Phthalates are detected in the follicular fluid of adolescents and oocyte donors with associated changes in the cumulus cell transcriptome

Purpose

To investigate follicular fluid (FF) phthalate levels in adolescents undergoing fertility preservation compared to oocyte donors and explore its association with ovarian reserve and cumulus cell gene expression.

Methods

20 Adolescents (16.7 ± 0.6 years old) and 24 oocyte donors (26.2 ± 0.4 years old) undergoing fertility preservation were included in the study. Patient demographics, ovarian stimulation and oocyte retrieval outcomes were analyzed for each group. FF levels of 9 phthalate metabolites were assessed individually and as molar sums representative of common compounds (all phthalates: ƩPhthalates; DEHP: ƩDEHP), exposure sources (plastics: ƩPlastic; personal care products: ƩPCP), and modes of action (anti-androgenic: ƩAA) and compared between the two groups.

Results

Follicular fluid ƩPlastic and ƩPCP levels were significantly higher in adolescents compared to oocyte donors (p<0.05). Follicular fluid ƩDEHP, ƩPlastic, ƩPCP, ƩAA, and ƩPhthalates levels were positively associated with antral follicle count (AFC) (p<0.05) in oocyte donors when adjusted for age, BMI, and race/ethnicity. RNA-seq analysis revealed 248 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in cumulus cells of adolescents within the top quartile (n=4) of FF ƩPhthalates levels compared to the adolescents within the bottom half (n=9). Genes enriched in pathways involved in cell motility and development were significantly downregulated.

Conclusion

Adolescents undergoing fertility preservation cycles demonstrate higher levels of phthalate metabolites in their follicular fluid compared to oocyte donors. Phthalate metabolite levels in FF are associated with higher AFC levels in oocyte donors. Higher phthalate levels in FF are associated with alterations in the cumulus cells transcriptome in adolescents.

Capsule Summary

Phthalates are detected in the follicular fluid of adolescents and oocytes donors, and the levels are increased in the follicular fluid of adolescents. Higher total phthalate levels in follicular fluid are associated with altered cumulus cells transcriptome in adolescents.

Chemicals in menstrual products: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

From menarche until menopause, the average menstruator will use over 11 000 tampons or sanitary pads. Vaginal and vulvar tissue is highly permeable, and chemicals are absorbed without undergoing first-pass metabolism.

OBJECTIVES

To conduct a review of the literature to determine exposure to environmental chemicals in menstrual products.

SEARCH STRATEGY

This review identified 15 papers over the past 10 years.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Papers that measured chemicals in menstrual products and that measured human biomarkers of chemical exposure were included. Papers had to also be available in English.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Reviewers assessed the articles and data provided. Multiple chemical groups were found.

MAIN RESULTS

Phthalates, volatile organic compounds, parabens, environmental phenols, fragrance chemicals, dioxins and dioxin-like compounds were detected in menstrual products. Research gaps were identified, including the lack of studies on newer products such as menstrual underwear and cups/discs. In addition to measuring chemicals in these products, future research should focus on clarifying the exposure per menstrual cycle to these chemicals to understand how menorrhagia and cycle length influence exposure from menstrual products.

CONCLUSION

Menstrual products contained measurable levels of a range of endocrine disrupting chemicals including phthalates, phenols and parabens. This reflects a potentially important route of exposure to chemicals that can impact women's reproductive health.

Assessing the contribution of plastic-associated obesogenic compounds to cardiometabolic diseases

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To present recent evidence that strengthens the concept that exogenous pollutants contribute to adipose dysfunction and increased rates of disease and to highlight the ineffective regulation of this risk as industry switches to related but similarly toxic variants.

RECENT FINDINGS

Substitutes for common phthalates and the highly regulated bisphenol A (BPA) show similar deleterious effects on adipocytes. The well tolerated limit for BPA exposure has been reduced in Europe to below the level detected in recent population studies. Additionally, the role for BPA-induced inflammation mediated by interleukin 17a has been described in animal and human studies.

SUMMARY

Despite experimental and associative evidence that supports plastics and plastic associated chemicals deleteriously influencing adipose homeostatasis and contributing to metabolic diseases, structurally related alternate chemicals are being substituted by manufacturers to circumvent trailing regulatory actions.

Phthalate Exposure and Neurotoxicity in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Objectives: This systematic review aims to assess the relationship between prenatal and childhood exposure to phthalates and neurodevelopmental outcomes, identifying periods of heightened susceptibility. Data sources considered studies examining repeated phthalate exposure during pregnancy and childhood on neurodevelopment. Methods: Evaluation included bias risk and study quality criteria. Evidence was synthesized by groups of low and high phthalate molecular weight and exposure measured prenatally and postnatally and outcome measured in childhood. Beta coefficients and their standard errors were extracted, leading to meta-analyses of various neurodevelopmental outcomes: cognition, motor skills, language, behavior, and temperament. Results: Eleven pregnancy and birth cohort studies were identified as relevant. For each phthalate group and outcome combination, there was low or very low evidence of an association, except for prenatal and postnatal phthalate exposure and behavioral development and postnatal exposure and cognition. Conclusion: The estimated effects sizes were relatively small and strong evidence for periods of heightened susceptibility could not be elucidated. No distinction between phthalates of low molecular weight and those of high molecular weight with regards to the outcomes was found.

Associations between urinary phthalate concentrations and antral follicle count among women undergoing in vitro fertilization

Background

Phthalates are ubiquitously used in a variety of products and have an adverse effect on folliculogenesis. However, previous epidemiological studies on the associations between phthalate exposure and antral follicle count (AFC) produced conflicting results. The present study aimed to evaluate the associations between urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations and AFC among women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Methods

We collected 525 urine samples and measured 8 phthalate metabolites from IVF patients. Poisson regression models were conducted to evaluate the associations between phthalate metabolite concentrations and AFC. In addition, participants were stratified into a younger group (< 35 years) and an older group (≥ 35 years) to explore the potential effect modification by age. We also performed sensitivity analyses by restricting our analyses to only infertile women diagnosed with tubal factor infertility to test the robustness of the results.

Results

Significant positive associations were observed among urinary MBP, MEOHP and ∑PAEs concentrations and AFC after adjusting for age, BMI, year of study and infertility diagnosis. Compared with women in the first tertile, women in the third tertile of MBP and MEOHP had 7.02% (95% CI: 1.18%, 12.9%) and 8.84% (95% CI: 2.83%, 14.9%) higher AFC, respectively, and women in the second and third tertiles of ∑PAEs had 6.19% (95% CI: 0.37%, 12.0%) and 9.09% (95% CI: 3.22%, 15.0%) higher AFC, respectively. In addition, MBP, MEOHP and ∑PAEs also had significant positive associations with AFC in trend tests for dose-response. In the age-stratified analysis, we found a stronger relationship between phthalate metabolite concentrations and AFC among older women and an inverse association among younger women. We observed similar results in the sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

We found positive associations between phthalate exposure and AFC, which support the idea that phthalate exposure may accelerate primordial follicle recruitment and lead to higher AFC in women undergoing IVF. More studies are needed to better understand their relationships.

The Role of Endocrine Disruptors Bisphenols and Phthalates in Obesity: Current Evidence, Perspectives and Controversies

Excess body weight constitutes one of the major health challenges for societies and healthcare systems worldwide. Besides the type of diet, calorie intake and the lack of physical exercise, recent data have highlighted a possible association between endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as bisphenol A, phthalates and their analogs, and obesity. EDCs represent a heterogeneous group of chemicals that may influence the hormonal regulation of body mass and adipose tissue morphology. Based on the available data from mechanistic, animal and epidemiological studies including meta-analyses, the weight of evidence points towards the contribution of EDCs to the development of obesity, associated disorders and obesity-related adipose tissue dysfunction by (1) impacting adipogenesis; (2) modulating epigenetic pathways during development, enhancing susceptibility to obesity; (3) influencing neuroendocrine signals responsible for appetite and satiety; (4) promoting a proinflammatory milieu in adipose tissue and inducing a state of chronic subclinical inflammation; (5) dysregulating gut microbiome and immune homeostasis; and (6) inducing dysfunction in thermogenic adipose tissue. Critical periods of exposure to obesogenic EDCs are the prenatal, neonatal, pubertal and reproductive periods. Interestingly, EDCs even at low doses may promote epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of adult obesity in subsequent generations. The aim of this review is to summarize the available evidence on the role of obesogenic EDCs, specifically BPA and phthalate plasticizers, in the development of obesity, taking into account in vitro, animal and epidemiologic studies; discuss mechanisms linking EDCs to obesity; analyze the effects of EDCs on obesity in critical chronic periods of exposure; and present interesting perspectives, challenges and preventive measures in this research area.

