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Association Between Phthalate Exposure in Pregnancy and Gestational Diabetes: A Chinese Cross-Sectional Study

Qiu-Xia Liang1, Yan Lin1, Xiao-Min Fang2

  • 1Department of Delivery Room, Guangzhou Women and Children Medical Center, Guangzhou, 510623, People's Republic of China.

International Journal of General Medicine
|January 13, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Phthalate exposure, specifically mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), is linked to an increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This association varies by maternal age, highlighting a critical environmental factor in GDM development.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Reproductive Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) poses significant risks to maternal and fetal health.
  • Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as phthalates, is a growing concern during pregnancy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between exposure to phthalate metabolites and the risk of developing GDM.
  • To explore potential dose-response relationships and effect modifiers in this association.

Main Methods:

  • Quantification of 11 plasticizer metabolites in maternal urine via high-performance liquid chromatography.
  • Measurement of fasting blood glucose and insulin in first-trimester blood samples.
  • Statistical analysis including bootstrap comparison, Spearman correlation, and multivariate logistic regression to assess phthalate-GDM relationships.

Main Results:

  • Elevated concentrations of mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) and methylerythritol cyclophosphane were found in women with GDM compared to controls.
  • A statistically significant association between MEHP exposure and GDM risk was observed (P < 0.001).
  • The dose-response relationship between MEHP and GDM differed significantly between pregnant women younger than 35 and those 35 years or older (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

  • Phthalate exposure is a contributing risk factor for gestational diabetes mellitus.
  • MEHP emerges as a key phthalate metabolite associated with GDM risk.
  • Maternal age is a significant modifier of the relationship between phthalate exposure and GDM.
Abstract

Keywords:
associationdose-response relationshipsgestational diabetesphthalate exposure

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