Gestational exposure to organophosphate esters and adiposity measures of children up to 6 years: Effect modification by breastfeeding

Obesogenic effects of six classes of emerging contaminants

There is growing concern about the concept that exposure to environmental chemicals may be contributing to the obesity epidemic. However, there is no consensus on the obesogenic effects of emerging contaminants from a toxicological and environmental perspective. The potential human exposure and experimental evidence for obesogenic effects of emerging contaminants need to be systematically discussed. The main objective of this review is to provide recommendations for further subsequent policy development following a critical analysis of the literature for humans and experimental animals exposed to emerging contaminants. This article reviews human exposure to emerging contaminants (with a focus on antimicrobials, preservatives, water and oil repellents, flame retardants, antibiotics and bisphenols) and the impact of emerging contaminants on obesity. These emerging contaminants have been widely detected in human biological samples. Epidemiological studies provide evidence linking exposure to emerging contaminants to the risks of obesity in humans. Studies based on animal models and adipose cells show the obesogenic effects of emerging contaminants and identify modes of action by which contaminants may induce changes in body fat accumulation and lipid metabolic homeostasis. Some knowledge gaps in this area and future directions for further investigation are discussed.

Sex-and stage-specific effect of prenatal exposure to organophosphate esters with children's physical growth patterns and adiposity rebound timing: Modification by breastfeeding

INTRODUCTION

Exploring the stage-specific effects of prenatal exposure to organophosphate esters (OPEs) on offspring growth and developmental trajectories is critical for early-life health management.

METHODS

Based on 2519 mother-child dyads from the Ma'anshan Birth Cohort, we examined the concentrations of OPEs in maternal urine during the three trimesters. Seventeen follow-up visits were made to the children, and physical data were collected. A grouped trajectory model was used to fit the growth trajectories.

RESULTS

First-trimester bis(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (BBOEP) was inversely associated with the children's adiposity rebound (AR) timing (β = -0.33, 95 % CI: -0.65, -0.01), and the ORs (95 % CIs) for early age at AR for each doubling of BBOEP and dibutyl phosphate (DBP) were 1.07 (1.00, 1.14) and 1.12 (1.03, 1.22), respectively. BBOEP increased the risk of a high-stable BMI-for-age z score (BMIz) group (OR = 1.18, 95 % CI: 1.01, 1.39), whereas tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate reduced this risk. Diphenyl phosphate (OR = 0.74, 95 % CI: 0.59, 0.94) and aromatic OPEs (OR = 0.70, 95 % CI: 0.54, 0.90) reduced the odds of an extreme-high body fat group. TCEP also reduced the risk of a high body fat percentage group (p < 0.05). There appeared to be sex and ester bond differences in these associations, and breastfeeding could counteract the association between the OPEs and growth trajectories. No mixed effects of OPEs on BMIz trajectories were found.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study identified a heterogeneous association between OPE exposure during pregnancy and AR timing and physical growth patterns in offspring. Future studies are needed involving more regions and populations, with consideration of other developmentally toxic compounds, to obtain more reliable and comprehensive results.

Associations of gestational exposure to organophosphate esters with thyroid hormones in cord plasma and the safety threshold of exposure in pregnant women

BACKGROUND

As a class of synthetic chemicals, organophosphate esters (OPEs) were shown to have thyroid hormones (THs) disrupting potentials in animal studies, while epidemiological evidence on gestational exposure to OPEs and thyroid disruption is limited. Besides, assessment on the safety threshold of OPEs exposure during gestation is especially scarce.

METHODS

Based on the Shanghai Minhang Birth Cohort Study, we measured maternal urine concentration of 8 OPE metabolites and THs levels in cord plasma and examined their associations using multiple linear regression and quantile g-computation (QGC) models. The benchmark dose (BMD) and its lower limit (BMDL) of urine OPE metabolites concentrations were further estimated via the Bayesian Benchmark Dose Analysis System (BBMD) to reflect the safety threshold of exposure in pregnant women. The corresponding daily intake (DI) of BMDL was then calculated and compared with the current oral reference dose (RfD).