Plasma bisphenol a and phthalate levels in children with cerebral palsy: a case-control study

The case-control study aimed to evaluate potential sources of exposure and the plasma concentrations of bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates in prepubertal children having cerebral palsy (CP) and healthy control. Blood samples of 68 CP and 70 controls were analyzed for BPA, di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP), mono-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (MEHP), and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). BPA and DBP levels were similar in groups. The median DEHP and MEHP levels of the children with CP were significantly lower than those of the controls (p = 0.035, p < 0.001, respectively). Exposure to plastic food containers/bags, personal care hygiene products, household cleaners, wood/coal stove heating, and city water supplies were associated with increased odds of higher BPA and phthalate levels in children with CP. In conclusion, potential exposure sources for BPA and phthalates differ in children with CP and healthy controls, and children with CP are not exposed to higher levels of BPA and phthalates.

Evidence for the cardiodepressive effects of the plasticizer di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate

Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is commonly used in the manufacturing of plastic materials, including intravenous bags, blood storage bags, and medical-grade tubing. DEHP can leach from plastic medical products, which can result in inadvertent patient exposure. DEHP concentrations were measured in red blood cell units stored between 7 and 42 days (17-119 μg/ml). Using these concentrations as a guide, Langendorff-perfused rat heart preparations were acutely exposed to DEHP. Sinus activity remained stable with lower doses of DEHP (25-50 μg/ml), but sinus rate declined by 43% and sinus node recovery time (SNRT) prolonged by 56.5% following 30-min exposure to 100 μg/ml DEHP. DEHP exposure also exerted a negative dromotropic response, as indicated by a 69.4% longer PR interval, 108.5% longer Wenckebach cycle length (WBCL), and increased incidence of atrioventricular (AV) uncoupling (60-min exposure). Pretreatment with doxycycline partially rescued the effects of DEHP on sinus activity, but did not ameliorate the effects on AV conduction. DEHP exposure also prolonged the ventricular action potential and effective refractory period, but had no measurable effect on intracellular calcium transient duration. Follow-up studies using human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes confirmed that DEHP slows electrical conduction in a time (15 min-3 h) and dose-dependent manner (10-100 μg/ml). Previous studies have suggested that phthalate toxicity is specifically attributed to metabolites of DEHP, including mono-2-ethylhexylphthalate. This study demonstrates that DEHP exposure also contributes to cardiac dysfunction in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Future work is warranted to investigate the impact of DEHP (and its metabolites) on human health, with special consideration for clinical procedures that employ plastic materials.

Longitudinal Associations between Prenatal Exposure to Phthalates and Steroid Hormones in Maternal Hair Samples from the SEPAGES Cohort

We assessed phthalate-hormone associations in 382 pregnant women of the new-generation SEPAGES cohort (2014-2017, France) using improved exposure and outcome assessments. Metabolites from seven phthalate compounds and the replacement di(isononyl)cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate (DINCH) were measured in within-subject pools of repeated urine samples collected at the second and third pregnancy trimesters (≈21 samples/trimester). Metabolites from five steroid hormones were measured in maternal hair samples collected at delivery, reflecting cumulative levels over the previous weeks to months. Adjusted linear regression and Bayesian weighted quantile sum (BWQS) mixture models were performed. Each doubling in third-trimester urinary mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP) concentrations was associated with an average increase of 13.3% (95% CI: 2.65, 24.9) for ∑cortisol, 10.0% (95% CI: 0.26, 20.7) for ∑cortisone, 17.3% (95% CI: 1.67, 35.4) for 11-dehydrocorticosterone, and 16.2% (95% CI: 2.20, 32.1) for testosterone, together with a suggestive 10.5% (95% CI: -1.57, 24.1) increase in progesterone levels. Each doubling in second-trimester urinary di-isononyl phthalate (DiNP) concentrations was inversely associated with testosterone levels (-11.6%; 95% CI: -21.6, -0.31). For most hormones, a nonsignificant trend toward a positive phthalate mixture effect was observed in the third but not in the second trimester. Our study showed that exposure to some phthalate metabolites, especially MBzP, may affect adrenal and reproductive hormone levels during pregnancy.

Association of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals With the Metabolic Syndrome Among Women in the Multiethnic Cohort Study

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with a high risk of cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of death among women. MetS is a diagnosis of at least 3 of the following: high blood pressure, high fasting glucose, high triglycerides, high waist circumference, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Epidemiological studies suggest that endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) exposure is positively associated with individual components of MetS, but evidence of an association between EDCs and MetS remains inconsistent. In a cross-sectional analysis within the Multiethnic Cohort Study, we evaluated the association between 4 classes of urinary EDCs (bisphenol A [BPA], triclosan, parabens, and phthalates) and MetS among 1728 women. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios and 95% CI for the association between tertiles of each EDC and MetS adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), racial and ethnic group, and breast cancer status. Stratified analyses by race and ethnicity and BMI were conducted. MetS was identified in 519 (30.0%) women. We did not detect statistically significant associations of MetS with BPA, triclosan, or phthalate metabolite excretion. MetS was inversely associated with total parabens (Ptrend = .002). Although there were suggestive inverse associations between EDCs and MetS among Latino and African American women, and women with BMI < 30 kg/m2, there was no statistically significant heterogeneity in associations by race and ethnicity or BMI. These findings suggest an inverse association between parabens and MetS in larger multiethnic studies. Prospective analyses to investigate suggested differences in associations by race, ethnicity, and BMI are warranted.

Testis exposure to unopposed/elevated activin A in utero affects somatic and germ cells and alters steroid levels mimicking phthalate exposure

Correct fetal testis development underpins adult male fertility, and TGFβ superfamily ligands control key aspects of this process. Transcripts encoding one such ligand, activin A, are upregulated in testes after sex determination and remain high until after birth. Testis development requires activin signalling; mice lacking activin A (Inhba KO) display altered somatic and germ cell proliferation, disrupted cord elongation and altered steroid synthesis. In human pregnancies with pre-eclampsia, the foetus is inappropriately exposed to elevated activin A. To learn how this affects testis development, we examined mice lacking the potent activin inhibitor, inhibin, (Inha KO) at E13.5, E15.5 and PND0. At E13.5, testes appeared similar in WT and KO littermates, however E15.5 Inha KO testes displayed two germline phenotypes: (1) multinucleated germ cells within cords, and (2) germ cells outside of cords, both of which are documented following in utero exposure to endocrine disrupting phthalates in rodents. Quantitation of Sertoli and germ cells in Inha KO (modelling elevated activin A) and Inhba KO (low activin A) testes using immunofluorescence demonstrated activin A bioactivity determines the Sertoli/germ cell ratio. The 50% reduction in gonocytes in Inha KO testes at birth indicates unopposed activin A has a profound impact on embryonic germ cells. Whole testis RNAseq on Inha KO mice revealed most transcripts affected at E13.5 were present in Leydig cells and associated with steroid biosynthesis/metabolism. In agreement, androstenedione (A4), testosterone (T), and the A4:T ratio were reduced in Inha KO testes at E17.5, confirming unopposed activin A disrupts testicular steroid production. E15.5 testes cultured with either activin A and/or mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) generated common histological and transcriptional outcomes affecting germline and Leydig cells, recapitulating the phenotype observed in Inha KO testes. Cultures with activin A and MEHP together provided evidence of common targets. Lastly, this study extends previous work focussed on the Inhba KO model to produce a signature of activin A bioactivity in the fetal testis. These outcomes show the potential for elevated activin A signalling to replicate some aspects of fetal phthalate exposure prior to the masculinization programming window, influencing fetal testis growth and increasing the risk of testicular dysgenesis.

