The Endocrine Disruption of Prenatal Phthalate Exposure in Mother and Offspring

Heavy metals and phthalate contamination in prenatal vitamins and folic acid supplements

OBJECTIVE

The goal is to characterize the contamination of prenatal vitamins and folate/folic acid supplements with lead, cadmium, and phthalates.

METHODS

The sample included 156 commercially available prenatal vitamins, 19 folate/folic acid supplements, and nine prescription prenatal supplements. Lead and cadmium were measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, and phthalates by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and quantified as μg/daily serving. Distributions of lead, cadmium, and phthalates were examined across products, as well as the proportion exceeding the California proposition 65 threshold for daily lead consumption (0.5 μg).

RESULTS

Lead exceeded the limit of quantification (LOQ) in 83% of commercially available prenatal vitamin samples (15% > 0.5 μg/serving), cadmium in 73%, DEHP in 25%, and DBP in 13%. Product characteristics associated with increased lead and cadmium contamination included calcium and iron doses, and being a caplet, capsule, or tablet. Lead and cadmium exceeded the LOQ in 7/9 prescription prenatals (33% > 0.5 μg/serving lead). Heavy metal and phthalate contamination was lower in folate/folic acid supplements.

CONCLUSIONS

Clear and enforceable regulations regarding frequent testing and restriction of lead and cadmium contamination in prenatal vitamins are needed.

Fetal exposure to phthalates and body mass index from infancy to adolescence. The Generation R study

Prenatal exposure to phthalates might influence the development of childhood obesity. Most previous studies used body mass index (BMI) at a specific age instead of BMI development, which might be a better indicator of later health. We aimed to assess the association of prenatal phthalate exposure with longitudinal BMI development from infancy to adolescence. Among 1,379 mother-child pairs from a population-based cohort study, phthalate concentrations were measured in maternal spot urine samples, collected during first, second and third trimester. We estimated age- and sex-adjusted BMI standard deviation scores (SDS) at 6 months and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 10 and 13 years. We examined the associations of maternal phthalate urine concentrations during pregnancy with repeated measures of BMI using linear mixed effects models. An interquartile range higher natural log-transformed maternal first trimester high-molecular weight phthalate and di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) urine concentrations were associated with a -0.10 (95% confidence interval (CI) -0.15 to -0.04), and -0.09 (95% CI -0.15 to -0.04) lower age- and sex-adjusted BMI at 6 months. An interquartile range higher natural log-transformed maternal first trimester phthalic acid and low-molecular weight phthalate urine concentrations were associated with a 0.11 (95% CI 0.03 to 0.18) and 0.13 (95% CI 0.04 to 0.21) higher age- and sex-adjusted BMI at 13 years old. No significant associations were observed for maternal second and third trimester phthalate urine concentrations with BMI. Thus, higher maternal phthalate metabolites urine concentrations appear to be related to lower BMI at early ages but with higher BMI at later ages.

Distribution of phthalic acid esters in propolis ethanolic extract and capsuled propolis

Phthalate esters (PAEs), commonly used in food packaging materials, pose a potential health risk due to their migration into food matrices. Propolis, a resinous bee product widely consumed for its health benefits, is often packaged in plastics, raising concerns about PAE contamination. However, the occurrence of PAEs within propolis has been scarcely investigated. This study quantified PAE contamination profiles in propolis ethanolic extracts (PE) and propolis capsules (PCs) from China. The GC-MS/MS analysis of 20 PAEs demonstrated high linearity, indicating the reliability of the method. The limits of quantification (LOQ) ranged from 1.3 to 26.2 µg/kg, and the limits of detection (LOD) ranged from 0.4 to 8.6 µg/kg. Matrix effects ranged between 9% and 33%. Five PAEs were detected in PE samples: dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP). Seventeen PAEs were detected in PC samples, with 15 consistently present in all samples (100% positivity). Diallyl phthalate (DAP), dipropyl phthalate (DPrP) and di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP) were not detected in any sample. The total mean concentration of the 17 detected PAEs (∑17 PAEs) in the capsules ranged from 0.87 mg/kg to 23.71 mg/kg. This study found that PE and PC had the highest DBP (0.24 mg/kg) and di-heptyl phthalate (DHP: 2.29 mg/kg) levels on average, respectively. While PC showed higher PAE levels than PE. Therefore, this study provides insight into PAE contamination of raw propolis extract and encapsulated propolis.

Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals and the Effects of Distorted Epigenetics on Preeclampsia: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Preeclampsia (PE) is a critical complication of pregnancy that affects 3% to 5% of all pregnancies and has been linked to aberrant placentation, causing severe maternal and fetal illness and death.

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review aims to elucidate the association of in-utero endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) exposure and microRNAs and their imprinted genes from prenatal and maternal circulation of PE patients.

METHODS

Databases such as PubMed, PubMed Central, ScienceDirect, the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD), ProQuest, EBSCOhost, and Google Scholar were utilized to search for articles that investigate the relationships between selected EDCs and epigenetic events such as DNA methylation and microRNAs that are associated with PE.

RESULTS

A total of 29 studies were included in the database search. Altered expression of microRNAs (miR-15a-5p, miR-142-3p, and miR-185) in the placenta of PE patients was positively associated with the urinary concentration of phthalates and phenols in the development of the disease in the first trimester. EDCs such as phenols, phthalates, perfluoroalkyl substances (PFOAs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and organochlorine phosphates (OCPs) have been reported to be associated with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. miRNA-31, miRNA-144, miRNA-145, miRNA-210, placental specific clusters (C14MC, and C19MC) may be used as possible targets for PE because of their potential roles in the onset and progression of PE.

CONCLUSIONS

Prenatal EDC exposure, including exposure to BPA, showed association with signaling pathways including estrogen, sFlt-1/PlGF, ErbB, MAPK/ERK, and cholesterol mechanisms with placental hemodynamics. Even low EDC exposures leave altered epigenetic marks throughout gestation, which might cause PE complications.

Phthalates and Non-Phthalate Plasticizers and Thyroid Dysfunction: Current Evidence and Novel Strategies to Reduce Their Spread in Food Industry and Environment

Thyroid hormones (THs) play a crucial role in various biological functions, including metabolism, cell growth, and nervous system development, and any alteration involving the structure of the thyroid gland and TH secretion may result in thyroid disease. Growing evidence suggests that phthalate plasticizers, which are commonly used in a wide range of products (e.g., food packaging materials, children's toys, cosmetics, medical devices), can impact thyroid function, primarily affecting serum levels of THs and TH-related gene expression. Like phthalate compounds, recently introduced alternative plasticizers can leach from their source material into the environment, particularly into foods, although so far only a very limited number of studies have investigated their thyroid toxicity. This review aimed at summarizing the current knowledge on the role of phthalate and non-phthalate plasticizers in thyroid dysfunction and disease, describing the major biological mechanisms underlying this relationship. We will also focus on the food industry as one of the main players for the massive spread of such compounds in the human body, in turn conveyed by edible compounds. Given the increasing worldwide use of plasticizers and the essential role of THs in humans, novel strategies should be envisaged to reduce this burden on the thyroid and, in general, on human health.

Relationship between anogenital distance and testicular position in male infants with cryptorchidism with and without hypospadias

PURPOSE

Anogenital distance (AGD) may indicate hypoverilization and subsequently serve as a predictor future reproduction. In both undescended testis with and without hypospadias, our goal was to study the relationship between testicular position and AGD.

METHODS

From March 2021 to January 2023, this study was conducted on male infants with and without hypospadias and age-matched controls. Based on the infants' ages, we divided them into four. Group I: under six months, Group II: 7-12 months, Group III: between a year and eighteen months, and Group IV: 19 months up to two years of age. From the verge of the anus to the penile base, the AGD was measured. Clinical examination resulted in the classification of testicular location as high scrotal, inguinal, and non-palpable.

RESULTS

Patients with cryptorchidism had AGD means that were substantially lower than those of controls in Groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively (31 ± 2, 33 ± 3), (35.9 ± 4, 37.9 ± 5), (39.9 ± 1.2, 41 ± 1.5), and (40 ± 1.9, 44 ± 1.7). The group of patients with cryptorchidism and hypospadias differed significantly from the controls and those without hypospadias. AGD in patients with upper scrotal locations was substantially shorter. Penile length and AGD of the examined groups exhibited a positive and significant connection.

CONCLUSIONS

Shorter AGD is linked to a higher prevalence of hypospadias and cryptorchidism in male babies in comparison to normal children. The position of the undescended testis is higher in relation to a shorter AGD.

Uncovering layer by layer the risk of nanoplastics to the environment and human health

Nanoplastics (NPs), defined as plastic particles with dimensions less than 100 nm, have emerged as a persistent environmental contaminant with potential risk to both environment and human health. Nanoplastics might translocate across biological barriers and accumulate in vital organs, leading to inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and genotoxicity, already reported in several organisms. Disruptions to cellular functions, hormonal balance, and immune responses were also linked to NPs exposure in in vitro assays. Further, NPs have been found to adsorb other pollutants, such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and leach additives potentially amplifying their advere impacts, increasing the threat to organisms greater than NPs alone. However, NPs toxic effects remain largely unexplored, requiring further research to elucidate potential risks to human health, especially their accumulation, degradation, migration, interactions with the biological systems and long-term consequences of chronic exposure to these compounds. This review provides an overview of the current state-of-art regarding NPs interactions with environmental pollutants and with biological mechanisms and toxicity within cells.

