:PW was calculated. We estimated the association of natural log-phthalate metabolite concentrations across windows of exposure with placental weight and the BW:PW ratio using multivariable linear regression models, adjusting for a priori covariates. RESULTS In adjusted models, each log-unit increase in paternal urinary concentrations of the sum of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (ΣDEHP) metabolites was associated with a 24 g (95% CI: -48, -1) decrease in placental weight. We also observed a significant negative association between maternal preconception monoethyl phthalate (MEP) metabolite concentrations and the BW:PW ratio (β = -0.26; 95%CI: -0.49, -0.04). Additionally, each log-unit increase in prenatal MEP metabolite concentrations was associated with a 24 g (95% CI: -41, -7) decrease in placental weight. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that certain paternal and maternal urinary phthalate metabolites may affect placental weight and the BW:PW ratio. However, given the small sample size within a subfertile cohort and the novelty of these findings, more studies are needed to confirm the present results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Mustieles
- Biosanitary Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), University Hospitals of Granada, Spain; Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), 18100, Spain
| | - Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - George Christou
- Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jennifer B Ford
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Irene Dimitriadis
- Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Russ Hauser
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Vincent Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Irene Souter
- Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Carmen Messerlian
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Skarha J, Mínguez-Alarcón L, Williams PL, Korevaar TIM, de Poortere RA, Broeren MAC, Ford JB, Eliot M, Hauser R, Braun JM. Cross-sectional associations between urinary triclosan and serum thyroid function biomarker concentrations in women. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 122:256-262. [PMID: 30477815 PMCID: PMC6317095 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exposure to the antimicrobial agent triclosan is ubiquitous. Research in animals shows that triclosan can cause decreases in thyroxine concentrations. However, the potential effects of triclosan on thyroid function in humans are unclear. OBJECTIVE To estimate the association between urinary triclosan concentrations and serum thyroid function biomarkers in women seeking assisted reproduction treatment in the Environment and Reproductive Health (EARTH) Study. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of 317 women enrolled in the EARTH Study, a prospective preconception cohort that recruits Boston area couples. Using samples collected at study entry, we quantified urinary triclosan and serum thyroid function biomarker concentrations, specifically free and total thyroxine and triiodothyronine, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and thyroid antibodies. We estimated covariate-adjusted differences in thyroid function biomarkers per 10-fold increase in triclosan using linear regression models. We examined effect modification by body mass index (BMI) and infertility diagnosis. RESULTS The median urinary triclosan concentration was 7.8 μg/L (IQR: 3.0-59 μg/L). Each 10-fold increase in triclosan was inversely associated with free triidothyronine (T3) (β: -0.06 pg/mL; 95% CI: -0.1, -0.01), thyroperoxidase antibody (TPOAb) (-10%; 95% CI: -19, -0.4), and thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) (-12%; 95% CI: -23,0.9) concentrations. BMI and infertility diagnosis modified the association of triclosan with free T3 and TPOAb, respectively. CONCLUSION Urinary triclosan concentrations were inversely associated with specific serum thyroid function biomarkers in this cohort, suggesting that triclosan may affect thyroid homeostasis and autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julianne Skarha
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paige L Williams
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tim I M Korevaar
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ralph A de Poortere
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, Máxima Medical Centre, De Run 4600, 5500 MB Veldhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Maarten A C Broeren
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, Máxima Medical Centre, De Run 4600, 5500 MB Veldhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Jennifer B Ford
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Melissa Eliot
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Russ Hauser
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph M Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
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Hart LB, Beckingham B, Wells RS, Alten Flagg M, Wischusen K, Moors A, Kucklick J, Pisarski E, Wirth E. Urinary Phthalate Metabolites in Common Bottlenose Dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus) From Sarasota Bay, FL, USA. GEOHEALTH 2018; 2:313-326. [PMID: 32159004 PMCID: PMC7007154 DOI: 10.1029/2018gh000146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Revised: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Phthalates are chemical additives to common consumer goods including cleaning products, cosmetics, personal care products, and plastic. Because they are not chemically bound to these products and are widely used, the potential for environmental contamination is significant. Phthalates and their metabolites have been associated with endocrine disruption and reproductive impairment, among other adverse