RESULTS

A total of 309 mother-newborn pairs were included in this study. Gestational bis (2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (BBOEP) exposure was associated with higher total triiodothyronine (TT3), free triiodothyronine (FT3), total thyroxine (TT4), and free thyroxine (FT4) in cord plasma, while bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BDCPP) was observed to be associated with lower TT3 and FT3/FT4 but higher thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). In addition, sex-specific effects were observed for bis (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (BCEP), which was associated with lower TT3 in cord plasma of female newborns, and lower TT4 and FT4 in male newborns. Similar results were obtained through QGC model and BBOEP was identified as the main contributor to the higher levels of TT3 and FT3. With benchmark response (BMR) of 10% and background response (P0) of 97.5% for both TT3 and FT3, the BMDL10 of urine BBOEP concentration was 0.50 μg/L. Further, the corresponding DI of tris (2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP), which is the precursor of BBOEP, was 2.53 μg/kg BW/d.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest associations between gestational exposure to OPEs and altered THs biomarkers. According to the estimated BMD10 (BMDL10) of BBOEP and the corresponding DI, the current RfD of 15 μg/kg BW/d for TBOEP may not protect pregnant women and their newborns from thyroid disruption.

Oxidative stress mediates the association of organophosphate flame retardants with metabolic obesity in U.S. adults: A combined epidemiologic and bioinformatic study

Obesity is a global public health issue, with limited epidemiologic studies on the relationship and mechanisms between organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) and metabolic obesity phenotypes (MOPs). We aimed to explore the link between OPFRs metabolite (m-OPFRs) and MOPs using a combined epidemiologic and bioinformatic approach. We used cross-sectional survey data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011-2018) to analyze the relationship between m-OPFRs and metabolic health obesity (MHO), as well as metabolic unhealthy obesity (MUO). The dataset encompasses eligible adults to assess the impact of individual, mixed, and mediated effects on the outcome variables through multivariate logistic regression, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), and mediation analysis. Multiple logistic regression models, stratified by tertiles of exposure showed that bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BDCIPP) levels in the body significantly increased the risk of MHO, with OR and 95%CI of 1.454 (1.082, 1.953) for the second tertile (T2) and 1.598 (1.126, 2.268) for the third tertile (T3), compared to the first tertile (T1). Increased levels of BDCIPP in T3 (1.452(1.013, 2.081)) are associated with MUO, compared to T1. Mixed m-OPFRs and MHO risk in BMKR were positively correlated, with BDCIPP being the primary contributor. We found that the serum uric acid (SUA) and white blood cell count (WBC) indicators significantly mediated the association between BDCIPP and MHO (P < 0.05). Our study suggests that OPFRs, either individual or mixed, are associated with two distinct MOPs, with oxidative stress playing an important role. In addition, in silico analysis was used to screen for shared genes, and eight shared genes and eleven biological pathways identified during the screening process were used to construct the adverse outcome pathway, which suggests that exposure to OPFRs may activate the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) pathway, thereby increasing the risk of obesity. Further studies are needed to validate our findings.

Gestational exposure to organophosphate ester flame retardants and risk of childhood obesity in the environmental influences on child health outcomes consortium

INTRODUCTION

Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are increasing in use as flame retardants and plasticizers and concerns have been raised given their endocrine-disrupting activities and possible obesogenic consequences. However, longitudinal studies on gestational OPE exposure and childhood obesity are scarce. This study examined whether OPE levels in maternal urine during pregnancy were associated with the risk of childhood obesity.

METHODS

OPEs were analyzed in pregnancy urine samples of 5,087 individuals from 14 studies contributing to the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Cohort. BDCPP, DBUP/DIBP, and DPHP, detected in > 80 % of the samples, were modeled continuously and by tertiles; whereas BCPP, BBOEP, and BCETP, detected in 50-80 % of samples, were modeled categorically (not-detected, low, and high). Childhood obesity was defined by BMI z-score ≥ 95th percentile according to WHO (<2 years) and the CDC (≥2 years) metrics. Adjusted modified Poisson regression models assessed childhood obesity risk and the mixture effect was assessed using Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR).