Prenatal exposure to phthalates and phthalate replacements in relation to chorionic plate surface vasculature at delivery

Pregnant people are ubiquitously exposed to endocrine-disrupting phthalates through consumer products and food. The placenta may be particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of phthalates, with evidence from animal models suggesting impacts on placental development and vascularization. We translate this research to humans, examining gestational exposure to phthalates and phthalate replacements in relation to novel markers of chorionic plate surface vascularization. Phthalate and phthalate replacement metabolites were measured in first trimester urine from pregnant participants in the Understanding Pregnancy Signals and Infant Development (UPSIDE) cohort (n = 154). At delivery, placentae underwent specialized 2D and 3D digital imaging to quantify chorionic plate surface vasculature. Using weighted quantile g-computation mixtures methods as well as multivariable linear regression models examining individual metabolites, we evaluated associations with overall chorionic plate surface area and five chorionic plate surface vascular measures, adjusting for covariates. We additionally examined interactions with placental sex. Exposure to a phthalate mixture was associated with longer total arterial arc length (β = 9.64 cm; 95%CI: 1.68, 17.59), shorter mean arterial arc length (β = -0.07 cm; 95%CI: -0.14, -0.01), and more arterial branch points (β = 5.77; 95%CI: 1.56, 9.98), but not chorionic plate surface area. In models considering individual metabolites and their molar sums, results were strongest for the metabolites of Di-isobutyl phthalate (DiBP), Di-isononyl phthalate (DiNP), and Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Associations with metabolites of phthalate replacements tended to be in the same direction but weaker. Few sex differences were observed. Gestational phthalate exposure may be associated with alterations in placental chorionic plate surface vasculature characterized by more branching and shorter segments. These alterations may have implications for placental perfusion and suggest a placental mechanism by which phthalates may impact fetal development.

Prenatal exposure to phthalates and childhood wheeze and asthma in the PROGRESS cohort

INTRODUCTION

Prenatal phthalate exposure may influence lung development and lead to wheezing and asthma in childhood, and these associations may vary by sex. Despite ubiquity of exposure, there is limited epidemiologic data on these associations in Latin America.

METHODS

We assessed 593 mother-child dyads enrolled in the Programming Research in Obesity, Growth, Environment, and Social Stressors birth cohort in Mexico City. We quantified 15 phthalate metabolites in 2nd and 3rd trimester maternal urine. Report of ever wheeze, wheeze in the past 12 months (current wheeze) and ever asthma were obtained using a validated survey when children were 4 and 6 years of age. We examined individual associations with modified Poisson models. Mixture effects were assessed using Bayesian Weighted Quantile Sum (BWQS) regression. All models were adjusted for child's sex, maternal age and education at enrollment, and parity.

RESULTS

In Poisson models, a doubling of mono (carboxy-isononyl) phthalate (MCNP) during the 2nd trimester was associated with higher risk of wheeze (RR: 1.14, 95 % CI: 1.01, 1.29), and asthma (RR: 1.44, 95 % CI: 1.05, 1.97) at 4 years of age. Higher concentrations of the sum of di-isononyl phthalate metabolites (∑DiNP) during the 2nd trimester were also associated with asthma at 4 years of age (RR: 1.30, 95 % CI: 1.04, 1.61). Mixture associations of phthalate metabolite concentrations during the 2nd trimester and asthma at 4 years of age were stronger in males (BWQS, OR: 1.94, 95 % CI: 0.90, 4.60; 90 % CrI: 1.04, 3.73) compared to females (BWQS, OR: 1.23, 95 % CI: 0.56, 2.88; 90 % CrI: 0.61, 2.55). Additionally, we observed stronger inverse associations between prenatal phthalate mixtures during the 3rd trimester and current wheeze at 4 and 6 years of age in females (BWQS, OR: 0.54, 90 % CrI: 0.35, 0.82; OR: 0.45, 90 % CrI: 0.22, 0.84) compared to males (BWQS, OR: 0.95, 90 % Cri: 0.68, 1.35; OR: 0.97, 90 % CrI: 0.59, 1.54).

CONCLUSIONS

Prenatal phthalate metabolite concentrations were associated with respiratory outcomes in childhood, with some evidence of sex specific effects. Future work investigating phthalate exposure and wheeze trajectories/lung function will be important for understanding how these may predict later disease.

Maternal periconception hyperglycemia, preconception diabetes, and risk of major congenital malformations in offspring

STUDY QUESTION

What are the roles of maternal preconception diabetes and related periconceptional hyperglycemia on the risk of major congenital malformations (MCMs) in offspring?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Maternal periconceptional glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels over 5.6% were associated with an increased risk of congenital heart defects (CHD) in the offspring, and maternal preconception diabetes was associated with an increased risk of CHD, including when HbA1c levels were within euglycemic ranges.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Maternal preconception diabetes has been linked with MCMs in the offspring. However, evidence concerning associations with specific periconception serum measures of hyperglycemia, and susceptibility of different organ systems, is inconsistent. Moreover, limited evidence exists concerning the effectiveness of antidiabetic medications in mitigating diabetes-related teratogenic risks.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

A large Israeli birth cohort of 46 534 children born in 2001-2020.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Maternal HbA1c test results were obtained from 90 days before conception to mid-pregnancy. Maternal diabetes, other cardiometabolic conditions, and MCMs in newborns were ascertained based on clinical diagnoses, medication dispensing records, and laboratory test results using previously validated algorithms. Associations were modeled using generalized additive logistic regression models with thin plate penalized splines.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Maternal periconceptional HbA1c value was associated with CHD in newborns, with the risk starting to increase at HbA1c values exceeding 5.6%. The association between HbA1c and CHD was stronger among mothers with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) compared to the other diabetes groups. Maternal pre-existing T2DM was associated with CHD even after accounting for HbA1C levels and other cardiometabolic comorbidities (odds ratio (OR)=1.89, 95% CI 1.18, 3.03); and the OR was materially unchanged when only mothers with pre-existing T2DM who had high adherence to antidiabetic medications and normal HbA1c levels were considered.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The rarity of some specific malformation groups limited the ability to conduct more granular analyses. The use of HbA1c as a time-aggregated measure of glycemic control may miss transient glycemic dysregulation that could be clinically meaningful for teratogenic risks.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

The observed association between pre-existing diabetes and the risk of malformations within HbA1c levels suggests underlying causal pathways that are partly independent of maternal glucose control. Therefore, treatments for hyperglycemia might not completely mitigate the teratogenic risk associated with maternal preconception diabetes.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

The work was supported by NIH grants K99ES035433, R01HD097778, and P30ES000002. None of the authors reports competing interests.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

Management of phthalates in Canada and beyond: can we do better to protect human health?

Ortho-phthalates (herein referred to as phthalates) are synthetic chemicals used in thousands of different everyday products and materials. Nearly ubiquitous environmental exposure is reflected by phthalate metabolites in the urine of almost all Canadians. However, phthalate exposure tends to be higher amongst people of low socioeconomic status and ethnic minorities. Substantial evidence shows that certain phthalates cause harm to human health, particularly developing fetuses and children. Governments vary in their approach to assessing and managing risks associated with phthalates. Canada continues to take a more permissive stance on phthalate regulations compared to the EU and some US states. We argue that the recent Canadian national risk assessment on phthalates does not appropriately reflect the growing evidence demonstrating harm to human health from phthalate exposure and does not adequately consider the evidence showing higher exposures faced by vulnerable populations. Canadians would benefit from adopting a more stringent regulatory approach to phthalates. Specifically, Canada should expand phthalate restrictions to apply to all consumer products, implement sunset dates toward eliminating the use of existing phthalates, and mandate publicly available evidence of no harm for phthalate alternatives. Canadian alignment on phthalate regulations with the EU and a growing number of US states could encourage other countries to follow suit.

Assessment of maternal phthalate exposure in urine across three trimesters and at delivery (umbilical cord blood and placenta) and its influence on birth anthropometric measures

Phthalates, commonly used in plastic manufacturing, have been linked to adverse reproductive effects. Our research from the Saudi Early Autism and Environment Study (2019-2022), involving 672 participants, focused on the impacts of maternal phthalate exposure on birth anthropometric measures. We measured urinary phthalate metabolites in 390 maternal samples collected during each of the three trimesters of pregnancy and in cord serum and placental samples obtained at delivery. We employed various statistical methods to analyze our data. Intraclass correlation coefficients were used to assess the consistency of phthalate measurements, generalized estimating equations were used to explore temporal variations across the trimesters, and linear regression models, adjusted for significant confounders and Bonferroni correction, were used for each birth outcome. Exposure to six phthalates was consistently high across trimesters, with 82 %-100 % of samples containing significant levels of all metabolites, except for mono-benzyl phthalate. We found a 3.15 %-3.73 % reduction in birth weight (BWT), 1.39 %-1.69 % reduction in head circumference (HC), and 3.63 %-5.45 % reduction in placental weight (PWT) associated with a one-unit increase in certain urinary di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) metabolites during the first trimester. In the second trimester, exposure to MEP, ∑7PAE, and ∑LMW correlated with a 3.15 %-4.5 % increase in the APGAR 5-min score and increases in PWT by 8.98 % for ∑7PAE and 9.09 % for ∑LMW. Our study also highlighted the maternal-to-fetal transfer of DEHP metabolites, indicating diverse impacts on birth outcomes and potential effects on developmental processes. Our study further confirmed the transfer of DEHP metabolites from mothers to fetuses, evidenced by variable rates in the placenta and cord serum, with an inverse relationship suggesting a passive transfer mechanism. Additionally, we observed distinct phthalate profiles across these matrices, adversely impacting birth outcomes. In serum, we noticed increases associated with DEHP metabolites, with birth gestational age rising by 1.01 % to 1.11 %, HC by 2.84 % to 3.67 %, and APGAR 5-min scores by 3.77 % to 3.87 %. Conversely, placental analysis revealed a different impact: BWT decreased by 3.54 % to 4.69 %, HC reductions ranged from 2.57 % to 4.69 %, and chest circumference decreased by 7.13 %. However, the cephalization index increased by 3.67 %-5.87 %. These results highlight the complex effects of phthalates on fetal development, indicating their potential influence on crucial developmental processes like sexual maturation and brain development.