health effects, in laboratory animals and human epidemiologic studies. Common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are vulnerable to environmental pollutants due to their apex position in the food chain, long life spans, and habitat overlap with developed coastal areas. The objective of this study was to quantify phthalate metabolite concentrations in urine collected from bottlenose dolphins in Sarasota Bay, Florida, during May 2016 (n = 7) and May 2017 (n = 10). Screening of nine phthalate monoester metabolites in bottlenose dolphin urine was performed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry using methods adapted from those used for analyzing human samples. At least one phthalate metabolite was detected in 71% of the dolphins sampled across both years, with the highest concentrations detected for monoethyl phthalate (MEP; GM = 5.4 ng/ml; 95%CI: 1.3-22.0 ng/ml) and mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP; GM = 1.9 ng/ml; 95%CI: 1.1-3.2 ng/ml). These data demonstrate exposure to two of the most commonly used phthalates in commercial manufacturing, diethyl phthalate (DEP) and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP). This study establishes methods for urinary detection of phthalate metabolites in marine mammals and provides baseline data to address a significant and growing, yet poorly understood, health threat to marine wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie B. Hart
- Department of Health and Human PerformanceCollege of CharlestonCharlestonSCUSA
| | - Barbara Beckingham
- Department of Geology and Environmental GeosciencesCollege of CharlestonCharlestonSCUSA
| | - Randall S. Wells
- Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine LaboratorySarasotaFLUSA
| | - Moriah Alten Flagg
- Department of Health and Human PerformanceCollege of CharlestonCharlestonSCUSA
| | - Kerry Wischusen
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryCollege of CharlestonCharlestonSCUSA
| | - Amanda Moors
- National Institute of Standards and TechnologyCharlestonSCUSA
| | - John Kucklick
- National Institute of Standards and TechnologyCharlestonSCUSA
| | | | - Ed Wirth
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/National Ocean Service/National Center for Coastal Ocean ScienceCharlestonSCUSA
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
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30
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Mustieles V, Williams PL, Fernandez MF, Mínguez-Alarcón L, Ford JB, Calafat AM, Hauser R, Messerlian C. Maternal and paternal preconception exposure to bisphenols and size at birth. Hum Reprod 2018; 33:1528-1537. [PMID: 29982563 PMCID: PMC6070117 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are maternal and paternal preconception urinary bisphenol A (BPA) or bisphenol S (BPS) concentrations associated with offspring birth size? SUMMARY ANSWER Maternal-but not paternal-preconception urinary BPA concentrations were associated with lower birth size among couples seeking fertility evaluation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Prenatal BPA exposure has been previously associated with reduced birth size in some but not all epidemiologic studies. However, the potential effect of BPA exposure before conception in either parent is unknown. Data on BPS is practically absent. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Ongoing prospective preconception cohort of women and men seeking fertility evaluation between 2005 and 2016 in a large fertility center in an academic hospital in Boston, MA, USA. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We examined the association between maternal and paternal preconception, as well as maternal prenatal urinary BPA and BPS concentrations, and size at birth among 346 singletons from couples recruited in the Environment and Reproductive Health (EARTH) Study using multivariable linear regression. Infant birth weight and head circumference were abstracted from delivery records. Mean preconception and prenatal exposures were estimated by averaging urinary ln-BPA and ln-BPS concentrations in multiple maternal and paternal urine samples collected before pregnancy, and maternal pregnancy samples collected in each trimester. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Maternal preconception urinary BPA concentrations were inversely associated with birth weight and head circumference in adjusted models: each ln-unit increase was associated with a decrease in birth weight of 119 g (95% CI: -212, -27), and a head circumference decrease of 0.72 cm (95% CI: -1.3, -0.1). Additional adjustment by gestational age or prenatal BPA exposure modestly attenuated results. Women with higher prenatal BPA concentrations had infants with lower mean birth weight (-75 g, 95% CI: -153, 2) although this did not achieve statistical significance. Paternal preconception urinary BPA concentrations were not associated with either birth weight or head circumference. No consistent patterns emerged for BPS concentrations measured in either parent. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION We observed a strong negative association between maternal-but not paternal-preconception BPA concentrations and offspring birth size among a subfertile population. Although these results are overall consistent with prior studies on prenatal BPA exposure, these findings may not be generalizable to women without fertility concerns. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study suggests that the unexplored maternal preconception period may be a sensitive window for BPA effects on birth outcomes. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Work supported by Grants (ES R01 009718, ES 022955 and ES 000002) from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). C.M. was supported by a post-doctoral fellowship award from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. There are no competing interests to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Mustieles
