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Prenatal exposure to phthalates and phenols and infant endocrine-sensitive outcomes: The MIREC study

Tye E Arbuckle1, Amisha Agarwal2, Susan H MacPherson1

  • 1Population Studies Division, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada.

Environment International
|September 9, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Prenatal exposure to certain phthalates, like mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP), is linked to altered anogenital distance (AGD) in infants. Associations between phthalates and digit ratios suggest potential endocrine disruption, but further research is needed.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Endocrinology
  • Reproductive Health

Background:

  • Anogenital distance (AGD) and digit ratio (2D:4D) may indicate in utero androgen exposure.
  • Phthalates and phenols are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between prenatal exposure to phthalates (including bisphenol A [BPA]) and triclosan (TCS) and infant AGD and 2D:4D digit ratios.

Main Methods:

  • Maternal urine samples from the first trimester of the MIREC Study were analyzed for phthalates and phenols.
  • Infant AGD at birth and 2D:4D digit ratios at 6 months were measured.
  • Multiple linear regression models assessed associations between maternal EDC concentrations and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • In females, anoclitoris distance (ACD) showed associations with mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP) and mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP).
  • In males, anopenile distance (APD) was positively associated with mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP) and low molecular weight phthalates (ΣLMW).
  • Female right-hand 2D:4D ratios were associated with MnBP and total BPA.

Conclusions:

  • Significant associations were primarily observed for AGD metrics, with some phthalates showing potential masculinizing or feminizing effects in a sex-specific manner.
  • No significant associations were found between prenatal phenols and AGD.
  • The utility of 2D:4D digit ratios as a marker for prenatal androgen or anti-androgen exposure requires further investigation due to limited research and potential statistical artifacts.
Abstract

Keywords:
Anogenital distanceBisphenol ADigit length ratioPhthalatesPregnancyTriclosan

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