Linking EDC-laden food consumption and modern lifestyle habits with preeclampsia: A non-animal approach to identifying early diagnostic biomarkers through biochemical alterations

Preeclampsia (PE), a pregnancy complication characterized by new-onset hypertension with or without proteinuria and/or end-organ damage, and it may be influenced by exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals present in processed foods and modern lifestyles. This study explores the potential link using a non-animal approach to identify early diagnostic biomarkers for preeclampsia. Seventy pregnant women aged 21-41 years participated, and completed questionnaires assessing socio-demographic factors, Suboptimal Health Status Questionnaire scores for fatigue, digestive, cardiovascular, immune, and mental health issues, and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals from processed food consumption and daily product use. Peripheral blood samples were analyzed for hormone profiles, complete blood count, and liver function tests (LFT). Statistical analysis revealed that mothers above 27 years old, with a Body Mass Index exceeding 32.59 Kg/m2, and a Mean Arterial Pressure of 108.5 mmHg exhibited a potential obesogenic effect on preeclampsia development. Socio-demographic factors like, lower economic class, housewife status, primiparous pregnancy, non-graduate education, and rural residence were significantly associated with results. Analysis of biochemical parameters revealed that serum creatinine, blood urea, total protein, platelet count, blood urea nitrogen, bilirubin profile, LFT profile, and thyroid profile showed potential detrimental effects on kidney, liver, muscle, and thyroid function in preeclampsia patients. Notably, PC, serum urea, bilirubin, total protein, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were significantly associated with preeclampsia in individuals reporting higher exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Minor biochemical alterations were also observed with dairy product consumption. SHS-25 analysis indicated a significant increase in fatigue, and digestive, cardiovascular, immune, and mental health-related issues in patients. Probably, biochemical alterations due to EDC exposure from processed foods and modern lifestyle habits contribute to organ dysfunction in preeclampsia. Identifying these potential biomarkers may pave the way for the development of non-invasive, early diagnostic tools for improved preeclampsia management. This research emphasizes the importance of non-animal testing methods for assessing EDC-related health risks in pregnancy and contributes to the advancement of early PE diagnosis strategies.

Exploring the link between the pediatric exposome, respiratory health, and executive function in children: a narrative review

Asthma is a highly prevalent inflammatory condition, significantly affecting nearly six million U.S. children and impacting various facets of their developmental trajectories including neurodevelopment. Evidence supports a link between pediatric environmental exposures in two key areas: asthma and executive function (E.F.). E.F.s are a collective of higher-order cognitive processes facilitating goal-oriented behaviors. Studies also identify asthma-associated E.F. impairments in children. However, limited research has evaluated the inter-relationships among environmental exposures, asthma, and E.F. in children. This review explored relevant research to identify and connect the potential mechanisms and pathways underlying these dynamic associations. The review suggests that the role of the pediatric exposome may function through (1) several underlying biological pathways (i.e., the lung-brain axis, neuroendocrine system, and hypoxia), which could drive asthma and maladaptive E.F. in children and (2) the relationships between the exposome, asthma, and E.F. is a bidirectional linkage. The review reveals essential synergistic links between asthma and E.F. deficits, highlighting the potential role of the pediatric exposome.

Adverse health effects of exposure to plastic, microplastics and their additives: environmental, legal and policy implications for Israel

BACKGROUND

Israel is a regional "hotspot" of plastic pollution, with little discussion of potential adverse health effects from exposure to plastic. This review aims to stimulate discussion and drive policy by focusing on these adverse health effects.

MAIN BODY

Plastics are synthetic polymers containing additives which can leach from food- and beverage-contact plastic into our food and beverages, and from plastic textiles onto our skin. Plastics persist in the environment for generations, fragmenting into MNPs: Micro (1 micron-5 mm)-Nano (1 nm-1 micron)-Plastic, which contaminate our atmosphere, water, and food chain. MNP can enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation and touch. MNP < 10 microns can cross epithelial barriers in the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems, and fragments < 100 nm can cross intact skin, enabling entry into body tissues. MNP have been found in multiple organs of the human body. Patients with MNP in atheromas of carotid arteries have increased risk of a combined measure of stroke, cardiovascular disease, and death. Toxic additives to plastics include bisphenols, phthalates, and PFAS, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) which cause dysregulation of thyroid function, reproduction, and metabolism, including increased risk of obesity, diabetes, endometriosis, cancer, and decreased fertility, sperm count and quality. Fetal exposure to EDCs is associated with increased rates of miscarriages, prematurity and low birth weight. There is likely no safe level of exposure to EDCs, with increasing evidence of trans-generational and epigenetic effects. There are several existing Israeli laws to reduce plastic use and waste. Taxes on single-use plastic (SUP) were recently cancelled. There are many gaps in regulatory standards for food-, beverage- and child- safe plastic. Existing standards are poorly enforced.

CONCLUSION

Reduction in production and use of plastic, promotion of recycling and reduction of leaching of toxic additives into our food and beverages are essential policy goals. Specific recommendations: Periodic monitoring of MNP in bottled beverages, food, indoor air; Strengthen enforcement of standards for food-, beverage-, and child-safe plastic; Renew tax on SUPs; National ban on SUP at public beaches, nature reserves and parks; Ban products manufactured with MNP; Increase research on sources and health outcomes of exposure to MNP and EDCs.

Developmental and heritable genetic defects induced in mice by municipal landfill leachate

Environmental pollution by solid waste leachate is a serious environmental and public health concern. Leachate contamination and pollution of environmental matrices have been reported, but no report of embryotoxic and developmental defects, and heritable transfer of leachate-induced toxicity in mice. We investigated the ability of Aba-Eku landfill leachate to induce embryonic malformations, developmental toxicity, and germline and somatic DNA damage in the F1 of exposed pregnant mice. Pregnant mice (n = 100) were randomly distributed into 5 experimental groups of 20 animals/group and exposed to 0.2 mL of 5-75% concentrations of the leachate (v/v; Aba-Eku landfill leachate: distilled water) by daily gavage from gestational day (GD) zero to postnatal day (PND) 21. A similar treatment was given to pregnant female mice administered with distilled water (negative control). At GD 18, ten dams from the treatment and control groups were sacrificed by cervical dislocation after which the embryos were collected from the uterus for analyses of fetal morphometric and skeletal metamers respectively. We then monitored the developmental conditions of F1 mice from the remaining ten dams until they were weaned at PND 21 and sacrificed at PND 56 and PND 98 for bone marrow micronucleus and spermiogram analyses respectively. We also analyzed the leachate for inorganic and organic pollutants and calculated the Leachate Pollution Index (LPI). The leachate reduced maternal and fetal birth weight and increased fetal mortality and postnatal appearance of physiological markers in the F1 mice. There was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the frequency of fetal skeletal malformations, micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes, and apparent decline of epididymal sperm parameters. The concentrations of the inorganic and organic pollutants, and the LPI exceeded standard limits. Exposure of pregnant female mice to Aba-Eku landfill leachate caused embryonic defects and heritable DNA damage in subsequent generations.

Investigating the modulation of the endocannabinoid system by probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum IMC513 in a zebrafish model of di-n-hexyl phthalate exposure

Environmental pollutants used as plasticizers in food packaging and in thousands of everyday products have become harmful for their impact on human health. Among them, phthalates, recognized as emerging endocrine disruptors (EDs) can induce toxic effects leading to different health disorders. Only few studies evaluated the effects of di-n-hexyl phthalate (DnHP) in in vivo models and no studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of DnHP on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), one of the majors signaling pathways involved in the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Due to the current relevance of probiotic bacteria as beneficial dietary interventions, the present study was aimed at evaluating the potential neuroprotective impact of daily administration of Lactiplantibacillus (Lpb.) plantarum IMC513 on zebrafish adults exposed to DnHP, with a focus on ECS modulation. Gene expression analysis revealed a promising protective role of probiotic through the restoration of ECS genes expression to the control level, in the brain of zebrafish daily exposed to DnHP. In addition, the levels of main endocannabinoids were also modulated. These findings confirm the potential ability of probiotics to interact at central level by modulating the ECS, suggesting the use of probiotics as innovative dietary strategy to counteract alterations by EDs exposure.

Associations of prenatal exposure to phthalates and their mixture with lung function in Mexican children

Early life phthalates exposure has been associated with adverse respiratory outcomes. However, evidence linking prenatal phthalates exposure and childhood lung function has been inconclusive. Additionally, few studies have examined phthalates exposure as a mixture and explored sexually dimorphic associations. We aimed to investigate sex-specific associations of prenatal phthalates mixtures with childhood lung function using the PROGRESS cohort in Mexico (N = 476). Prenatal phthalate concentrations were measured in maternal urine collected during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. Children's lung function was evaluated at ages 8-13 years. Individual associations were assessed using multivariable linear regression, and mixture associations were modeled using repeated holdout WQS regression and hierarchical BKMR; data was stratified by sex to explore sex-specific associations. We identified significant interactions between 2nd trimester phthalates mixture and sex on FEV1 and FVC z-scores. Higher 2nd trimester phthalate concentrations were associated with higher FEV1 (β = 0.054, 95 %CI: 0.005, 0.104) and FVC z-scores (β = 0.074, 95 % CI: 0.024, 0.124) in females and with lower measures in males (FEV1, β = -0.017, 95 %CI: -0.066, 0.026; FVC, β = -0.014, 95 %CI: -0.065, 0.030). This study indicates that prenatal exposure to phthalates is related to childhood lung function in a sex-specific manner.