- Biosanitary Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), University Hospitals of Granada, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Paige L Williams
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mariana F Fernandez
- Biosanitary Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), University Hospitals of Granada, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer B Ford
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Russ Hauser
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
- Vincent Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carmen Messerlian
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
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Messerlian C, Mustieles V, Minguez-Alarcon L, Ford JB, Calafat AM, Souter I, Williams PL, Hauser R. Preconception and prenatal urinary concentrations of phenols and birth size of singleton infants born to mothers and fathers from the Environment and Reproductive Health (EARTH) study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 114:60-68. [PMID: 29477955 PMCID: PMC5899953 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although pregnancy concentrations of some phenols have been associated with infant size at birth, there is limited data on the effect of preconception exposure. OBJECTIVE We aimed to examine paternal and maternal preconception and maternal prenatal urinary phenol concentrations in relation to birth weight and head circumference. METHODS We evaluated 346 singletons born to 346 mothers and 184 fathers (184 couples) from a prospective preconception cohort of subfertile couples from the Environment and Reproductive Health (EARTH) Study in Boston, USA. We used multiple urine samples collected before the index pregnancy in both men and women to estimate mean preconception urinary benzophenone-3, triclosan, butylparaben, propylparaben, methylparaben, or ethylparaben concentrations. We also estimated mean maternal prenatal urinary phenol concentrations by averaging trimester-specific urine samples. Birth weight and head circumference were abstracted from delivery records. We estimated the association of natural log-phenol concentrations with birth outcomes using multivariable linear regression models, adjusting for known confounders. RESULTS In adjusted models, each log-unit increase in paternal preconception benzophenone-3 concentration was associated with a 137 g increase in birth weight (95% CI: 60, 214). Additional adjustment for prenatal benzophenone-3 concentration strengthened this association. None of the maternal preconception phenol concentrations were associated with birth weight. However, maternal prenatal triclosan concentrations were associated with a 38 g decrease in birth weight (95% CI: -76, 0). Few associations were observed between phenols and head circumference except for a decrease of 0.27 cm (95% CI: -54, 0) in relation to maternal preconception methylparaben concentration. CONCLUSIONS Although our findings should be interpreted in light of inherent study limitations, these results suggest potential evidence of associations between some paternal or maternal phenol concentrations and birth size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Messerlian
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Vicente Mustieles
- Biosanitary Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), University Hospitals of Granada, Spain; Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Lidia Minguez-Alarcon
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer B Ford
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Irene Souter
- Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paige L Williams
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Russ Hauser
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Vincent Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Chiu YH, Bellavia A, James-Todd T, Correia KF, Valeri L, Messerlian C, Ford JB, Mínguez-Alarcón L, Calafat AM, Hauser R, Williams PL. Evaluating effects of prenatal exposure to phthalate mixtures on birth weight: A comparison of three statistical approaches. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 113:231-239. [PMID: 29453090 PMCID: PMC5866233 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2017] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We applied three statistical approaches for evaluating associations between prenatal urinary concentrations of a mixture of phthalate metabolites and birth weight. METHODS We included 300 women who provided 732 urine samples during pregnancy and delivered a singleton infant. We measured urinary concentrations of metabolites of di(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate, di-isobutyl-, di-n-butyl-, butylbenzyl-, and diethyl phthalates. We applied 1) linear regressions; 2) classification methods [principal component analysis (PCA) and structural equation models (SEM)]; and 3) Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), to evaluate associations between phthalate metabolite mixtures and birth weight adjusting for potential confounders. Data were presented as mean differences (95% CI) in birth weight (grams) as each phthalate increased from the 10th to the 90th percentile. RESULTS When analyzing individual phthalate metabolites using linear regressions, each metabolite demonstrated a modest inverse association with birth weight [from -93 (-206, 21) to -49 (-164, 65)]. When simultaneously including all metabolites in a multivariable model, inflation of the estimates and standard errors were noted. PCA identified two principal components, both inversely associated with birth weight [-23 (-68, 22), -27 (-71, 17), respectively]. These inverse associations were confirmed when applying SEM. BKMR further identified that monoethyl and mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and phthalate concentrations were linearly related to lower birth weight [-51(-164, 63) and -122 (-311, 67), respectively], and suggested no evidence of interaction between metabolites. CONCLUSIONS While none of the methods produced significant results, we demonstrated the potential issues arising using linear regression models in the context of correlated exposures. Among the other selected approaches, classification techniques identified common sources of exposures with implications for interventions, while BKMR further identified specific contributions of individual metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Han Chiu
