Maternal exposure to specific endocrine-disrupting chemicals and gestational diabetes mellitus: systematic review and...

This meta-analysis examines the relationship between exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as phthalates and parabens, which are commonly found in cosmetics, and the risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Following a systematic search of databases (including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science), 14 relevant studies involving 9,503 pregnant women from various regions were identified. After excluding one paper, 11 studies were classified as high-quality, while three received acceptable scores and were included in the analysis. The studies assessed the level of chemical exposure by analyzing urine, serum, or plasma samples. Calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the potential association between maternal exposure and GDM development. The pooled analysis indicated no significant correlation between phthalate exposure during pregnancy and GDM risk, with an OR of 1.01 (95% CI: 0.95-1.08). Subgroup analyses based on participants' location and specific phthalate metabolites consistently showed no significant association with GDM. Limited evidence on parabens also failed to demonstrate a clear link with GDM. Although this meta-analysis found no significant link between these substances and GDM, further investigation is necessary to comprehensively assess the cumulative and long-term effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on pregnant women.