Prenatal exposure to environmental phenols and phthalates and altered patterns of DNA methylation in childhood

INTRODUCTION

Epigenetic marks are key biomarkers linking the prenatal environment to health and development. However, DNA methylation associations and persistence of marks for prenatal exposure to multiple Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) in human populations have not been examined in great detail.

METHODS

We measured Bisphenol-A (BPA), triclosan, benzophenone-3 (BP3), methyl-paraben, propyl-paraben, and butyl-paraben, as well as 11 phthalate metabolites, in two pregnancy urine samples, at approximately 13 and 26 weeks of gestation in participants of the Center for the Health Assessment of Mothers and Children of Salinas (CHAMACOS) study (N = 309). DNA methylation of cord blood at birth and child peripheral blood at ages 9 and 14 years was measured with 450K and EPIC arrays. Robust linear regression was used to identify differentially methylated probes (DMPs), and comb-p was used to identify differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in association with pregnancy-averaged EDC concentrations. Quantile g-computation was used to assess associations of the whole phenol/phthalate mixture with DMPs and DMRs.

RESULTS

Prenatal BPA exposure was associated with 1 CpG among males and Parabens were associated with 10 CpGs among females at Bonferroni-level significance in cord blood. Other suggestive DMPs (unadjusted p-value < 1 × 10-6) and several DMRs associated with the individual phenols and whole mixture were also identified. A total of 10 CpG sites at least suggestively associated with BPA, Triclosan, BP3, Parabens, and the whole mixture in cord blood were found to persist into adolescence in peripheral blood.

CONCLUSIONS

We found sex-specific associations between prenatal phenol exposure and DNA methylation, particularly with BPA in males and Parabens in females. Additionally, we found several DMPs that maintained significant associations with prenatal EDC exposures at age 9 and age 14 years.

Prenatal Exposure to Environmentally Relevant Low Dosage Dibutyl Phthalate Reduces Placental Efficiency in CD-1 Mice

Introduction

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), a phthalate congener, is widely utilized in consumer products and medication coatings. Women of reproductive age have a significant burden of DBP exposure through consumer products, occupational exposure, and medication. Prenatal DBP exposure is associated with adverse pregnancy/fetal outcomes and cardiovascular diseases in the offspring. However, the role of fetal sex and the general mechanisms underlying DBP exposure-associated adverse pregnancy outcomes are unclear. We hypothesize that prenatal DBP exposure at an environmentally relevant low dosage adversely affects fetal-placental development and function during pregnancy in a fetal sex-specific manner.

Methods

Adult female CD-1 mice (8-10wks) were orally treated with vehicle (control) or with environmentally relevant low DBP dosages at 0.1 μg/kg/day (refer as DBP0.1) daily from 30 days before pregnancy through gestational day (GD) 18.5. Dam body mass composition was measured non-invasively using the echo-magnetic resonance imaging system. Lipid disposition in fetal labyrinth and maternal decidual area of placentas was examined using Oil Red O staining.

Results

DBP0.1 exposure did not significantly affect the body weight and adiposity of non-pregnant adult female mice nor the maternal weight gain pattern and adiposity during pregnancy in adult female mice. DBP0.1 exposure does not affect fetal weight but significantly increased the placental weight at GD18.5 (indicative of decreased placental efficiency) in a fetal sex-specific manner. We further observed that DBP0.1 significantly decreased lipid disposition in fetal labyrinth of female, but not male placentas, while it did not affect lipid disposition in maternal decidual.

Conclusions

Prenatal exposure to environmentally relevant low-dosage DBP adversely impacts the fetal-placental efficiency and lipid disposition in a fetal sex-specific manner.

First Insight into Fetal Exposure to Legacy and Emerging Plasticizers Revealed by Infant Hair and Meconium: Occurrence, Biotransformation, and Accumulation

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated the embryonic and developmental toxicity of plasticizers. Thus, understanding the in utero biotransformation and accumulation of plasticizers is essential to assessing their fate and potential toxicity in early life. In the present study, 311 infant hair samples and 271 paired meconium samples were collected at birth in Guangzhou, China, to characterize fetal exposure to legacy and emerging plasticizers and their metabolites. Results showed that most of the target plasticizers were detected in infant hair, with medians of 9.30, 27.6, and 0.145 ng/g for phthalate esters (PAEs), organic phosphate ester (OPEs), and alternative plasticizers (APs), and 1.44, 0.313, and 0.066 ng/g for the metabolites of PAEs, OPEs, and APs, respectively. Positive correlations between plasticizers and their corresponding primary metabolites, as well as correlations among the oxidative metabolites of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINCH), were observed, indicating that infant hair retained the major phase-I metabolism of the target plasticizers. While no positive correlations were found in parent compounds or their primary metabolites between paired infant hair and meconium, significant positive correlations were observed among secondary oxidative metabolites of DEHP and DINCH in hair and meconium, suggesting that the primary metabolites in meconium come from hydrolysis of plasticizers in the fetus but most of the oxidative metabolites come from maternal-fetal transmission. The parent compound/metabolite ratios in infant hair showed a decreasing trend across pregnancy, suggesting in utero accumulation and deposition of plasticizers. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to report in utero exposure to both parent compounds and metabolites of plasticizers by using paired infant hair and meconium as noninvasive biomonitoring matrices and provides novel insights into the fetal biotransformation and accumulation of plasticizers across pregnancy.

Estimating Intervention Impact: Racial Disparities in Phthalate Exposure and Preterm Birth

Pooling data from 16 studies, researchers estimated that, among Black and Hispanic/Latina participants, reducing disparities in phthalate exposure during pregnancy might also reduce preterm birth rates.

Analysis and remediation of phthalates in aquatic matrices: current perspectives

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are high production volume chemicals used extensively as plasticizers, to increase the flexibility of the main polymer. They are reported to leach into their surroundings from plastic products and are now a ubiquitous environmental contaminant. Phthalate levels have been determined in several environmental matrices, especially in water. These levels serve as an indicator of plasticizer abuse and plastic pollution, and also serve as a route of exposure to different species including humans. Reports published on effects of different PAEs on experimental models demonstrate their carcinogenic, teratogenic, reproductive, and endocrine disruptive effects. Therefore, regular monitoring and remediation of environmental water samples is essential to ascertain their hazard quotient and daily exposure levels. This review summarises the extraction and detection techniques available for phthalate analysis in water samples such as chromatography, biosensors, immunoassays, and spectroscopy. Current remediation strategies for phthalate removal such as adsorption, advanced oxidation, and microbial degradation have also been highlighted.

Pollution and endometriosis: A deep dive into the environmental impacts on women's health

BACKGROUND

The interaction between pollution and endometriosis is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. The impact of pollution, particularly air and water pollution, or occupational hazards, on hormonal disruption and the initiation of endometriosis remains a major issue.

OBJECTIVES

This narrative review aims to delve into the intricate connection between pollution and endometriosis, shedding light on how environmental factors contribute to the onset and severity of this disease and, thus, the possible public health policy implications.

DISCUSSION

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in pollutants dysregulate the hormonal balance, contributing to the progression of this major gynaecological disorder. Air pollution, specifically PM2.5 and PAHs, has been associated with an increased risk of endometriosis by enhancing chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormonal imbalances. Chemical contaminants in water and work exposures, including heavy metals, dioxins, and PCBs, disrupt the hormonal regulation and potentially contribute to endometriosis. Mitigating the environmental impact of pollution is required to safeguard women's reproductive health. This requires a comprehensive approach involving stringent environmental regulations, sustainable practices, responsible waste management, research and innovation, public awareness, and collaboration among stakeholders.

CONCLUSION

Public health policies have a major role in addressing the interaction between pollution and endometriosis in a long-term commitment.

An insight into the critical role of gut microbiota in triggering the phthalate-induced toxicity and its mitigation using probiotics

Exposure to phthalates, a major food safety concern, has been implicated in various chronic human disorders. As dietary exposure serves as a primary exposure route for phthalate exposure, understanding the detrimental impact on the gastrointestinal tract and resident gut microbiota is indispensable for better managing public health risks. Various reports have explored the intricate interplay between phthalate exposure, gut microbiota dysbiosis and host pathophysiology. For instance, oral exposure of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) or di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) affected the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and abundance of Akkermansia and Prevotella, ensuing impaired lipid metabolism and reproductive toxicity. In some cases, DEHP exposure altered the levels of gut microbial metabolites, namely short-chain fatty acids, branched-chain amino acids or p-cresol, resulting in cholesterol imbalance or neurodevelopmental disorders. Conversely, supplementation of gut-modulating probiotics like Lactococcus or Lactobacillus sp. averted the phthalate-induced hepatic or testicular toxicity through host gene regulation, gut microbial modulation or elimination of DEHP or DBP in faeces. Overall, the current review revealed the critical role of the gut microbiota in initiating or exacerbating phthalate-induced toxicity, which could be averted or mitigated by probiotics supplementation. Future studies should focus on identifying high-efficiency probiotic strains that could help reduce the exposure of phthalates in animals and humans.