Effects of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate on growth, metabolism, and virulence of the plant pathogenic bacterium Acidovorax citrulli

Acidovorax citrulli is a seed-borne bacterial pathogen that causes bacterial fruit blotch in cucurbits and severely affects the production of cucumbers and watermelons globally. In this study, we investigated the effects of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) on the growth, metabolism, and virulence of A. citrulli. Bacterial population was not affected by DEHP exposure; moreover, significant changes were not observed in lipid peroxidation, membrane permeability, and nucleic acid leakage. However, palmitoleic acid content was increased in the cell membrane of DEHP-exposed A. citrulli. Further, DEHP exposure increased the activity of TCA cycle-related enzymes, including α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and succinyl-CoA synthetase, along with increase in the content of glutamate, succinate, fumarate, and malate in TCA cycle. Additionally, total 270 genes were differentially expressed by the treatment, of which 28 genes were upregulated and 242 genes, including those related to translation, flagellum-dependent cell motility, and flagellum assembly, were downregulated. Regarding virulence traits, swimming activity was decreased in DEHP-exposed A. citrulli; however, biofilm formation was not affected in in vitro assay. Moreover, relative expression of pathogenicity genes, including hrpX and hrpG, were decreased in DEHP-exposed A. citrulli compared to that of unexposed A. citrulli. Therefore, these results suggest that DEHP accumulation in soil could potentially influence the metabolism and virulence traits of A. citrulli.

Characterizing the Contribution of Indoor Residential Phthalate and Phthalate Alternative Dust Concentrations to Internal Dose in the US General Population: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Diet is the primary exposure pathway for phthalates, but relative contributions of other exposure sources are not well characterized. This study quantifies the relative contribution of indoor residential dust phthalate and phthalate alternative concentrations to total internal dose estimated from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) urinary metabolite concentrations. Specifically, median phthalate and phthalate alternative concentrations measured in residential dust were determined by updating a pre-existing systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2015 and the attributable internal dose was estimated using intake and reverse dosimetry models. Employing a predetermined search strategy, 12 studies published between January 2000 and April 2022 from Web of Science and PubMed measuring phthalates and phthalate alternatives in residential dust were identified. From the data extracted, it was estimated that dust contributed more significantly to the internal dose of low-molecular weight chemicals such as DEP and BBP when compared to high-molecular weight chemicals such as DEHTP. Additionally, findings showed that the chemical profile of residential dust is changing temporally with more phthalate alternatives being detected in the indoor environment. Future studies should seek to characterize the contribution of dust to an overall phthalate and phthalate alternative intake for individuals who have higher than normal exposures.

The Association between Maternal Urinary Phthalate Concentrations and Blood Pressure in Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Phthalates are commonly found in a wide range of environments and have been linked to several negative health outcomes. While earlier research indicated a potential connection between phthalate exposure and blood pressure (BP) during pregnancy, the results of these studies remain inconclusive. The objective of this meta-analysis was to elucidate the relationship between phthalate exposure and BP in pregnancy. A comprehensive literature search was carried out with PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science, and pertinent studies published up until 5 March 2023 were reviewed. Random-effects models were utilized to consolidate the findings of continuous outcomes, such as diastolic and systolic BP, as well as the binary outcomes of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). The present study included a total of 10 studies. First-trimester MBP exposure exhibited a positive association with mean systolic and diastolic BP during both the second and third trimesters (β = 1.05, 95% CI: 0.27, 1.83, I² = 93%; β = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.74, I² = 71%, respectively). Second-trimester monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP) exposure was positively associated with systolic and diastolic BP in the third trimester (β = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.01, 1.13, I² = 0; β = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.27, 1.13, I² = 0, respectively). Conversely, first-trimester mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) exposure demonstrated a negative association with mean systolic and diastolic BP during the second and third trimesters (β = -0.32, 95% CI: -0.60, -0.05, I² = 0; β = -0.32, 95% CI: -0.60, -0.05, I² = 0, respectively). Additionally, monoethyl phthalate (MEP) exposure was found to be associated with an increased risk of HDP (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.23, I² = 26%). Our study found that several phthalate metabolites were associated with increased systolic and diastolic BP, as well as the risk of HDP across pregnancies. Nevertheless, given the limited number of studies analyzed, additional research is essential to corroborate these findings and elucidate the molecular mechanisms linking phthalates to BP changes during pregnancy.

The effect of apigenin, an aryl hydrocarbon receptor antagonist, in Phthalate-Exacerbated eosinophilic asthma model

Endocrine disrupting chemicals have been known to contribute to the aggravation of inflammatory diseases including asthma. We aimed to investigate the effects of mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP) which is one of the representing phthalates, and its antagonist in an eosinophilic asthma mouse model. BALB/c mice were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin (OVA) with alum and followed by three nebulized OVA challenges. MnBP was administered through drinking water administration throughout the study period, and its antagonist, apigenin, was orally treated for 14 days before OVA challenges. Mice were assessed for airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), differential cell count and type 2 cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were measured in vivo. The expression of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor was markedly increased when MnBP was administered. MnBP treatment increased AHR, airway inflammatory cells (including eosinophils), and type 2 cytokines following OVA challenge compared to vehicle-treated mice. However, apigenin treatment reduced all asthma features, such as AHR, airway inflammation, type 2 cytokines, and the expression of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in MnBP-augmented eosinophilic asthma. Our study suggests that MnBP exposure may increase the risk of eosinophilic inflammation, and apigenin treatment may be a potential therapy for asthma exacerbated by endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Developmental exposures to common environmental contaminants, DEHP and lead, alter adult brain and blood hydroxymethylation in mice

Introduction: The developing epigenome changes rapidly, potentially making it more sensitive to toxicant exposures. DNA modifications, including methylation and hydroxymethylation, are important parts of the epigenome that may be affected by environmental exposures. However, most studies do not differentiate between these two DNA modifications, possibly masking significant effects. Methods: To investigate the relationship between DNA hydroxymethylation and developmental exposure to common contaminants, a collaborative, NIEHS-sponsored consortium, TaRGET II, initiated longitudinal mouse studies of developmental exposure to human-relevant levels of the phthalate plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and the metal lead (Pb). Exposures to 25 mg DEHP/kg of food (approximately 5 mg DEHP/kg body weight) or 32 ppm Pb-acetate in drinking water were administered to nulliparous adult female mice. Exposure began 2 weeks before breeding and continued throughout pregnancy and lactation, until offspring were 21 days old. At 5 months, perinatally exposed offspring blood and cortex tissue were collected, for a total of 25 male mice and 17 female mice (n = 5-7 per tissue and exposure). DNA was extracted and hydroxymethylation was measured using hydroxymethylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (hMeDIP-seq). Differential peak and pathway analysis was conducted comparing across exposure groups, tissue types, and animal sex, using an FDR cutoff of 0.15. Results: DEHP-exposed females had two genomic regions with lower hydroxymethylation in blood and no differences in cortex hydroxymethylation. For DEHP-exposed males, ten regions in blood (six higher and four lower) and 246 regions (242 higher and four lower) and four pathways in cortex were identified. Pb-exposed females had no statistically significant differences in blood or cortex hydroxymethylation compared to controls. Pb-exposed males, however, had 385 regions (all higher) and six pathways altered in cortex, but no differential hydroxymethylation was identified in blood. Discussion: Overall, perinatal exposure to human-relevant levels of two common toxicants showed differences in adult DNA hydroxymethylation that was specific to sex, exposure type, and tissue, but male cortex was most susceptible to hydroxymethylation differences by exposure. Future assessments should focus on understanding if these findings indicate potential biomarkers of exposure or are related to functional long-term health effects.