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| | - Andrea Bellavia
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Tamarra James-Todd
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Katharine F Correia
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Linda Valeri
- Laboratory for Psychiatric Biostatistics, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA 02478, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Carmen Messerlian
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Jennifer B Ford
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
| | - Russ Hauser
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Vincent Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Paige L Williams
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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Messerlian C, Williams PL, Ford JB, Chavarro JE, Mínguez-Alarcón L, Dadd R, Braun JM, Gaskins AJ, Meeker JD, James-Todd T, Chiu YH, Nassan FL, Souter I, Petrozza J, Keller M, Toth TL, Calafat AM, Hauser R. The Environment and Reproductive Health (EARTH) Study: A Prospective Preconception Cohort. Hum Reprod Open 2018; 2018. [PMID: 29888739 PMCID: PMC5990043 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoy001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do environmental exposures, diet and lifestyle factors impact reproductive and pregnancy outcomes among subfertile couples attending a fertility clinic? SUMMARY ANSWER Environmental chemicals exposure in men and women were associated with reduced fertility and a higher risk of adverse outcomes, whereas some dietary factors improved the probability of successful reproductive outcomes. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Accumulating epidemiologic evidence has shown associations of environmental chemicals and nutritional factors with reproductive and pregnancy outcomes. However, few studies have been designed to assess these factors simultaneously, and even fewer have collected such data among both men and women in the preconception period. Furthermore, early and sensitive reproductive endpoints (e.g. fertilization, implantation, biochemical pregnancy loss) are largely unobservable in population-based designs. STUDY DESIGN SIZE, DURATION The Environment and Reproductive Health (EARTH) Study is an ongoing prospective preconception cohort designed to investigate the impact of environmental, nutritional and lifestyle factors in both women and men on fertility and pregnancy outcomes. The study has been ongoing since 2004 and has recruited 799 women and 487 men (447 couples; 40 men joined without female partners) as of June 2017. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The study recruits women aged 18–45 years and men aged 18–55 years seeking fertility evaluation and treatment at a large academic hospital fertility center. Women and men are eligible to join either independently or as a couple. Participants are followed from study entry throughout each fertility treatment cycle, once per trimester of pregnancy (for those achieving pregnancy), and up to labor and delivery, or until they discontinue treatment or withdraw from the study. The study prospectively collects a combination of biological samples (e.g. blood, urine, semen), self-reported questionnaire data (including a validated food frequency questionnaire) and medical information abstracted from fertility clinic and hospital records. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Among women in this cohort, higher urinary concentrations of some phthalate metabolites were associated with reduced oocyte yields, lower likelihood of clinical pregnancy, increased risk of pregnancy loss and lower likelihood of live birth following infertility treatment. Certain urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations among men was also associated with decreased odds of implantation and live birth. Maternal soy and folate intake significantly modified the association between bisphenol A (BPA) and IVF outcomes in women. While the EARTH Study has tested many a priori hypotheses, multiple comparisons were undertaken, and we cannot rule out the possibility that some of findings may be spurious or due to chance. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION While the fertility clinic setting provides the opportunity to measure environmental exposures, diet and lifestyle factors across different windows of vulnerability and to evaluate their potential effect on critical early fertility, pregnancy and delivery outcomes, the findings may be less generalizable to naturally conceived pregnancies. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The EARTH Study is one of the few cohorts designed to examine multiple windows of vulnerability, including the paternal and maternal preconception windows and the periconception and prenatal windows, in pregnancy. It is also one of the few human studies that has assessed potential interactions between environmental exposures and dietary factors. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The EARTH Study has been funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences since its inception in 2004. The authors declare no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER n/a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Messerlian