Sustainability in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Current practices in the U.S. health care industry drive climate change. This review summarizes the vast research on the negative health effects of the climate crisis on patients as relevant to obstetrics and gynecology. We further propose solutions to decarbonize operating rooms, labor and delivery units, and nurseries and neonatal intensive care units through evidence-based reduction in our single-use supply, energy, and water, as well as anesthetic gases and appropriate waste sorting.

Single- and combined-phthalate exposures are associated with biological ageing among adults

BACKGROUND

Previous research has emphasized the effects of lifestyle and genetics on ageing. However, the association between exposure to phthalates, which are extensively used in cosmetics and personal care products, and ageing is still unclear.

METHOD

Data for 4711 subjects from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2010 were incorporated in the present study. The acceleration of the Klemera-Doubal method-biological age (KDM-BA) and phenotypic Age (PhenoAge) were measured by the composite of 13 biomarkers. Multiple-linear and weighted-quantile sum (WQS) regression models were constructed to explore the relationships of single- and combined-phthalate exposures, as indicated by urinary phthalate metabolites, with KDM-BA and PhenoAge. A generalized additive model (GAM) was fitted to explore the potential nonlinear relationships among the above variables.

RESULTS

Except for mono-(carboxynonyl), all urinary phthalate metabolites were associated with biological ageing, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.241 to 0.526; however, mono-ethyl presented a negative correlation. The WQS models revealed mixed effects of combined urinary phthalate metabolites on ageing, with a 0.22-year ((95 % CI) 0.09, 0.32) increase in KDM-BA acceleration and a 0.27-year ((95 % CI) 0.13, 0.37) increase in PhenoAge acceleration for each decile increase in urinary phthalate metabolites. Moreover, MCPP, MEOHP, and MBzP seemed to be the top three phthalates in terms of biological ageing, with weights of 33.3 % and 32.2 %, 29.2 % and 17.2 %, and 21.5 % and 30.1 % in KDM-BA and PhenoAge acceleration, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Single-phthalate exposure was mostly associated with the ageing process, and combined-phthalate exposure presented mixed effects on biological ageing, emphasizing phthalate exposure as a significant risk factor for ageing.

Environmental chemical exposures and mental health outcomes in children: a narrative review of recent literature

Background: Mental health is an important factor for children's overall wellbeing. National health statistics show that millions of children are diagnosed with mental health disorders every year, and evidence from studies on chemical pollutants like lead and bisphenols indicate that environmental exposures are linked to mental health illnesses in youth. However, the relationship between children's mental health and the environment is not well understood. This paper aims to review recent literature on prenatal and/or childhood environmental chemical exposures and mental health problems related to mood, anxiety, and behavior. This work also identifies areas of insufficient data and proposes suggestions to fill the data gaps. Methods: A narrative review was performed by searching Google Scholar and PubMed for literature published in the last 6 years (2017-2022), using search terms related to children, mental health, and environmental chemical exposure. Additional relevant studies were identified by screening the references in these papers. Results: A total of 29 studies are included in this review and results are summarized by chemical category: heavy metals, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and pesticides. The majority of studies reported positive and significant associations between chemical exposures and child mental health outcomes including internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Conclusion: This review demonstrates that there is a growing body of literature that suggests developmental exposure to some environmental chemicals increases a child's risk of mood, anxiety, and behavior problems. Future research should expand on these findings to understand cumulative impacts, chemical mixtures, neurotoxic mechanisms, sex differences, and windows of vulnerability.

Effect of perinatal exposure to glyphosate and its mixture with 2,4-D and dicamba on rat dam kidney and thyroid function and offspring's health

The increasing use of the herbicide mixture of glyphosate, dicamba and 2-4-D to deal with glyphosate-resistant weeds raises concerns regarding human health and environmental risks. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of developmental exposure to glyphosate and a herbicide mixture containing glyphosate, dicamba and 2-4-D on rat dams' kidney and thyroid function and offspring's health. Pregnant Wistar rats were exposed from day-6 of gestation till weaning to regulatory relevant doses of glyphosate corresponding to the European Union (EU) acceptable daily intake (ADI; 0.5 mg/kg bw/day), and the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL; 50 mg/kg bw/day), and to a mixture of glyphosate, dicamba and 2,4-D all at the EU ADI (0.5, 0.002 and 0.3 mg/kg bw/day) respectively. After weaning the dams were sacrificed and blood and organs were collected. The pups' health was assessed by measuring viability, gestational and anogenital indices. Perinatal exposure to GLY alone and the herbicide mixture resulted in anti-androgenic effects in male offspring. In dams, exposure to glyphosate resulted in kidney glomerular and tubular dysfunction as well as increased thyroid hormone levels in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, exposure to the herbicide mixture resulted in effects similar to those observed with glyphosate at the NOAEL, suggesting at least an additive effect of the herbicide mixture at doses individually considered safe for humans.

Modulation of fetoplacental growth, development and reproductive function by endocrine disrupters

Maternal endocrine homeostasis is vital to a successful pregnancy, regulated by several hormones such as human chorionic gonadotropin, estrogen, leptin, glucocorticoid, insulin, prostaglandin, and others. Endocrine stress during pregnancy can modulate nutrient availability from mother to fetus, alter fetoplacental growth and reproductive functions. Endocrine disrupters such as bisphenols (BPs) and phthalates are exposed in our daily life's highest volume. Therefore, they are extensively scrutinized for their effects on metabolism, steroidogenesis, insulin signaling, and inflammation involving obesity, diabetes, and the reproductive system. BPs have their structural similarity to 17-β estradiol and their ability to bind as an agonist or antagonist to estrogen receptors to elicit an adverse response to the function of the endocrine and reproductive system. While adults can negate the adverse effects of these endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), fetuses do not equip themselves with enzymatic machinery to catabolize their conjugates. Therefore, EDC exposure makes the fetoplacental developmental window vulnerable to programming in utero. On the one hand prenatal BPs and phthalates exposure can impair the structure and function of the ovary and uterus, resulting in placental vascular defects, inappropriate placental expression of angiogenic growth factors due to altered hypothalamic response, expression of nutrient transporters, and epigenetic changes associated with maternal endocrine stress. On the other, their exposure during pregnancy can affect the offspring's metabolic, endocrine and reproductive functions by altering fetoplacental programming. This review highlights the latest development in maternal metabolic and endocrine modulations from exposure to estrogenic mimic chemicals on subcellular and transgenerational changes in placental development and its effects on fetal growth, size, and metabolic & reproductive functions.

Temporal trends in microplastic accumulation in placentas from pregnancies in Hawai'i

Microplastics are created for commercial use, are shed from textiles, or result from the breakdown of larger plastic items. Recent reports have shown that microplastics accumulate in human tissues and may have adverse health consequences. Currently, there are no standardized environmental monitoring systems to track microplastic accumulation within human tissues. Using Raman spectroscopy, we investigated the temporal exposures to plastic pollution in Hawai'i and noted a significant increase in the accumulation of microplastics in discarded placentas over the past 15 years, with changes in the size and chemical composition of the polymers. These findings provide a rare insight into the vulnerability and sensitivity of Pacific Island residents to plastic pollution and illustrate how discarded human tissues can be used as an innovative environmental plastic pollution monitoring system.

The prevalence of hypospadias in newborn males in Hangzhou, China from 2011 to 2020: A cross-sectional population-based study

BACKGROUND

Hypospadias is one of the most common anomalies of the human genitourinary system. The prevalence of hypospadias varies considerably by region, ethnicity, and clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE

This research was designed to investigate the prevalence and related influencing factors of neonatal hypospadias in Hangzhou from 2011 to 2020 in order to provide a scientific basis for the clinical prevention and treatment of hypospadias.

STUDY DESIGN

This study retrospectively analyzed the Hangzhou Maternal Child Information System and Birth Defect Monitoring System and included data from a total of 1,008,754 pregnant women between October 2010 and September 2020. The chi-square test was adopted to compare the prevalence of hypospadias at different maternal ages and different years.

RESULTS

The prevalence of neonatal hypospadias in Hangzhou, China, was 2.89 per 10,000, with a total of 292 newborns diagnosed with hypospadias from 2011 to 2020. The prevalence of hypospadias in Hangzhou showed temporal, regional, and age distribution characteristics: from 1.08/10,000 in 2011 to 7.03/10,000 in 2020; the prevalence was higher in suburban areas than that in the urban area and the counties, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.001); the prevalence of hypospadias was lowest in maternal age < 25 years (1.20/10,000) and highest in maternal age ≥ 40 years old (14.59/10,000). The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The risk factor for hypospadias in the offspring of advanced pregnant women was 3.86 times higher than that of younger pregnant women.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall prevalence of neonatal hypospadias in Hangzhou from 2011 to 2020 was 2.89/10,000 and showed temporal, regional, and age distribution characteristics.