RESULTS

BMI measurements were available for 3,827 children in infancy (0.5-1.9 years), 3,921 children in early childhood (2.0-4.9 years), and 2,541 children in mid-childhood (5.0-10.0 years). Obesity was present in 16-21 % of children across age groups. In mid-childhood DBUP/DIBP second and third versus first tertiles were associated with increased obesity risk (RR 1.14; 95 % CI: 1.02, 1.28; and RR 1.11; 95 % CI: 0.97, 1.27; respectively); whereas BDCPP second and third versus first tertiles reflected an inverse association with obesity risk (RR 0.85; 95 % CI: 0.80, 0.91 and RR 0.91; 95 % CI: 0.77, 1.07; respectively). No association with obesity risk was observed for DPHP, BCPP, BBOEP, and BCETP. Directions observed were consistent with those seen in BKMR models.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified mixed associations between gestational OPE exposure and childhood obesity. Further investigation across a comprehensive range of OPE exposures is warranted.

Gestational organophosphate esters (OPEs) exposure in association with placental DNA methylation levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) signaling pathway-related genes

BACKGROUND

Organophosphate esters (OPEs) exposure could affect offspring health. However, the underlying mechanisms are not well documented.

OBJECTIVES

Based on a birth cohort study, we aimed to investigate the associations among gestational OPEs exposure, placental DNA methylation levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway-related genes, and fetal growth.

METHODS

We measured the concentrations of eight OPE metabolites in maternal urine samples and neonatal anthropometric measurements in 733 mother-child pairs. In 327 placental samples, we assessed the DNA methylation levels of 14 genes which were involved in the PPARs signaling pathway and expressed in placenta. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine the associations of OPEs exposure with placental DNA methylation, and of OPEs and placental DNA methylation with neonatal anthropometric measurements. Causal mediation analyses were conducted to examine the potential mediating role of placental DNA methylation in the pathway between OPEs exposure and fetal growth.

RESULTS

We observed a general pattern of OPEs exposure being associated with hypermethylation of candidate genes, with statistically significant associations identified for several OPEs with RXRA, ACAA1, ACADL, ACADM, PLTP, and NR1H3 methylation. Further, gestational exposure to BCIPP, DPP, BBOEP, ∑NCl-OPEs, and ∑OPEs tended to be associated with lower anthropometric measurements, with more significant associations observed on arm circumference, and abdominal and back skinfold thickness. Notably, RXRA, ACAA1, ACOX1, CPT2, ACADM, and NR1H3 methylation tended to be associated with lower neonatal anthropometric measurements, especially for abdominal and back skinfold thickness. Moreover, mediation analyses showed that 19.42 % of the total effect of DPP on the back skinfold thickness was mediated by changes in RXRA methylation, and there was a significant indirect effect of RXRA methylation.

CONCLUSIONS

Gestational OPEs exposure could disrupt the placental DNA methylation levels of PPAR signaling pathway-related genes, which might contribute to the effect of OPEs on fetal growth.

Exposure to organophosphate esters and maternal-child health

Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are a class of chemicals now widely used as flame retardants and plasticizers after the phase-out of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). However, OPEs carry their own risk of developmental toxicity, which poses concern for recent birth cohorts as they have become ubiquitous in the environment. In this review, we summarize the literature evaluating the association between OPE exposure and maternal, perinatal, and child health outcomes. We included original articles investigating associations of OPE exposure with any health outcome on pregnant women, newborns, children, and adolescents. We found 48 articles on this topic. Of these, five addressed maternal health and pregnancy outcomes, 24 evaluated prenatal OPE exposure and child health, 18 evaluated childhood OPE exposure and child/adolescent health, and one article evaluated both prenatal and childhood OPE exposure. These studies suggest that OPE exposure is possibly associated with a wide range of adverse health outcomes, including pregnancy loss, altered gestational duration and smaller birthweight, maternal and neonatal thyroid dysfunction, child metabolic dysregulation and abnormal growth, impaired neurodevelopment, and changes in immune response. Many of the reported outcomes associated with OPE exposure varied by child sex. Findings also varied substantially by OPE metabolite and exposure time. The OPEs most frequently measured, detected, and found to be associated with health outcomes were triphenyl phosphate (TPHP, metabolized to DPHP) and tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP, metabolized to BDCIPP). The extensive range of health outcomes associated with OPEs raises concern about their growing use in consumer products; however, these findings should be interpreted considering the limitations of these epidemiological studies, such as possible exposure misclassification, lack of generalizability, insufficient adjustment for covariates, and failure to consider chemical exposures as a mixture.