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paige L Williams
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer B Ford
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jorge E Chavarro
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ramace Dadd
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph M Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Audrey J Gaskins
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Boston, MA, USA.,Channing Division of Network Medicine, Harvard Medical School & Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John D Meeker
- Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Tamarra James-Todd
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yu-Han Chiu
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Boston, MA, USA
| | - Feiby L Nassan
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Boston, MA, USA
| | - Irene Souter
- Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John Petrozza
- Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Myra Keller
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thomas L Toth
- Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Russ Hauser
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Boston, MA, USA.,Vincent Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
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Liu W, Huang C, Cai J, Wang X, Zou Z, Sun C. Household environmental exposures during gestation and birth outcomes: A cross-sectional study in Shanghai, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 615:1110-1118. [PMID: 29751416 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Several studies have reported that certain aspects of the household environments are associated with adverse birth outcomes, but associations have been inconsistent. Few of these studies have been conducted in China. During 2011-2012, we conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study and collected 13,335 parents-reported questionnaires for 4-6-year-olds children in Shanghai, China. We investigated associations of household environmental factors (environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), cooking fuel, dampness, pet-keeping, and home renovation) during gestation with preterm birth (PTB, gestational age<37weeks), low birth weight (LBW, birth weight<2500g), term low birth weight (T-LBW, LBW when the gestational age was ≥37weeks), and small for gestational age (SGA, birth weight<10th percentile of birth weight for gestational age). A total of 4.1% children were premature; 2.9% had LBW and 1.6% had T-LBW; 8.1% were SGA. In the multiple logistic regression analyses, home renovation during gestation was associated with PTB (adjusted odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.68, 1.11-2.54) and LBW (1.64, 0.99-2.72). Paternal smoking was associated with PTB (1.18, 0.98-1.43). No significant associations were found for SGA. Neither household dampness nor cooking fuel were significantly associated with birth outcomes. For boys, paternal smoking was associated with PTB (1.31, 1.02-1.69); home renovation during gestation was associated with PTB (2.14, 1.27-3.61) and LBW (2.19, 1.09-4.43). Among children whose mothers were ≥34-year-olds during gestation, paternal smoking (1.73, 1.04-2.76) and home renovation during gestation (1.80, 1.18-2.76) was associated with PTB. Our findings demonstrate that home renovation and ETS during gestation may be risk factors for adverse birth outcomes. Associations of these factors with adverse birth outcomes appear to be stronger in boys and among mothers older than 34years during gestation. Home renovation and ETS exposure should be avoided during gestation, especially for pregnancies with male fetuses and older pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Department of Building Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Huang
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jiao Cai
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China; School of Civil and Architectural Engineering, Yangtze Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xueying Wang
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhijun Zou
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Chanjuan Sun
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
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35
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Braun JM, Gray K. Challenges to studying the health effects of early life environmental chemical exposures on children's health. PLoS Biol 2017; 15:e2002800. [PMID: 29257831 PMCID: PMC5736172 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2002800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies play an important role in quantifying how early life environmental chemical exposures influence the risk of childhood diseases. These studies face at least four major challenges that can produce noise when trying to identify signals of associations between chemical exposure and childhood health. Challenges include accurately estimating chemical exposure, confounding from causes of both exposure and disease, identifying periods of heightened vulnerability to chemical exposures, and determining the effects of chemical mixtures. We provide recommendations that will aid in identifying these signals with more precision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M. Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Kimberly Gray
- National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
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