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

Background

Phthalates are organic compounds and emerging pollutants of health concern. Exposure to phthalates may have an impact on hormone physiology, especially during pregnancy, as it represents a period of heightened vulnerability to disruptions for the newborn.

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify perinatal exposure profiles to phthalates in pregnant women living in Algiers and to explore associations between umbilical cord blood levels of phthalates and reproductive hormone concentrations. The aim also extends to explore the link that could exist between potential sources and the exposure profiles to phthalates.

Methods

This descriptive study was carried out on 154 couples of women-newborns. After gathering necessary information, umbilical cord blood samples were collected. Reproductive hormones were measured by electrochemiluminescence, while phthalate metabolites were detected using LC-MS/MS.

Results

The results showed that MEHP, MEP, and MnBP were detected in 97.4%, 74.7%, and 53.9% of samples. Mean concentrations were 18.680, 11.805, and 7.151 ng/mL for MEHP, MEP, and MnBP, respectively. High concentrations of MEP and MEHP were associated with low umbilical cord levels of testosterone, progesterone, and estradiol. A positive and meaningful association between MnBP and LH levels was found as well. The results indicated that MEHP was associated with changes in the anogenital distance (AGD) in both male and female newborns, as positive significant correlation has been found between MEHP levels and female AGD as well as an inverse correlation between the same metabolite and male AGD. The evaluation of exposure sources revealed a significant association between the consumption of bottled water and levels of MnBP.

Conclusions

In this study, phthalates were associated with altered levels of reproductive hormones in umbilical cord plasma. These changes may have adverse effects on children development. Results also suggest that the consumption of bottled water may impact the newborns’ endocrine integrity.