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Phthalate exposure profiles during baby delivery and their association with reproductive hormone changes and newborn

Khelfi Abderrezak1, Fesraoui Chakib2, Fara Iyad2

  • 1University of Algiers, 1, 2 Didouche Mourad Street, Algiers, 16000, Algeria; National Center of Toxicology, Petit Staouali Street, Delly Brahim, Algiers, 16062, Algeria.

Chemosphere
|February 19, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Perinatal phthalate exposure in Algiers was linked to altered reproductive hormones in newborns. Consumption of bottled water may also impact infant endocrine health, raising concerns for child development.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Endocrinology
  • Reproductive Toxicology

Background:

  • Phthalates are emerging environmental pollutants with potential endocrine-disrupting effects.
  • Pregnancy is a critical window of vulnerability for fetal development, making exposure to phthalates a significant health concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize perinatal phthalate exposure profiles in pregnant women in Algiers.
  • To investigate associations between umbilical cord blood phthalate levels and reproductive hormone concentrations.
  • To explore potential sources of phthalate exposure and their link to exposure profiles.

Main Methods:

  • A descriptive study involving 154 mother-newborn pairs.
  • Umbilical cord blood samples were collected for analysis.
  • Phthalate metabolites were quantified using LC-MS/MS, and reproductive hormones were measured via electrochemiluminescence.

Main Results:

  • MEHP, MEP, and MnBP were frequently detected in umbilical cord blood. High MEP and MEHP levels correlated with lower testosterone, progesterone, and estradiol.
  • MnBP showed a positive association with luteinizing hormone (LH). MEHP levels were linked to altered anogenital distance (AGD) in newborns.
  • Bottled water consumption was significantly associated with higher MnBP levels.

Conclusions:

  • Perinatal phthalate exposure is associated with altered reproductive hormone levels in umbilical cord plasma.
  • These hormonal changes may adversely affect child development.
  • Bottled water consumption emerges as a potential source impacting newborn endocrine integrity.
Abstract

Keywords:
Endocrine disruptorsExposure sourcesNewbornsPhthalatesPregnancyReproductive hormones

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