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Plasma phthalate levels in pubertal gynecomastia.
Erdem Durmaz1, Elif N Ozmert, Pinar Erkekoglu
1Department of Pediatrics, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
Pediatrics
|December 17, 2009
Summary
Higher levels of di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP) and its metabolite mono-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (MEHP) were found in boys with pubertal gynecomastia. These findings suggest DEHP may play a role in the development of this condition.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Environmental Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Phthalates are industrial chemicals found in personal care products and plastics.
- Di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP) is a commonly used phthalate known for antiandrogenic or estrogenic effects.
- Mono-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (MEHP) is the primary metabolite of DEHP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plasma levels of DEHP and MEHP in adolescents diagnosed with gynecomastia.
- To compare DEHP and MEHP levels in pubertal gynecomastia cases versus a control group.
Main Methods:
- A study group of 40 newly diagnosed pubertal gynecomastia cases was recruited.
- A control group of 21 age-matched children without endocrine disorders was included.
- Plasma DEHP and MEHP levels were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography.
Main Results:
- Plasma DEHP and MEHP levels were significantly higher in the pubertal gynecomastia group compared to controls.
- A strong positive correlation was observed between plasma DEHP and MEHP levels (r=0.58, P < .001).
- No correlation was found between DEHP/MEHP levels and serum hormone levels in gynecomastia cases.
Conclusions:
- DEHP, with its known endocrine-disrupting properties, may be an etiological factor in pubertal gynecomastia.
- These findings warrant further large-scale investigations into the role of DEHP in the development of pubertal gynecomastia.
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