Soil Metabolome Impacts the Formation of the Eco-corona and Adsorption Processes on Microplastic Surfaces

The eco-corona on microplastics refers to the initial layer of biomolecular compounds adsorbed onto the surface after environmental exposure. The formation and composition of the eco-corona in soils have attracted relatively little attention; however, the eco-corona has important implications for the fate and impacts of microplastics and co-occurring chemical contaminants. Here, it was demonstrated that the formation of the eco-corona on polyethylene microplastics exposed to water-extractable soil metabolites (WESMs) occurs quite rapidly via two pathways: direct adsorption of metabolites on microplastics and bridging interactions mediated by macromolecules. The main eco-corona components were common across all soils and microplastics tested and were identified as lipids and lipid-like molecules, phenylpropanoids and polyketides, nucleosides, nucleotides, and their analogues. WESMs were found to reduce the adsorption of co-occurring organic contaminants to microplastics by two pathways: reduced adsorption to the eco-corona surface and co-solubilization in the surrounding water. These impacts from the eco-corona and the soil metabolome should be considered within fate and risk assessments of microplastics and co-occurring contaminants.

Phthalates and phthalate metabolites in urine from Tianjin and implications for platelet mitochondrial DNA methylation

Background

Phthalates (PAEs) are important synthetic substances in plastics, attracting much attention due to their potential effects on the cardiovascular system.

Methods

In this study, urine and blood samples from 39 individuals were collected in Tianjin, China. Phthalates and phthalate metabolites (mPAEs) were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), respectively. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products from bisulfite-treated mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) samples were analyzed using pyrosequencing technology.

Results

The detection frequencies for 9 PAEs varied from 2.56 to 92.31%, and those for 10 mPAEs varied from 30.77 to 100%. The estimated daily intakes (EDIs) and cumulative risk of PAEs were calculated based on the experimental statistics of urinary PAEs and mPAEs. For PAEs, the HIRfD (hazard index corresponding to reference doses) values of 10.26% of participants and the HITDI (hazard index corresponding to tolerable daily intake) values of 30.77% of participants were estimated to exceed 1, suggesting a relatively high exposure risk. The mtDNA methylation levels in the MT-ATP8 and MT-ND5 were observed to be lower than in the MT-ATP6. Mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP) and MT-ATP8 were positively correlated with triglyceride levels (p < 0.05). Based on the association of PAEs, mtDNA methylation, and triglycerides, the mediating role of mtDNA methylation between PAEs and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) was analyzed in this study, but no mediated effect was observed.

Conclusion

The effects of PAE exposure on cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) should be investigated further.

Molecular Dynamics Simulation Prediction of the Partitioning Constants (KH, Kiw, Kia) of 82 Legacy and Emerging Organic Contaminants at the Water-Air Interface

The tendency of organic contaminants (OCs) to partition between different phases is a key set of properties that underlie their human and ecological health impacts and the success of remediation efforts. A significant challenge associated with these efforts is the need for accurate partitioning data for an ever-expanding list of OCs and breakdown products. All-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have the potential to help generate these data, but existing studies have applied these techniques only to a limited variety of OCs. Here, we use established MD simulation approaches to examine the partitioning of 82 OCs, including many compounds of critical concern, at the water-air interface. Our predictions of the Henry's law constant (K_H) and interfacial adsorption coefficients (K_iw, K_ia) correlate strongly with experimental results, indicating that MD simulations can be used to predict K_H, K_iw, and K_ia values with mean absolute deviations of 1.1, 0.3, and 0.3 logarithmic units after correcting for systematic bias, respectively. A library of MD simulation input files for the examined OCs is provided to facilitate future investigations of the partitioning of these compounds in the presence of other phases.

Placental Cell Conditioned Media Modifies Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transcriptome In Vitro

Background

Hematopoietic stem cells are cells that differentiate into all blood cell types. Although the placenta secretes hormones, proteins and other factors important for maternal and fetal health, cross-talk between placental cells and hematopoietic stem cells is poorly understood. Moreover, toxicant impacts on placental-hematopoietic stem cell communication is understudied. The goals of this study were to determine if factors secreted from placental cells alter transcriptomic responses in hematopoietic stem cells and if monoethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), the bioactive metabolite of the pollutant diethylhexyl phthalate, modifies these effects.

Methods

We used K-562 and BeWo cells as in vitro models of hematopoietic stem cells and placental syncytiotrophoblasts, respectively. We treated K-562 cells with medium conditioned by incubation with BeWo cells, medium conditioned with BeWo cells treated with 10 μM MEHP for 24 hours, or controls treated with unconditioned medium. We extracted K-562 cell RNA, performed RNA sequencing, then conducted differential gene expression and pathway analysis by treatment group.

Results

Relative to controls, K-562 cells treated with BeWo cell conditioned medium differentially expressed 173 genes (FDR<0.05 and fold-change>2.0), including 2.4 fold upregulatation of TPM4 and 3.3 fold upregulatation of S1PR3. Upregulated genes were enriched for pathways including stem cell maintenance, cell proliferation and immune processes. Downregulated genes were enriched for terms involved in protein translation and transcriptional regulation. MEHP treatment differentially expressed eight genes (FDR<0.05), including genes involved in lipid metabolism (PLIN2, fold-change: 1.4; CPT1A, fold-change: 1.4).

Conclusion

K-562 cells, a model of hematopoietic stem cells, are responsive to media conditioned by placental cells, potentially impacting pathways like stem cell maintenance and proliferation.

Endocrine modulating chemicals in food packaging: A review of phthalates and bisphenols

Phthalates and bisphenol chemicals have been widely used globally in packaging materials and consumer products for several decades. These highly functional chemicals have become a concern due to their toxicity (i.e., endocrine/hormone modulators) and ability to migrate from food contact materials (FCMs) into food matrices and the environment resulting in human and environmental health risks. FCMs, composed of postconsumer materials, are particularly high risk for containing these compounds. The evaluation of postconsumer recycled feedstocks in FCMs is compulsory and selection of an appropriate detection method to comply with applicable regulations is necessary to evaluate human and environmental safety. Numerous regulations have been proposed and passed globally for both compound classes that are recognized as priority pollutants by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the European Union. Several brand owners and retailers have also released their own "restricted substance lists" due to the mounting consumer and regulatory concerns. This review article has two goals: (1) discuss the utilization, toxicology, human exposure routes, and occurrence levels of phthalates and bisphenols in FCMs and associated legislation in various countries and (2) discuss critical understanding and updates for detection/quantification techniques. Current techniques discussed include extraction and sample preparation methods (solid-phase microextraction [SPME], headspace SPME, Soxhlet procedure, ultrasound-assisted extraction), chromatographic techniques (gas, liquid, detectors), and environmental/blank considerations for quantification. This review complements a previous review of phthalates in foods from 2009 by discussing phthalate and bisphenol characteristics, analytical methods of determining concentrations in packaging materials, and their influence on the migration potential into food.

Toxicoproteomics of Mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid in Models of Prostatic Diseases

Benign and malignant prostatic diseases are common, costly, and burdensome; moreover, they share fundamental underlying molecular processes. Several ubiquitous contaminants may perturb these processes, possibly via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling, but the role of environmental exposures─particularly mixtures─in prostatic diseases is undefined. In the present study, nontumorigenic prostate stromal cells and metastatic prostate epithelial cells were exposed to ubiquitous exogenous PPAR ligands under different dosing paradigms, including a mixture, and effects were assessed via mass spectrometry-based global proteomics. In prostate stromal cells, environmentally relevant levels of mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), alone and in combination with perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, led to significant changes in proteins involved in key processes underlying prostatic diseases: oxidative stress defense, proteostasis, damage-associated molecular pattern signaling, and innate immune response signaling. A follow-up experiment in metastatic prostate epithelial cells showed that the occupationally relevant levels of MEHP perturbed similar processes, including lipid, cholesterol, steroid, and alcohol metabolism; apoptosis and coagulation regulation; wound response; and aging. This work shows that environmental exposures may contribute to prostatic diseases by perturbing key processes of a proposed adverse outcome pathway, including lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Future in vivo research will investigate the role of contaminants in prostatic diseases and in preventative agents.