Co-Exposure of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Phthalates with Blood Cell-Based Inflammation in Early Pregnant Women

Cumulative evidence has demonstrated that exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) or phthalates (PAEs) contributes to a variety of adverse health effects. However, the association of PAHs and PAEs co-exposure with blood cell-based inflammatory indicators during early pregnancy is still unclear. We aimed to investigate the single and mixed associations of exposure to PAHs and PAEs with blood cell-based inflammatory indicators among early pregnant women. A total of 318 early pregnant women were included in this study. General linear regressions were used to estimate the relationships of individual OH-PAHs and mPAEs with blood cell-based inflammatory indicators. The key pollutants were selected by an adapted least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) penalized regression model and wasemployed to build the Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and quantile g-computation (Q-g) models, which can assess the joint association of OH-PAHs and mPAEs with blood cell-based inflammatory indicators. General linear regression indicated that each 1% increase in MOP was associated with a 4.92% (95% CI: 2.12%, 7.68%), 3.25% (95% CI: 0.50%, 6.18%), 5.87% (95% CI: 2.22%, 9.64%), and 6.50% (95% CI: 3.46%, 9.64%) increase in WBC, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes, respectively. BKMR and Q-g analysis showed that the mixture of OH-PAHs and mPAEs was linked with increased levels of white blood cells (WBC), neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes, and MOP was identified as the dominant contributor. OH-PAHs and mPAEs co-exposure in early pregnancy was associated with elevated blood cell-based inflammatory indicators reactions. More attention should be paid to the inflammation induced by environmental pollution for perinatal women, especially early pregnant women.

Associations of phthalates, phthalate replacements, and their mixtures with eicosanoid biomarkers during pregnancy

Humans are exposed to complex mixtures of phthalates. Gestational exposure to phthalates has been linked to preeclampsia and preterm birth through potential pathways such as endocrine disruption, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Eicosanoids are bioactive signaling lipids that are related to a variety of homeostatic and inflammatory processes. We investigated associations between urinary phthalates and their mixtures with plasma eicosanoid levels during pregnancy using the PROTECT cohort in Puerto Rico (N = 655). After adjusting for covariates, we estimated pair-wise associations between the geometric mean of individual phthalate metabolite concentrations across pregnancy and eicosanoid biomarkers using multivariable linear regression. We used bootstrapping of adaptive elastic net regression (adENET) to evaluate phthalate mixtures associated with eicosanoids and subsequently create environmental risk scores (ERS) to represent weighted sums of phthalate exposure for each individual. After adjusting for false-discovery, in single-pollutant analysis, 14 of 20 phthalate metabolites or parent compound indices showed significant and primarily negative associations with multiple eicosanoids. In our mixture analysis, associations with several metabolites of low molecular weight phthalates - DEP, DBP, and DIBP - became prominent. Additionally, MEHHTP and MECPTP, metabolites of a new phthalate replacement, DEHTP, were selected as important predictors for determining the concentrations of multiple eicosanoids from different pathway groups. A unit increase in phthalate ERS derived from bootstrapping of adENET was positively associated with several eicosanoids mainly from Cytochrome P450 pathway. For example, an increase in ERS was associated with 11(S)-HETE (β = 1.6, 95% CI: 0.020, 3.180), (±)11,12-DHET (β = 2.045, 95% CI: 0.250, 3.840), 20(S)-HETE (β = 0.813, 95% CI: 0.147, 1.479), and 9 s-HODE (β = 2.381, 95% CI: 0.657, 4.104). Gestational exposure to phthalates and phthalate mixtures were associated with eicosanoid levels during pregnancy. Results from the mixture analyses underscore the complexity of physiological impacts of phthalate exposure and call for further in-depth studies to examine these relationships.

A Brief Look at Hashimoto's Disease, Adrenal Incidentalomas, Obesity and Insulin Resistance-Could Endocrine Disruptors Be the Other Side of the Same Coin?

Hashimoto's disease (HD) is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in developed countries. The exact pathomechanism behind it has not been clearly established; however, an interplay of genetic susceptibility, environmental triggers (including diet) and epigenetic factors seems to be involved. Among the latter, increasingly more attention has been paid to some hormonally active substances, known as endocrine disruptors, which are commonly used worldwide. HD has become a condition widely reported in the media, acting as a culprit for inexplicable weight gain, chronic fatigue or weakness. Nevertheless, the recognition of HD is undeniably increasing and represents a major public health burden. At the same time, improving access to imaging tests has increased the number of incidentally diagnosed adrenal tumors. Above all, the widespread use of chest computed tomography (CT) due to the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to frequent incidental detection of adrenal lesions. Fortunately, a vast majority of these findings are asymptomatic benign tumors with no excessive hormonal activity, and therefore, they are defined as adrenal incidentalomas (AIs). Interestingly, recent studies have indicated that patients with AIs are more prone to obesity and insulin resistance. Although mutual relationships between the thyroid and the adrenal glands have been studied widely, still, little is known about the possible pathophysiological associations between thyroid autoimmunity and the occurrence of adrenal incidentalomas. This article presents a brief review of the common endocrine disorders with a special focus on the frequently coexisting insulin resistance and/or obesity. Furthermore, in response to the recent growing interest in endocrine disruptors, with their transgenerational epigenetic effects that influence hormonal system function, a concise overview of the topic has also been included.

Associations between prenatal exposure to phthalates and birth weight: A meta-analysis study

Previous studies have suggested that phthalates are associated with birth weight. However, most phthalate metabolites have not been fully explored. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to assess the relationship between phthalate exposure and birth weight. We identified original studies that measured phthalate exposure and reported its association with infant birth weight in relevant databases. Regression coefficients (β) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted and analyzed for risk estimation. Fixed-effects (I² ≤ 50%) or random-effects (I² > 50%) models were adopted according to their heterogeneity. Overall summary estimates indicated negative associations of prenatal exposure to mono-n-butyl phthalate (pooled β = -11.34 g; 95% CI: -20.98 to -1.70 g) and mono-methyl phthalate (pooled β = -8.78 g; 95% CI: -16.30 to -1.27 g). No statistical association was found between the other less commonly used phthalate metabolites and birth weight. Subgroup analyses indicated that exposure to mono-n-butyl phthalate was associated with birth weight in females (β = -10.74 g; 95% CI: -18.70 to -2.79 g). Our findings indicate that phthalate exposure might be a risk factor for low birth weight and that this relationship may be sex specific. More research is needed to promote preventive policies regarding the potential health hazards of phthalates.

Perinatal and postnatal exposure to phthalates and early neurodevelopment at 6 months in healthy infants born at term

Background

Phthalates are non-persistent chemicals largely used as plasticizers and considered ubiquitous pollutants with endocrine disrupting activity. The exposure during sensible temporal windows as pregnancy and early childhood, may influence physiological neurodevelopment.

Aims and Scope

The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between the urinary levels of phthalate metabolites in newborn and infants and the global development measured by the Griffiths Scales of Children Development (GSCD) at six months.

Methods

Longitudinal cohort study in healthy Italian term newborn and their mothers from birth to the first 6 months of life. Urine samples were collected at respectively 0 (T0), 3 (T3), 6 (T6) months, and around the delivery for mothers. Urine samples were analyzed for a total of 7 major phthalate metabolites of 5 of the most commonly used phthalates. At six months of age a global child development assessment using the third edition of the Griffith Scales of Child Development (GSCD III) was performed in 104 participants.

Results

In a total of 387 urine samples, the seven metabolites analyzed appeared widespread and were detected in most of the urine samples collected at any time of sampling (66-100%). At six months most of the Developmental Quotients (DQs) falls in average range, except for the subscale B, which presents a DQ median score of 87 (85-95). Adjusted linear regressions between DQs and urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations in mothers at T0 and in infants at T0, T3 and T6 identified several negative associations both for infants' and mothers especially for DEHP and MBzP. Moreover, once stratified by children's sex, negative associations were found in boys while positive in girls.

Conclusions

Phthalates exposure is widespread, especially for not regulated compounds. Urinary phthalate metabolites were found to be associated to GSCD III scores, showing inverse association with higher phthalate levels related to lower development scores. Our data suggested differences related to the child's sex.

Prenatal phthalate exposure and cord blood DNA methylation

Exposure to phthalates has been shown to impede the human endocrine system, resulting in deleterious effects on pregnant women and their children. Phthalates modify DNA methylation patterns in infant cord blood. We examined the association between prenatal phthalate exposure and DNA methylation patterns in cord blood in a Korean birth cohort. Phthalate levels were measured in 274 maternal urine samples obtained during late pregnancy and 102 neonatal urine samples obtained at birth, and DNA methylation levels were measured in cord blood samples. For each infant in the cohort, associations between CpG methylation and both maternal and neonate phthalate levels were analyzed using linear mixed models. The results were combined with those from a meta-analysis of the levels of phthalates in maternal and neonatal urine samples, which were also analyzed for MEOHP, MEHHP, MnBP, and DEHP. This meta-analysis revealed significant associations between the methylation levels of CpG sites near the CHN2 and CUL3 genes, which were also associated with MEOHP and MnBP in neonatal urine. When the data were stratified by the sex of the infant, MnBP concentration was found to be associated with one CpG site near the OR2A2 and MEGF11 genes in female infants. In contrast, the concentrations of the three maternal phthalates showed no significant association with CpG site methylation. Furthermore, the data identified distinct differentially methylated regions in maternal and neonatal urine samples following exposure to phthalates. The CpGs with methylation levels that were positively associated with phthalate levels (particularly MEOHP and MnBP) were found to be enriched genes and related pathways. These results indicate that prenatal phthalate exposure is significantly associated with DNA methylation at multiple CpG sites. These alterations in DNA methylation may serve as biomarkers of maternal exposure to phthalates in infants and are potential candidates for investigating the mechanisms by which phthalates impact maternal and neonatal health.