Associations between particulate matter exposure during pregnancy and executive function of toddlers in a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Exposure to particulate matter (PM) has been found to be associated with impaired cognitive function. However, limited evidence is available on the relationship between PM exposure in the prenatal period and toddler executive function (EF), and the potential influence of breastfeeding.

METHODS

The study included 1106 mother-toddler pairs recruited between 2015 and 2019. We assessed mothers' PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 prenatal exposure with a satellite-based dataset at a 1 × 1 km spatial resolution and assigned to participants based on residential addresses. Toddler EF was measured using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function for Preschoolers (BRIEF-P) questionnaire, higher BRIEF-P scores indicated poorer EF in toddlers. We determined the associations of PM exposure during pregnancy with BRIEF-P scores using multiple linear regression models.

RESULTS

In the first trimester, a 10 μg/m3 increase of PM was associated with 1.49 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.14-2.83; PM1), 0.68 (95% CI: 0.10-1.26; PM2.5), and 0.63 (95% CI: 0.07-1.20; PM10) elevated toddler global executive composite index scores, respectively. In the stratified analysis, a 10 μg/m3 increase in first trimester PM1 exposure was related to 0.54 (95% CI: 0.19-0.89) higher inhibition scores in toddlers who received complementary breastfeeding for less than six months and -0.15 (95% CI: 0.81-0.51) higher inhibition scores in toddlers who received complementary breastfeeding for six months or more (P for interaction: 0.046). Additionally, a 10 μg/m3 increment in first trimester PM1 exposure was related to 0.36 (95% CI: 0.13-0.59) higher emotional control scores in toddlers who received breastfeeding for less than 12 months and -0.54 (95% CI: 1.25-0.18) higher inhibition scores in toddlers who received breastfeeding for no less than 12 months (P for interaction: 0.043).

CONCLUSIONS

PM exposure during the first trimester, especially PM1, has been linked to lower toddler EF performance in toddlers; feeding with breast milk may be a potential protective measure.

Prenatal exposure to a mixture of organophosphate flame retardants and infant neurodevelopment: A prospective cohort study in Shandong, China

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have suggested that prenatal exposure to organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) may have adverse effect on early neurodevelopment, but limited data are available in China, and the overall effects of OPFRs mixture are still unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the association between prenatal exposure to OPFR metabolites mixture and the neurodevelopment of 1-year-old infants.

METHODS

A total of 270 mother-infant pairs were recruited from the Laizhou Wan (Bay) Birth Cohort in China. Ten OPFR metabolites were measured in maternal urine. Neurodevelopment of 1-year-old infants was assessed using the Gesell Developmental Schedules (GDS) and presented by the developmental quotient (DQ) score. Multivariate linear regression and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression models were conducted to estimate the association of prenatal exposure to seven individual OPFR metabolites and their mixture with infant neurodevelopment.

RESULTS

The positive rates of seven OPFR metabolites in the urine of pregnant women were greater than 70% with the median concentration ranged within 0.13-3.53 μg/g creatinine. The multivariate linear regression model showed significant negative associations between bis (1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BCIPP), din-butyl phosphate (DnBP), and total OPFR metabolites exposure and neurodevelopment in all infants. Results from the WQS model consistently revealed that the OPFR metabolites mixture was inversely associated with infant neurodevelopment. Each quartile increased in the seven OPFR metabolites mixture was associated with a 1.59 decrease (95% CI: 2.96, -0.21) in gross motor DQ scores, a 1.41 decrease (95% CI: 2.38, -0.43) in adaptive DQ scores, and a 1.08 decrease (95% CI: 2.15, -0.02) in social DQ scores, among which BCIPP, bis (1, 3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BDCIPP) and DnBP were the main contributors.