Phthalate derivative DEHP disturbs the antiproliferative effect of camptothecin in human lung cancer cells by attenuating DNA damage and activating Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway

Plasticizers/phthalates play a facilitating role in the development of cancer and help the tumor to grow and metastasize. Camptothecin (CPT) and its derivatives are known to have anticancer properties of inhibiting cell growth, promoting cell apoptosis, and increasing autophagy. Therefore, in this study, we investigated whether the presence of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) could hinder apoptosis and autophagy caused by CPT in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. We found that DEHP interferes with CPT-induced apoptosis and autophagy and increases the prosurvival pathway by reducing the DNA damage marker γ-H2AX and activating the Akt and NF-κB pathways. Furthermore, we also confirmed that combining DEHP with 3-MA has additive effects in inhibiting autophagy and apoptosis in NSCLC cells. Taken together, our findings show that DEHP could affect CPT-induced anticancer treatment and provide evidence to show that DEHP induces chemoresistance in CPT-based chemotherapy.

Screening of Potential Plasticizer Alternatives for Their Toxic Effects on Male Germline Stem Cells

Plasticizers give flexibility to a wide range of consumer and medical plastic products. Among them, phthalate esters are recognized as endocrine disruptors that target male reproductive functions. With this notion, past studies designed and produced alternative plasticizers that could replace phthalates with limited toxicity to the environment and to male reproductive functions. Here, we focused on one reproductive cell type that was not investigated in past studies-spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs)-and examined in vitro the effects on 22 compounds (seven plasticizers currently in use and 15 newly synthesized potential alternative plasticizers) for their effects on SSCs. Our in vitro compound screening analyses showed that a majority of the compounds examined had a limited level of toxicity to SSCs. Yet, some commercial plasticizers and their derivatives, such as DEHP (di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) and MEHP (mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate), were detrimental at 10^-5 to 10^-4 M. Among new compounds, some of maleate- and fumarate-derivatives showed toxic effects. In contrast, no detrimental effects were detected with two new compounds, BDDB (1,4 butanediol dibenzoate) and DOS (dioctyl succinate). Furthermore, SSCs that were exposed to BDDB and DOS in vitro successfully established spermatogenic colonies in testes of recipient mice after transplantation. These results demonstrate that SSC culture acts as an effective platform for toxicological tests on SSC function and provide novel information that two new compounds, BDDB and DOS, are alternative plasticizers that do not have significant negative impacts on SSC integrity.

Combinatorial pathway disruption is a powerful approach to delineate metabolic impacts of endocrine disruptors

The prevalence of metabolic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and chronic liver diseases among others, has been rising for several years. Epidemiology and mechanistic (in vivo, in vitro and in silico) toxicology have recently provided compelling evidence implicating the chemical environment in the pathogenesis of these diseases. In this review, we will describe the biological processes that contribute to the development of metabolic diseases targeted by metabolic disruptors, and will propose an integrated pathophysiological vision of their effects on several organs. With regard to these pathomechanisms, we will discuss the needs, and the stakes of evolving the testing and assessment of endocrine disruptors to improve the prevention and management of metabolic diseases that have become a global epidemic since the end of last century.

Migration of Microplastics and Phthalates from Face Masks to Water

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, face masks have been introduced in the complex strategy of infection prevention and control. Face masks consist of plastic polymers and additives such as phthalates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the migration of microplastics (MP) and phthalates from face masks to water. Four types of masks including FFP2 masks and surgical were studied. Masks were first characterized to determine the different layers and the material used for their fabrication. Then, masks were cut into 20 pieces of 0.5 cm2, including all their layers, placed in water, and the migration of MP and phthalates was evaluated according to the conditions stated in EU Regulation No 10/2011 on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food. For MP, the morphological analysis (shape, dimension, particle count) was performed using a stereomicroscope, while the identification of both masks and MP released was conducted using μ-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (µ-FT-IR). Migration of phthalates was assessed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS/MS). Face masks analyzed in the present study were made of atactic polypropylene (PP) as stated by the manufacturer. The μ-FT-IR confirmed that PP and polyamide (PA) were released as fragments, while both PP and polyester (PES) were released as fibers. In addition, 4 phthalates were identified at concentrations between 2.34 and 21.0 µg/mask. This study shows that the migration study can be applied to evaluate the potential release of MP and phthalates from face masks to water and could give a hint for the potential impact of their incorrect disposal on the aquatic resources.

Urinary phthalate concentrations are associated with total fat mass in Thai children

OBJECTIVES

Phthalate is one of the endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in many daily consumer products. Chronic exposure to phthalate may associate with obesity and metabolic abnormalities. However, there is limited information showing a direct relationship between phthalate and body compositions. The aim of the study was to determine the association between urinary phthalate concentration and body composition measure among Thai children.

METHODS

A cross-sectional analytic study on urinary phthalate concentrations and body composition in elementary school children, aged 6-13 years in Bangkok, was conducted during October 2019 to 2020. Urinary phthalate metabolites; (mono-methyl phthalate-MMP, mono-ethyl phthalate- MEP, mono-buthyl phthalate-MBP, and mono-ethylhexyl phthalate-MEHP), in early morning spot urine samples were measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MSMS) with a quantitation limit of 1 ng/mL. Phthalate exposures were identified through questionnaires. Body composition was measured by Tanita BC-418^®. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine significant associations.

RESULTS

A total of 364 children were enrolled in the study (boy 51.4%). After adjusting for confounders (sex, caregiver educations, family income, BMI-SDS: Body mass index-standard deviation score, TV watching, and exercise frequency), total urinary phthalate concentrations were associated with fat mass 8.24 (0.94, 15.53), trunk percent fat 7.69 (3.26, 12.12), arm percent fat 3.69 (0.47, 6.91), arm fat mass 72.88 (1.08, 144.67), and leg fat mass 17.79 (2.37, 33.22).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher urinary phthalate concentrations were significantly associated with elevated total fat mass among Thai school-aged children. These findings were not mediated through the degree of obesity defined by BMI. These finding emphasized to be careful when being use phthalate-containing products.

Effect of Light on the Oxidative Stability and Phthalate Levels of Black Cumin Oil-Corn Oil Blends in Plastic and Glass Bottling

Black cumin oil (BC) contains certain phytochemicals, including phenolics, tocopherols, and sterols, which show strong oxidation stability. In this study, BC was blended with refined corn oil (CO) at two concentrations (5% and 10%, w/w) and stored in plastic and glass bottles under light and dark conditions. Under light-storage conditions, blended oils in plastic bottles showed lower peroxide value (PV) and conjugated diene value (CD) compared to the control sample than dark-storage. It was also aimed to examine the phthalate levels in oil samples and evaluate the products' safety. Five main phthalates, namely di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), butyl-benzylphthalate (BBP), diisononyl phthalate (DiNP), and diisodecyl phthalate (DiDP), were evaluated. In dark and light storage conditions, the phthalate level was determined below the LOQ value in CO without added BCO in the plastic and glass bottles. In the plastic-packaged blended samples, DEHP was determined above the LOQ value in dark storage, while BBP was detected in addition to DEHP in the samples stored under the light. On the other hand, phthalate values were determined below the LOQ value in all samples stored in glass packages under the light. DEHP was the most abundant phthalate in plastic-packaged blended oils under light storage, ranging from below the LOQ (0.23 mg/kg) to 0.83 mg/kg. Based on the present findings, BC improved the stability of CO under light storage, and the phthalate levels of blended oils did not exceed the specific migration limits (SMLs) for each phthalate.

Effects of prenatal and lactational bisphenol a and/or di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate exposure on male reproductive system

Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates are abundantly used endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of single and combined exposures to BPA and/or di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in prenatal and lactational period on rat male reproductive system in later stages of life. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly to four groups (n = 3/group): Control (corn oil); DEHP (30 mg/kg/day); BPA (50 mg/kg/day); and BPA+ DEHP (30 mg/kg/day DEHP and 50 mg/kg/day BPA). Groups exposed to EDCs through 6-21 gestational days and lactation period by intragastric lavage. Male offspring (n = 6/group) from each mother were fed till adulthood and were then euthanized. Later, reproductive hormones, sperm parameters, and oxidative stress parameters were determined. In conclusion, we can suggest that prenatal and lactational exposure to BPA and DEHP may cause adverse effects in male reproductive system in later stages of life especially after combined exposure.