Impacts of nano/micro-plastics on safety and quality of aquatic food products

The spread of nano/microplastics (N/MPs) pollution has gained importance due to the associated health concerns. Marine environment including fishes, mussels, seaweed and crustaceans are largely exposed to these potential threats. N/MPs are associated with plastic, additives, contaminants and microbial growth, which are transmitted to higher trophic levels. Foods from aquatic origin are known to promote health and have gained immense importance. Recently, aquatic foods are traced to transmit the nano/microplastic and the persistent organic pollutant poising hazard to humans. However, microplastic ingestion, translocation and bioaccumulation of the contaminant have impacts on animal health. The level of pollution depends upon the pollution in the zone of growth for aquatic organisms. Consumption of contaminated aquatic food affects the health by transferring the microplastic and chemicals. This chapter describes the sources and occurrence of N/MPs in marine environment, detailed classification of N/MPs based on the properties influencing associated hazard. Additionally, occurrence of N/MPs and their impact on quality and safety in aquatic food products are discussed. Lastly, existing regulations and requirements of a robust framework of N/MPs are reviewed.

The cumulative risk assessment of phthalates exposure in preterm neonates

Phthalates are widely used plasticizers in various consumer products and medical devices, with some reporting as having estrogenic and anti-androgenic endocrine-disrupting effects. Premature neonates may be exposed to high levels of specific phthalates during hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) because of reliance on multiple medical procedures that pose a possible health risk. The present study utilized seven urinary phthalate metabolites of dibutyl phthalate isomers [(di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) and diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP)], butylbenzyl phthalate (BBzP), and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) that had been previously measured in 33 preterm neonates sampled at hospital admission (N = 23) and daily during their NICU stay (N = 260). We aimed to perform: (1) cumulative risk assessment (CRA) using the volume and creatinine-adjusted models; (2) examine the temporal variability of CRA from repeated measures and (3) estimate the risk of cumulative exposure to phthalates based on their anti-androgenic and/or estrogenic properties. We multiplied the relative activity of individual phthalates exhibiting estrogenic or anti-androgenic effects by daily intake. For each preterm neonate, CRA was assessed based on the hazard index (HI) metric [the sum of hazard quotients] based on three reference doses for anti-androgenicity: the tolerable daily intake (TDI) from the European Food Safety Authority, the reference dose (RfD-AA) published in 2010 and newly revised published in 2020 (NRfD-AA). The metabolites of BBzP and DEHP were 2-23 fold higher in preterm neonates during their NICU stay. Median HIs increased in the order of HI_NRfDAA > HI_RfDAA > HI_TDI. In the creatinine-based model, 87% (92%), 87% (96%), and 100% (100%) of preterm neonates at admission (during NICU stay) showed HI_TDI, HI_RfD-AA, and HI_NRfD-AA exceeding 1, respectively with DEHP the most prevalent. The temporal reproducibility of HI (based on three reference doses) during preterm neonate stay in the NICU was high, with intra-class correlation coefficients ranging between 0.77 and 0.97, suggesting persistent exposure to phthalates. The four phthalates that preterm neonates were exposed to in the NICU exhibited estrogenic binding and anti-androgenic effects with median values (creatinine-based) of 98.7 and 56.9 μg/kg body weight/day, respectively. This was especially true for DEHP. The results indicate that preterm neonates in this NICU setting are probably at high risk of cumulative phthalate exposure with anti-androgenic properties that may have long-term adverse reproductive and developmental effects.

Effects of exposure to phthalate during early pregnancy on gestational diabetes mellitus: a nested case-control study with propensity score matching

Owing to the complexity of phthalates (PAEs) components and the diversity of their sources, the health hazards of their metabolites to pregnant women remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the relationship between exposure to PAEs during early pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in rural pregnant women. We assessed pregnant women with (n = 338) or without (n = 3082) GDM from the ongoing Zunyi Birth Cohort. Participants' urine samples were collected to measure the levels of 10 metabolites of PAEs. GDM was diagnosed using the 75-g oral glucose tolerance test at 24-28 weeks of gestation. We adopted propensity score matching based on GDM-related factors and pregnant women's backgrounds to establish two groups of 338 patients: those with or without GDM. In the cohort, we included 5734 pregnant women; 519 of them developed GDM, yielding a GDM incidence rate of 9.05%. Urinary concentrations of monooctyl phthalate (MOP), mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP), mono(2-ethyl-5-oxyhexyl) phthalate (MEOHP), and mono(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP) during early pregnancy were significantly associated with GDM (P < 0.05). Logistic regression models revealed that MEOHP in the urine was positively associated with GDM (odds ratio [OR] = 1.55; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00-2.39). Furthermore, restricted cubic spline models revealed that urine MEOHP concentrations greater than 15.6 μg/L were positively associated with GDM, and approximately 23.5% pregnant women had urine MEOHP concentrations greater than 15.6 μg/L. Thus, approximately 23.5% of pregnant women were at the risk of developing GDM due to MEOHP, which suggested that pregnant women should reduce the use of packaged food and cosmetics to reduce the risk of GDM. However, further molecular biology experiments are required to confirm these findings and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Early-life exposure to di (2-ethyl-hexyl) phthalate: Role in children with endocrine disorders

Di (2-ethyl-hexyl) phthalate (DEHP), one of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), has widespread concern due to its serious health hazards. Exposure to DEHP in the early stage of life affects fetal metabolic and endocrine function, which even would cause genetic lesions. To date, it is widely believed that the increasing incidence of childhood obesity and diabetes in adolescents is related to the impact of DEHP on glucose and lipid homeostasis in children. However, there remains a knowledge gap to recognize these adverse effects. Thus, in this review, besides the exposure routes and levels of DEHP, we further outline the effects of early-life exposure to DEHP on children and potential mechanisms, focusing on the aspect of metabolic and endocrine homeostasis.

Endocrine Disruptor Chemicals and Children's Health

We are all exposed to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) starting from embryonic life. The fetus and child set up crucial developmental processes allowing adaptation to the environment throughout life: they are extremely sensitive to very low doses of hormones and EDCs because they are developing organisms. Considering the developmental origin of well-being and diseases, every adult organism expresses consequences of the environment in which it developed. The molecular mechanisms through which the main EDCs manifest their effects and their potential association with endocrine disorders, such as diabetes, obesity, thyroid disease and alteration of adrenal hormones, will be reviewed here. Despite 40 years having passed since the first study on EDCs, little is yet known about them; therefore, our purpose is to take stock of the situation to establish a starting point for further studies. Since there is plenty of evidence showing that exposure to EDCs may adversely impact the health of adults and children through altered endocrine function-suggesting their link to endocrinopathies-it is essential in this context to bear in mind what is already known about endocrine disruptors and to deepen our knowledge to establish rules of conduct aimed at limiting exposure to EDCs' negative effects. Considering that during the COVID-19 pandemic an increase in endocrine disruptor effects has been reported, it will also be useful to address this new phenomenon for better understanding its basis and limiting its consequences.

Resveratrol Butyrate Ester Supplementation Blunts the Development of Offspring Hypertension in a Maternal Di-2-ethylhexyl Phthalate Exposure Rat Model

Resveratrol (REV) is a plant polyphenol with a plethora of beneficial properties. We previously enhanced the efficacy of REV via esterification of REV with butyrate to form resveratrol butyrate ester (RBE). Compared with REV, RBE exhibits higher bioavailability and better antioxidant effects. Hypertension can originate in early life because of maternal toxic chemical exposure. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of RBE in the protection of offspring hypertension induced by maternal di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) exposure and to explore the underlying mechanisms. DEHP (10 mg/kg/day) was used as oral gavage to pregnant rats during gestation and lactation. The control group received the vehicle. Three groups of DEHP-exposed dams received REV (6.67 mg/kg/day), or low-dose (3.33 mg/kg/day) or high-dose (6.67 mg/kg/day) RBE in drinking water during gestation and lactation. Perinatal DEHP exposure resulted in hypertension and bodyweight gain in adult male offspring, which was prevented by high-dose RBE. REV supplementation attenuated DEHP exposure-induced increases in blood pressure but not bodyweight. High-dose RBE decreased renal oxidative damage, increased plasma butyrate concentrations, and altered short chain fatty acid receptor (SCFA) expression. Low-dose RBE treatment reduced downstream mediators of the acryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling pathway. Moreover, DEHP exposure, REV and RBE treatment differentially shaped the offspring's gut microbiota. In particular, high-dose RBE increased the abundance of the genus Duncaniella. The beneficial effects of RBE treatment were related to reducing oxidative damage, increasing plasma butyrate concentrations, downregulating SCFA receptor expression, antagonizing AHR signaling, and altering the gut microbiota. This study provides the first evidence of RBE as a novel plant polyphenol bioproduct targeting the oxidative stress and gut microbiota to protect against maternal DEHP exposure-primed offspring hypertension.

Understanding the Chemical Exposome During Fetal Development and Early Childhood: A Review

Early human life is considered a critical window of susceptibility to external exposures. Infants are exposed to a multitude of environmental factors, collectively referred to as the exposome. The chemical exposome can be summarized as the sum of all xenobiotics that humans are exposed to throughout a lifetime. We review different exposure classes and routes that impact fetal and infant metabolism and the potential toxicological role of mixture effects. We also discuss the progress in human biomonitoring and present possiblemodels for studying maternal-fetal transfer. Data gaps on prenatal and infant exposure to xenobiotic mixtures are identified and include natural biotoxins, in addition to commonly reported synthetic toxicants, to obtain a more holistic assessment of the chemical exposome. We highlight the lack of large-scale studies covering a broad range of xenobiotics. Several recommendations to advance our understanding of the early-life chemical exposome and the subsequent impact on health outcomes are proposed.

Associations of individual and cumulative urinary phthalate and replacement biomarkers with gestational weight gain through late pregnancy

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Phthalates and their replacements are endocrine/metabolic disruptors that may impact gestational weight gain (GWG) - a pregnancy health indicator. We investigated overall and fetal sex-specific associations of individual and cumulative phthalate/replacement biomarkers with GWG.