CONCLUSION

Prenatal exposure to a mixture of OPFRs was negatively associated with early infant neurodevelopment, particularly in gross motor, adaptive, and social domains.

Prenatal exposure to organophosphate esters and growth trajectory in early childhood

Maternal exposure to organophosphate esters (OPEs) has been linked to an increased risk of adverse birth outcomes. However, the impact of OPEs on childhood growth remains uncertain. This study assessed the associations between prenatal concentrations of OPE metabolites and the growth trajectory in early childhood. 212 singleton pregnant women were included in this study, and they were recruited between August 2014 and August 2016 in Wuhan, China. We measured the urinary concentrations of OPE metabolites during the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters. Standard deviation scores for weight and length were calculated for children at birth, 1, 6, 12, and 24 months. Trajectories of weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) and weight-for-length z-score (WLZ) were classified into four groups using group-based trajectory modeling. Trajectories of length-for-age z-score (LAZ) were classified into three groups with the same model. Then, we calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence interval (95%CI) using multinomial logistic regression to estimate increases in odds of different growth trajectories per doubling in OPE concentrations compared with moderate-stable trajectory. For average concentrations of OPE metabolites and growth trajectory, our results indicated that higher bis(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate, total aromatic OPE metabolites, and total OPE metabolites during pregnancy were associated with a higher likelihood of children falling into the low-stable and low-rising WAZ trajectory. Furthermore, compared to the moderate-stable LAZ trajectory, increased concentrations of 1-hydroxy-2-propyl bis(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate were linked to an elevated risk of a low-stable LAZ trajectory. Additionally, the 1st and 2nd trimesters may represent critical windows of heightened vulnerability to the effects of OPE metabolites on childhood growth. In conclusion, our study proves that prenatal exposure to OPE metabolites is inversely related to childhood growth. It is essential to conduct further research involving larger populations and to consider other compounds with known developmental toxicity to obtain more reliable and comprehensive results.

Determinants of organophosphate esters exposure in pregnant women from East China

Organophosphate esters (OPEs) have been broadly used in various industrial and consumer products, resulting in global distribution and human exposure. Gestational exposure to OPEs may adversely affect the health of both pregnant women and their offspring. To better understand OPE exposure in pregnant women, our study determined eight urinary metabolites of major OPEs in pregnant women (n = 733) recruited at 12-16 weeks of gestation from Shanghai, China, and explored the determinants of OPE exposure among various sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyles, and dietary factors. Urinary metabolites of OPEs, including bis (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BDCPP), bis (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (BCEP), bis (1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BCIPP), dicresyl phosphate (DCP), diphenyl phosphate (DPP), dibutyl phosphate (DBP), bis (2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (BEHP), and bis (2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (BBOEP), exhibited a detection rate ranging from 69.30% to 99.32%. Multivariate linear regression models indicated that pregnant women who were multiparous, had a higher family income per capita, worked in white-collar jobs, and took nutritional supplements such as milk powder and fish oil tended to have higher urinary OPE metabolite concentrations. Besides, independent of sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle factors, consumption of more aquatic products, soy products, pork, and puffed food, as well as drinking of purified tap water versus tap water, were associated with increased urinary OPEs metabolite concentrations. Our study demonstrated that OPE exposure was ubiquitous in pregnant women from Shanghai, and provided new insights into the potential factors influencing OPE exposure during pregnancy.

Review on typical organophosphate diesters (di-OPEs) requiring priority attention: Formation, occurrence, toxicological, and epidemiological studies

The impact of primary metabolites of organophosphate triesters (tri-OPEs), namely, organophosphate diesters (di-OPEs), on the ecology, environment, and humans cannot be ignored. While extensive studies have been conducted on tri-OPEs, research on the environmental occurrence, toxicity, and health risks of di-OPEs is still in the preliminary stage. Understanding the current research status of di-OPEs is crucial for directing future investigations on the production, distribution, and risks associated with environmental organophosphate esters (OPEs). This paper specifically reviews the metabolization process from tri-OPEs to di-OPEs and the occurrence of di-OPEs in environmental media and organisms, proposes typical di-OPEs in different media, and classifies their toxicological and epidemiological findings. Through a comprehensive analysis, six di-OPEs were identified as typical di-OPEs that require prioritized research. These include di-n-butyl phosphate (DNBP), bis(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (BBOEP), bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BDCIPP), bis(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (BCEP), bis(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BCIPP), and diphenyl phosphate (DPHP). This review provides new insights for subsequent toxicological studies on these typical di-OPEs, aiming to improve our understanding of their current status and provide guidance and ideas for research on the toxicity and health risks of di-OPEs. Ultimately, this review aims to enhance the risk warning system of environmental OPEs.