Pregnane X Receptor Mediates Atherosclerosis Induced by Dicyclohexyl Phthalate in LDL Receptor-Deficient Mice

Plastic-associated endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been implicated in the etiology of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in humans, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP) is a widely used phthalate plasticizer; whether and how exposure to DCHP elicits adverse effects in vivo is mostly unknown. We previously reported that DCHP is a potent ligand of the pregnane X receptor (PXR) which acts as a xenobiotic sensor to regulate xenobiotic metabolism. PXR also functions in macrophages to regulate atherosclerosis development in animal models. In the current study, LDL receptor-deficient mice with myeloid-specific PXR deficiency (PXRΔMyeLDLR-/-) and their control littermates (PXRF/FLDLR-/-) were used to determine the impact of DCHP exposure on macrophage function and atherosclerosis. Chronic exposure to DCHP significantly increased atherosclerotic lesion area in the aortic root and brachiocephalic artery of PXRF/FLDLR-/- mice by 65% and 77%, respectively. By contrast, DCHP did not affect atherosclerosis development in PXRΔMyeLDLR-/- mice. Exposure to DCHP led to elevated expression of the scavenger receptor CD36 in macrophages and increased macrophage form cell formation in PXRF/FLDLR-/- mice. Our findings provide potential mechanisms underlying phthalate-associated CVD risk and will ultimately stimulate further investigations and mitigation of the adverse effects of plastic-associated EDCs on CVD risk in humans.

The Effects of Prenatal and Lactational Bisphenol A and/or Di(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate Exposure on Female Reproductive System

Bisphenol A (BPA) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) are endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) which are abundantly used in polyvinyl chloride plastics, polycarbonates and epoxy resins. Prenatal and early postnatal exposures to EDCs are suggested to be more critical. Such exposures can lead to reprotoxic effects, hormonal and metabolic consequences in adulthood. Moreover, combined exposure to different EDCs can lead to more serious adverse effects, some of which cannot be predicted by examining their individual toxicity profiles. This study aimed to evaluate effects of single and combined prenatal and lactational exposures to BPA and/or DEHP on female reproductive hormones and ovarian follicle development. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly to four groups (n = 3/group): Control (received vehicle only); DEHP (30 mg/kg/day); BPA (50 mg/kg/day) and BPA + DEHP (30 mg/kg/day DEHP; 50 mg/kg/day BPA) through 6-21 gestational days and lactation by intra-gastric lavage. Female offspring (n = 6/group) were fed until the end of twelfth postnatal week and then euthanized. Reproductive hormones, ovarian follicle numbers and ovarian development were determined. Plasma testosterone and estradiol levels of BPA and BPA + DEHP groups were significantly lower than control. In BPA group, the number of tertiary ovarian follicles decreased significantly compared to control. In the combined exposure group, the number of corpus luteum (29%) as well as the number of primordial follicles (36%) showed marked decreases compared to control group.It can be suggested that early life exposure to BPA and DEHP may cause late life adverse effects in female reproductive system especially after combined exposure.

Effective, Environmentally Friendly PVC Plasticizers Based on Succinic Acid

The plasticizers used in this study were synthesized from renewable raw materials using succinic acid, oleic acid, and propylene glycol. Four environmentally friendly plasticizer samples were obtained; their chemical structures and compositions were confirmed by gas chromatography (GC) and infrared spectroscopy (FT–IR) analyses, and their physicochemical properties and thermal stability (TGA analysis) were investigated. The obtained ester mixtures were used as poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) plasticizers and their plasticization efficiency was determined in comparison to traditional, commercially available phthalate plasticizers, such as DEHP (di(2-ethylhexyl phthalate) and DINP (diisononyl phthalate). Mechanical properties and migration resistance were determined for soft PVC with the use of three concentrations of plasticizers (40 PHR, 50 PHR, and 60 PHR). It was observed that the obtained plasticizers exhibited the same plasticization efficiency and were characterized with good mechanical and physical properties in comparison to commercial plasticizers. The tensile strength was approx. 19 MPa, while the elongation at break was approx. 250% for all tested plasticizers at a concentration of 50 PHR. Furthermore, plasticizer migration studies showed that the synthesized plasticizers had excellent resistance to plasticizer leaching. The best migration test result obtained was 70% lower than that for DEHP or DINP. The ester mixture that was found to be the most favorable plasticizer was characterized by good thermal and thermo-oxidative stability (5% weight loss temperature: 227.8 °C in air and 261.1 °C in nitrogen). The results of the research clearly indicate that the synthesized esters can provide a green alternative to toxic phthalate plasticizers.

Low-level plasticizer exposure and all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality in the general population

BACKGROUND

Plasticizers, also called phthalates, are a group of chemicals widely used in daily life. A previous report showed no significant association between phthalate metabolite concentrations and mortality. We investigated the association of urinary phthalate levels and individual phthalate metabolite levels with all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality after standardizing the phthalate concentration.

METHODS

A total of 6,625 participants were recruited from a nationally representative sample of adults aged 40 years or older who were enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2003 and 2014 and were followed up through December 31, 2015. Data were analyzed from January 2021 to June 2021. NHANES-linked updated National Death Index public access files were used to acquire information on mortality status and cause of death. The present study conducted extended follow-up of an earlier analysis. Cox proportional hazard models were performed to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of covariate-adjusted creatinine standardization urinary phthalate concentrations with all-cause and CVD mortality after adjusting for demographics, lifestyle factors and comorbidity variables.

RESULTS

The mean ± standard deviation age of all participants in the final study was 59.9±12.6 years old, and 49.6% of the participants were male. The median follow-up time was 73 months (range 1-157 months). At the censoring date of December 31, 2015, 3,023 participants were identified as deceased (13.4%). A fully adjusted Cox model showed that a urinary di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) concentration >= 83.4 ng/mL was associated with a slight increase in all-cause mortality (HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.03, 1.57, P for trend= 0.014) and CVD mortality (HR 2.19, 95% CI 1.35, 3.54, P for trend= 0.002). Similarly, urinary mono-2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl phthalate (MECPP) levels >= 39.2 ng/mL were associated with increased CVD mortality (HR 2.33, 95% CI 1.45, 3.73, P for trend < 0.001). Restricted cubic spline analyses suggested linear associations of DEHP and MECPP levels with all-cause and CVD mortality.

CONCLUSION

In this large nationally representative sample of American adults, high urinary DEHP and MECPP were significantly associated with all-cause and CVD mortality after adjusting for demographics, lifestyle factors and comorbidity variables.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Regarding Chemical Exposure among a Population Sample of Reproductive-Aged Women

We examined the knowledge and attitudes of reproductive-age women toward environmental chemicals and determined how these affect consumer behaviors. At the 2018 Minnesota State Fair, a large community sample of reproductive-age women was recruited to complete a survey on environmental health attitudes and behaviors. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression models were used to characterize current attitudes about chemicals. Multivariable logistic regression models examined how sociodemographic characteristics predict knowledge, attitudes, and consumer behaviors. A total of 871 women completed the survey; 74% strongly agreed that chemicals in the environment are dangerous, and 44% of women reported having heard of phthalates, while only 29% reported always practicing at least one environmentally healthy behavior (such as consuming food and beverages from safe plastics). Older age (35-39 versus 18-24: aOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3, 4.3; 40-44 versus 18-24; aOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2, 3.2) and working in a healthcare profession (aOR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.2, 2.5) were associated with strong agreement that chemicals in the environmental are dangerous. Women who strongly agreed chemicals are dangerous were more likely to practice consumer behaviors to reduce their exposure. Interventions targeting knowledge and attitudes towards environmental chemicals could be an effective strategy for reducing harmful exposures.

Behavioral Effects of Exposure to Phthalates in Female Rodents: Evidence for Endocrine Disruption?