METHODS

Illinois women (n = 299) self-reported their weight pre-pregnancy and at their final obstetric appointment before delivery (median 38 weeks). We calculated pre-pregnancy body mass index and gestational age-specific GWG z-scores (GWGz). We quantified 19 phthalate/replacement metabolites (representing 10 parent compounds) in pools of up-to-five first-morning urine samples, collected approximately monthly between 8 and 40 weeks gestation. We used linear regression, quantile-based g-computation (QGComp), and weighted quantile sum regression (WQSR) to evaluate associations of ten biomarkers (individual metabolites or parent molar-sums) individually or as mixtures (in interquartile range intervals) with GWGz. We evaluated associations in all women and stratified by fetal sex.

RESULTS

Individually, sums of metabolites of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (ƩDEHP), di(isononyl) cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate (ƩDiNCH), and di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (ƩDEHTP) had consistent inverse associations with GWGz, and some associations were fetal sex-specific. When evaluating phthalates/replacements as a mixture, QGComp identified ƩDEHP, ƩDEHTP, and mono-(3-carboxypropyl) phthalate, along with sum of di(isononyl) phthalate metabolites (ƩDiNP) and monobenzyl phthalate as notable contributors to lower and higher GWGz, respectively, resulting in a marginal inverse joint association in all women (β: -0.29; 95% CI: -0.70, 0.12). In women carrying females, ƩDEHP contributed to the marginal inverse joint association (β: -0.54; 95% CI: -1.09, 0.03). However, there was no overall association in women carrying males (β: 0.00; 95% CI: -0.60, 0.59), which was explained by approximately equal negative (driven by ƩDEHTP) and positive (driven by ƩDiNP) partial associations. WQSR analyses consistently replicated these QGComp findings.

CONCLUSIONS

Biomarkers of phthalates/replacements were fetal sex-specifically associated with GWGz. Because ƩDEHTP contributed substantively to mixture associations, additional studies in pregnant women may be needed around this plasticizer replacement.

Maternal rodent exposure to di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate decreases muscle mass in the offspring by increasing myostatin

BACKGROUND

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and its metabolites can cross the placenta and may cause birth defects and developmental disorders. However, whether maternal DEHP exposure affects skeletal muscle development in the offspring and the pathways involved are unknown. This study investigated the effects of maternal DEHP exposure and the contribution of myostatin (MSTN) to skeletal muscle development in the offspring.

METHODS

Pregnant wild-type and muscle-specific myostatin knockout (MSTN KO) C57BL/6 mice were randomized to receive vehicle (corn oil) or 250 mg/kg DEHP by gavage every other day until their pups were weaned (postnatal day 21 [PND21]). Body weights of the offspring mice were measured longitudinally, and their hindleg muscles were harvested at PD21. Also, C2C12 cells were treated with mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), the primary metabolite of DEHP, and proteolysis, protein synthesis, and myogenesis markers were measured. The contribution of myostatin to maternal DEHP exposure-induced muscle wasting in the offspring was determined.

RESULTS

Maternal DEHP exposure reduced body weight growth, myofibre size, and muscle mass in the offspring compared to controls (Quad: 2.70 ± 0.1 vs. 3.38 ± 0.23, Gastroc: 2.29 ± 0.09 vs. 2.81 ± 0.14, Tibialis: 1.01 ± 0.07 vs. 1.25 ± 0.11, mg/tibial length in mm, all P < 0.01, n = 35). Maternal DEHP exposure significantly increased Myostatin expression (2.45 ± 0.41 vs. 0.03 ± 0.00 DEHP vs. controls, P < 0.01, n = 5), Atrogin-1(2.68 ± 0.65 vs. 0.63 ± 0.01, P < 0.05, n = 5), MuRF1 (1.56 ± 0.51 vs. 0.31 ± 0.01, P < 0.05, n = 5), and Smad2/3 phosphorylation (4.12 ± 0.35 vs. 0.49 ± 0.18, P < 0.05), and decreased MyoD (0.27 ± 0.01 vs. 1.52 ± 0.01, P < 0.05, n = 5), Myogenin (0.25 ± 0.03 vs. 1.95 ± 0.56, P < 0.05, n = 5), and AKT phosphorylation (4.12 ± 0.35 vs. 1.00 ± 0.06, P < 0.05, n = 5), in skeletal muscle of the offspring in MSTNflox/flox , but not in MSTN KO mice. Maternal DEHP exposure resulted in up-regulation of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein δ (C/EBPδ, 4.12 ± 0.35 vs. 1.00 ± 0.19, P < 0.05, n = 5) in skeletal muscle of the offspring in MSTNflox/flox and MSTN KO mice (4.12 ± 0.35 vs. 4.35 ± 0.28, P > 0.05, n = 5). In vitro, C/EBPδ silencing abrogated the MEHP-induced increases in Myostatin, MuRF-1, and Atrogin-1 and decreases in MyoD and Myogenin expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Maternal DEHP exposure impairs skeletal muscle development in the offspring by enhancing the C/EBPδ-myostatin pathway in mice.

Paternal Nicotine/Ethanol/Caffeine Mixed Exposure Induces Offspring Rat Dysplasia and Its Potential "GC-IGF1" Programming Mechanism

Clinical and animal studies suggest that paternal exposure to adverse environments (bad living habits and chronic stress, etc.) has profound impacts on offspring development; however, the mechanism of paternal disease has not been clarified. In this study, a meta-analysis was first performed to suggest that paternal exposure to nicotine, ethanol, or caffeine is a high-risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Next, we created a rat model of paternal nicotine/ethanol/caffeine mixed exposure (PME), whereby male Wistar rats were exposed to nicotine (0.1 mg/kg/d), ethanol (0.5 g/kg/d), and caffeine (7.5 mg/kg/d) for 8 weeks continuously, then mated with normal female rats to obtain a fetus (n = 12 for control group, n = 10 for PME group). Then, we analyzed the changes in paternal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity, testicular function, pregnancy outcomes, fetal serum metabolic indicators, and multiple organ functions to explore the mechanism from the perspective of chronic stress. Our results demonstrated that PME led to enhanced paternal HPA axis activity, decreased sperm quality, and adverse pregnancy outcomes (stillbirth and absorption, decreased fetal weight and body length, and intrauterine growth retardation), abnormal fetal serum metabolic indicators (corticosterone, glucolipid metabolism, and sex hormones), and fetal multi-organ dysfunction (including hippocampus, adrenal, liver, ossification, and gonads). Furthermore, correlation analysis showed that the increased paternal corticosterone level was closely related to decreased sperm quality, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and abnormal offspring multi-organ function development. Among them, the decreased activity of the glucocorticoid-insulin-like growth factor 1 (GC-IGF1) axis may be the main mechanism of offspring development and multi-organ dysfunction caused by PME. This study explored the impact of common paternal lifestyle in daily life on offspring development, and proposed the GC-IGF1 programming mechanisms of paternal chronic stress-induced offspring dysplasia, which provides a novel insight for exploring the important role of paternal chronic stress in offspring development and guiding a healthy lifestyle for men.

Use of Cosmetic Products in Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women and Young Children: Guidelines for Interventions during the Perinatal Period from the French National College of Midwives

We conducted a literature review focusing on the use and health effects of cosmetics, especially among pregnant and lactating women and young children. Based on these data, we propose clinical practice guidelines for health care professionals to use for informing and advising their patients. These include the recommendations that families: (1) reduce the number and the frequency of use (grade B) and the amount applied (expert consensus) of all cosmetic products during the perinatal period and among children; (2) prefer simple, fragrance-free, and rinsable products, with short ingredient lists (expert consensus); and (3) for children, avoid industrial wipes and prefer water, with suitable soap when necessary.

Gestational phthalate exposure and lung function during childhood: A prospective population-based study

The potential effect of gestational exposure to phthalates on the lung function levels during childhood is unclear. Therefore, we examined this association at different ages (from 4 to 11 years) and over the whole childhood. Specifically, we measured 9 phthalate metabolites (MEP, MiBP, MnBP, MCMHP, MBzP, MEHHP, MEOHP, MECPP, MEHP) in the urine of 641 gestating women from the INMA study (Spain) and the forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁) and FEV₁/FVC in their offspring at ages 4, 7, 9 and 11. We used linear regression and mixed linear regression with a random intercept for subject to assess the association between phthalates and lung function at each study visit and for the overall childhood, respectively. We also assessed the phthalate metabolites mixture effect on lung function using a Weighted Quantile Sum (WQS) regression. We observed that the phthalate metabolites gestational levels were consistently associated with lower FVC and FEV₁ at all ages, both when assessed individually and jointly as a mixture, although most associations were not statistically significant. Of note, a 10% increase in MiBP was related to lower FVC (-0.02 (-0.04, 0)) and FEV₁ z-scores (-0.02 (-0.04, -0.01) at age 4. Similar significant reductions in FVC were observed at ages 4 and 7 associated with an increase in MEP and MnBP, respectively, and for FEV₁ at age 4 associated with an increase in MBzP. WQS regression consistently identified MBzP as an important contributor to the phthalate mixture effect. We can conclude that the gestational exposure to phthalates was associated with children's lower FVC and FEV₁, especially in early childhood, and in a statistically significant manner for MEP, MiBP, MBzP and MnBP. Given the ubiquity of phthalate exposure and its established endocrine disrupting effects in children, our findings support current regulations that limit phthalate exposure.