Sex-specific effects of organophosphate ester exposure on child growth trajectories in the first two years

The connections between urinary organophosphate ester (OPE) metabolites and child growth have been identified in prior research, but there is currently a dearth of epidemiological evidence regarding the sex-specific impact of OPEs on child growth trajectories. This study enrolled 804 maternal–child pairs, and five OPE congeners were quantified in maternal serum during pregnancy. In this study, the impact of prenatal OPE exposure on child growth trajectories was assessed using linear mixed-effect models and a group-based trajectory model (GBTM), with consideration given to sex-specific effects. Fetuses were frequently exposed to OPEs in utero, and tris(2-butoxyethel) phosphate (TBEP) exhibited the highest concentration levels in maternal serum. Among male children, an increase of 2.72 ng/g lipid in TBEP concentration was associated with a 0.11-unit increase in head circumference-for-age z-score (HCAZ), and the effect was mainly concentrated at 1 and 2 months of age. Among female children, an increase of 2.72 ng/g lipid in tris(2-chloro-1-(chloromethyl) ethyl) phosphate (TDCPP) concentration was associated with a 0.15-unit increase in length-for-age z-score (LAZ) and a 0.14-unit increase in weight-for-age z-score (WAZ), and the effects were mainly concentrated at 9 months of age. For HCAZ trajectories, higher prenatal TBEP exposure was associated with higher odds for the fast growth group in male children. For the LAZ and WAZ trajectories, higher prenatal TDCPP exposure was associated with higher odds for the fast growth group in female children. The trajectory analysis approach provided insight into the complex associations between OPE exposure and child growth.

•Organophosphate ester (OPEs) were detected in serum samples of pregnant women, and tributyl phosphate (TBP) was the most frequently detected OPEs. •Prenatal exposure to TBP, tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEP), and tris(2-chloro-1-(chloromethyl) ethyl) phosphate (TDCPP) were positively associated with infant growth trajectories. •Female infants were more sensitive to OPE exposure than males.

The role of environmental pollutants in body composition: Systematic review and meta-analysis

The effects of environmental pollution are associated with higher rates of mortality, morbidity, and years of life lost. It is known that these produce alterations in the human body, including changes in body composition. Research has focused on the association between contaminants and BMI through cross-sectional studies. The objective of this study was to synthesize the evidence for the association of pollutants on different measures of body composition. The PECOS strategy was defined, in which "P": participants of any age, sex, or ethnicity, "E": a higher level of environmental pollution, "C": a lower level of environmental pollution, "O": body composition measurements and "S": longitudinal studies. Studies from the following databases were included: MEDLINE, EMBASE, SciELO, LILACS, Scopus, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and gray literature from inception to January 2023.3069 studies were identified, 18 were included in the systematic review, and 13 in the meta-analysis. These studies included 8.563 people, 47 environmental contaminants, and 16 measures of body composition. The meta-analysis by subgroup found that the association between dioxins, furans, PCBs, and waist circumference was β = 1.0 (95% CI: 0.85 to 1.16; I²: 95%), and the sum of four skinfolds β = 1.02 (95% CI: 0.88 to 1.16; I²: 24%). The association between pesticides and waist circumference was β = 1.00 (95% CI: 0.68 to 1.32; I²: 98%), and the fat mass was β = 0.99 (95% CI: 0.17 to 1.81; I²: 94%). Pollutants, especially endocrine-disrupting chemicals, among which dioxins, furans, PCBs, and pesticides, are associated with changes in body composition, mainly with waist circumference and the sum of four skinfolds.