Phthalates have been widely studied for their reprotoxic effects in male rodents and in particular on testosterone production, for which reference doses were established. The female rodent brain can also represent a target for exposure to these environmental endocrine disruptors. Indeed, a large range of behaviors including reproductive behaviors, mood-related behaviors, and learning and memory are regulated by sex steroid hormones. Here we review the experimental studies addressing the effects and mechanisms of phthalate exposure on these behaviors in female rodents, paying particular attention to the experimental conditions (period of exposure, doses, estrous stage of analyses etc.). The objective of this review is to provide a clear picture of the consistent effects that can occur in female rodents and the gaps that still need to be filled in terms of effects and mode(s) of action for a better risk assessment for human health.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals interfere with decidualization of human primary endometrial stromal cells in vitro

Multiple studies have shown associations between exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and reduced fertility in women. However, little is known about the target organs of chemical disruption of female fertility. Here, we focus on the hormone-sensitive uterine lining, the endometrium, as a potential target. Decidualization is the morphological and functional change that endometrial stromal cells undergo to support endometrial receptivity, which is crucial for successful implantation, placentation, and pregnancy. We investigated the effect of nine selected EDCs on primary human endometrial stromal cell decidualization in vitro. The cells were exposed to a decidualization-inducing mixture in the presence or absence of 1 μM of nine different EDCs for nine days. Extent of decidualization was assessed by measuring the activity of cAMP dependent protein kinase, Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase, and protein kinase B in lysates using photoluminescent probes, and secretion of prolactin into the media by using ELISA. Decidualization-inducing mixture upregulated activity of protein kinases and prolactin secretion in cells derived from all women. Of the tested chemicals, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE), hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) significantly reduced decidualization as judged by the kinase markers and prolactin secretion. In addition, bisphenol A (BPA) reduced prolactin secretion but did not significantly affect activity of the kinases. None of the EDCs was cytotoxic, based on the assessment of total protein content or activity of the viability marker casein kinase 2 in lysates. These results indicate that EDCs commonly present in the blood circulation of reproductive-aged women can reduce decidualization of human endometrial stromal cells in vitro. Future studies should focus on detailed hazard assessment to define possible risks of EDC exposure to endometrial dysfunction and implantation failure in women.

The relationship between exposure to phthalate metabolites and adult-onset hypogonadism

OBJECTIVE

Adult-onset hypogonadism (AOH) is a common disease for males >40 years old and is closely associated with age-related comorbidities. Phthalates are compounds widely used in a number of products with endocrine-disrupting effects. However, little is known about the association between exposure to phthalates and the risk of AOH. Thus, we conducted this study to explore the potential association using the 2013-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data.

METHOD

Data on AOH and urinary phthalate metabolites were collected, and univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were adapted to evaluate the association. The concentrations of each metabolite were calculated and grouped according to their quartiles for the final analysis.

RESULT

Finally, we found that the odds ratio (OR) increased with increased concentrations of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) metabolites, including mono(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP), mono(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) and mono(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP). Simultaneously, a significant dose-dependent effect was also observed. The OR for the fourth quartile was highest among all three groups. Specifically, the ORs for the third quartile and fourth quartile were 1.774 and 1.858, respectively, in the MECPP group. For the MEHHP group, the OR increased from 1.580 for the second quartile to 1.814 for the fourth quartile. Similarly, the OR for the higher three quartiles varied from 1.424 to 1.715 in the MEOHP group.

CONCLUSION

This study first revealed that there was a positive association between exposure to DEHP metabolites and the risk of AOH. These findings add limited evidence to study this topic, while further studies are needed to explain the potential molecular mechanisms.

Multicriteria Decision Analysis and Grouping of Analytical Procedures for Phthalates Determination in Disposable Baby Diapers

This study presents the application of one of the tools from the multicriteria decision analysis set (MCDA), the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). Selected green analytical chemistry metrics were used to rank analytical procedures for the phthalate determination in disposable baby diapers. Nine analytical procedures were assessed in order to find one that has the lowest environmental impact and the best analytical figures of merit. Nine different criteria, where weighting was based on the experts’ evaluation, were used in the procedures’ assessment. With the use of TOPSIS, an easy and straightforward technique, selection of the most appropriate procedure was made.

Association of phthalate exposure and airway dysfunction with mediation by serum periostin

BACKGROUND

Phthalates can cause respiratory and immunological disorders. However, little is known about the role of serum periostin and YKL-40 levels in mediating the effects of phthalates. We investigated the mediating role of these biomarkers in the relationship between phthalates and airway dysfunction.

METHODS

A total of 487 children (aged 10-12 years old) were examined. Four high-molecular-weight phthalate (HMWP) [Σ₄ HMWP] metabolites and 3 low-molecular-weight phthalate (LMWP) [Σ₃ LMWP] metabolites in urine samples were measured. Serum periostin and YKL-40 levels were measured. Airway function was measured using impulse oscillometry. A mediation model was used to quantify the mediating effects of periostin and YKL-40 on airway dysfunction.

RESULTS

After adjustment for height, gender, BMI z-score, aeroallergen sensitization, secondary smoking, and vitamin D level, the level of urinary Σ₃ LMWP metabolites was significantly associated with respiratory system resistance at 5 Hz (Rrs5; adjusted β: 0.020, 95% CI: 0.005-0.034; p = .010). The levels of urinary Σ₄ HMWP and Σ₃ LMWP metabolites were significantly associated with periostin level, but not with YKL-40 level. In addition, the periostin level was associated with Rrs5 (adjusted β: 0.048, 95% CI: 0.015-0.081; p = .005) and Rrs20-5 (adjusted β: 0.040, 95% CI: 0.011-0.069; p = .007). Serum periostin level had a significant effect in mediating the relationship between Σ₃ LMWP and Rrs5 (13.9%, 95% CI: 10.7-77.0; p < .001).

CONCLUSION

Exposure to LMWPs was significantly associated with airway dysfunction, and this effect was partially attributable to increased serum periostin level.

Occurrence of Phthalates in Bottled Drinks in the Chinese Market and Its Implications for Dietary Exposure

Ubiquitous occurrences of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) or phthalates in a variety of consumer products have been demonstrated. Nevertheless, studies on their occurrence in various types of bottled drinks are limited. In this study, fifteen PAEs were analyzed in six categories of bottled drinks (n = 105) collected from the Chinese market, including mineral water, tea drinks, energy drinks, juice drinks, soft drinks, and beer. Among the 15 PAEs measured, DEHP was the most abundant phthalate with concentrations ranging from below the limit of quantification (LOQ) to 41,000 ng/L at a detection rate (DR) of 96%, followed by DIBP (DR: 88%) and DBP (DR: 84%) with respective concentration ranges of below LOQ to 16,000 and to 4900 ng/L. At least one PAE was detected in each drink sample, and the sum concentrations of 15 PAEs ranged from 770 to 48,004 ng/L (median: 6286 ng/L). Significant differences with respect to both PAE concentrations and composition profiles were observed between different types of bottled drinks. The median sum concentration of 15 PAEs in soft drinks was over five times higher than that detected in mineral water; different from other drink types. Besides DEHP, DBIP, and DBP, a high concentration of BMEP was also detected in a tea drink. The estimated daily dietary intake of phthalates (EDI_drink) through the consumption of bottled drinks was calculated based on the concentrations measured and the daily ingestion rates of bottled drink items. The EDI_drink values for DMP, DEP, DIBP, DBP, BMEP, DAP, BEEP, BBP, DCP, DHP, BMPP, BBEP, DEHP, DOP, and DNP through the consumption of bottled mineral water (based on mean concentrations) were 0.45, 0.33, 12.5, 3.67, 2.10, 0.06, 0.32, 0.16, 0.10, 0.09, 0.05, 0.81, 112, 0.13, and 0.20 ng/kg-bw/d, respectively, for Chinese adults. Overall, the EDI_drink values calculated for phthalates through the consumption of bottled drinks were below the oral reference doses suggested by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA).

Phthalate Toxicity in Rats and Its Relation to Testicular Dysgenesis Syndrome in Humans

This work describes the relevance of toxicology studies of environmental chemicals, with a focus on phthalates, for a hypothesis that certain human male reproductive disorders and diseases have a common etiology of disturbance of normal development in utero. The "Testicular Dysgenesis Syndrome" hypothesis in humans has parallels in male reproductive tract abnormalities and microscopic lesions reported for phthalate toxicity in rats. Additionally, this work describes the histological findings of abnormal testicular development (testicular dysgenesis) in rats as compared to those in humans, as well as potential findings in rats at different ages, from the embryo to the adult.

Air Phthalate Emitted from Flooring Building Material by the Micro-Chamber Method: Two-Stage Emission Evaluation and Comparison

The phthalate and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) are modern chemical substances and extensively existing in the indoor environment. The European Commission stipulated the "European Unified Test Criteria", since 2011, for the declared specifications of building products (CEN/TS 16516), based on the "lowest concentrations of interest (LCI)", the index pollutants, test method, and emission standard of "phthalate" and "SVOC" were specified in detail. The purpose of this study is to use six common indoor floor construction products in Taiwan (regenerated pseudoplastic rubber flooring, healthy pseudoplastic imitation wood floor, regenerated pseudoplastic rubber flooring, PVC floor tile/floor, plastic click floor, composite floor covered with carpet) to detect the changes in the concentration of phthalate emitted to the air. The ISO 16000-25 Indoor air-Part 25: Determination of the emission of semi-volatile organic compounds by building products-micro-chamber method is used to build a DS-BMEMC (glass micro-chamber: volume 630 mL), the SVOC, including phthalate, is collected in two stages, in the stable conditions of temperature 25 °C, relative humidity 50% and air change rate 2 times/h, the Stage 1 emission detection experiment (24 h) is performed, and then the Stage 2 heating-up desorption emission detection experiment (40 min air sampling) is performed, the temperature rises to 200-220 °C, the phthalate and SVOC adsorbed on the glass micro-chamber is desorbed at a high temperature to catch the air substances, the air is caught by Tenax^®-TA and Florisil^® adsorption tube, and then the GC/MS and LC/MSMS analysis methods are used for qualitative and emission concentration analyses of SVOC of two-stage emission, respectively. The findings show that the floor construction materials emit nine phthalate SVOCs: DEHP, DINP, DNOP, DIDP, BBP, DBP, DIBP, DEP, and DMP, the two-stage emission concentrations are different, Stage 1 (normal temperature) emission concentration of six floor construction materials is 0.01-1.2% of Stage 2 (high temperature) emission concentration, meaning the phthalate SVOC of floor construction materials is unlikely to be volatilized or emitted at normal temperature. An interesting finding is that only S3 was detected DINP 72.6 (μg/m³) in stage 1. Others were detected DINP in stage 2. This might be because S3 has carpet on the surface. This implies that floor material with carpet may have an emission of DINP at normal temperature. The result of this study refers to the limited value evaluation of EU structural material standard emission TSVOC ≤ 0.1 ug/m³, the floor building material emissions are much higher than the evaluation criteria, increasing the health risk of users. The detection method and baseline can be used as the standard for controlling the emission of phthalate SVOC of Taiwan's green building material labeling system in the future.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals and behaviour: A high risk to take?

Early life exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is considered a potential risk factor for aberrant brain development and the emergence of behavioral deficits. The purpose of this review is to summarize the toxic effects of bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalate exposure during pre-, -post- or perinatal life on different types of behaviour in male and female rodents. Despite results not being always consistent, most probably due to methodological issues, it is highly probable that early life exposure to BPA or/and phthalates, affects various aspects of behaviour in the offspring. Adverse effects include: Increased levels of anxiety, altered exploratory behaviour, reduced social interaction or increased aggression and deficits in spatial or recognition learning and memory. These effects have been observed with a wide range of doses, in some cases even below the currently employed Tolerable Daily Intake dose for either BPA or phthalates.

Review on Toxic Effects of Di(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate on Zebrafish Embryos

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is widely used as a plasticizer in consumer products. People are continuously exposed to DEHP through ingestion, inhalation and dermal absorption. From epidemiological studies, DEHP has been shown to associate with various adverse health effects, such as reproductive abnormalities and metabolic diseases. Health concerns have been raised regarding DEHP exposures; therefore, relevant risk assessment has become necessary through toxicological testing of DEHP. In the past 10 years, an increasing number of DEHP toxicity studies have been using zebrafish embryos as an in vivo model due to their high fecundity, rapid embryonic development as well as optical transparency, which have now been established as an alternative of the more conventional rodent model. The aim of the present paper is to review the effects of acute (from embryo stage to ≤1 week) and chronic (from embryo stage to >1 week) DEHP exposures on zebrafish, which start from the embryonic stage, and to analyze acute and potential long-term effects induced by acute exposure and effects induced by chronic exposure of DEHP upon subjecting to exposures, starting from the embryonic stage to different developmental stages, with a view to facilitate risk assessments on DEHP exposures.

Peritubular Macrophages Are Recruited to the Testis of Peripubertal Rats After Mono-(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate Exposure and Is Associated With Increases in the Numbers of Spermatogonia

Peripubertal exposure of male rodents to the phthalate metabolite mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) causes testicular inflammation, spermatocyte apoptosis, and disruption of the blood-testis barrier. The MEHP-induced inflammatory response in the testis includes an infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils, although the cause and purpose of this response is unknown. Recently, a population of testicular macrophages known as peritubular macrophages that are phenotypically distinct from those resident in interstitium was described in mice. Peritubular macrophages aggregate near the spermatogonial stem cell niche and are believed to stimulate their differentiation. We hypothesized that if testicular peritubular macrophages do indeed stimulate spermatogonial differentiation, MEHP exposure would result in an increase of peritubular macrophages to stimulate the replacement of lost spermatocytes. Male rats were exposed to 700 mg/kg MEHP or corn oil (vehicle control) via oral gavage at postnatal day 28 and euthanized at 48 h, 1 or 2 weeks later. Seminiferous tubules were stained with immunofluorescent markers for macrophages (major histocompatibility complex class II [MHC-II+]) and undifferentiated spermatogonia (PLZF). Peritubular macrophages were observed in rat testis: MHC-II+ cells on the surface of seminiferous tubules with heterogeneous morphology. Quantification of MHC-II+ cells revealed that, unlike in the mouse, their numbers did not increase through puberty (2-week period). MEHP increased macrophage presence by 6-fold 48 h after exposure and remained elevated by 2-fold 2 weeks after exposure. An increase of differentiating spermatogonia occurred 2 weeks after MEHP exposure. Taken together, our results suggest that peritubular macrophages play a crucial role in the testis response to acute injury and the subsequent recovery of spermatogenesis.

Duration-dependent effects of high dose of phthalate exposure on semen quality in adult male rats

Objective

To determine the length of exposure to high doses of phthalate that might affect sperm quality in adult male Wistar rats.

Methods

Forty-two (42) adult male Wistar rats (weighing 150-200 g) were randomly assigned into six groups (n=7): Group A received 0.5 mL of distilled water - placebo - and served as controls; groups B, C, D, E and F received Phthalate (750 mg/kgbw) for 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 weeks, respectively. The data obtained from the study was expressed as Mean ± SEM with a p-value <0.05 considered significant. The data was analyzed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s post-hoc test using GraphPad Prism, version 8.

Results

The results showed a statistically significant (p<0.05) decrease in testicular weight in the rats exposed to 750 mg/kg of phthalate for 3, 5, 7 and 9 weeks when compared with the controls. Sperm count, motility and viability were also significantly (p<0.05) reduced, while sperm cells with abnormal morphology had increased counts in the groups exposed for 3, 5, 7 and 9 weeks when compared with controls. Serum zinc and magnesium were also significantly reduced (p<0.05) in the subjects treated for 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 weeks when compared with controls.

Conclusions

The dosage of phthalate adopted in this study was deleterious to testicular function when rats were exposed to it for as short a period as three weeks.

DEHT is a suitable plasticizer option for phthalate-free storage of irradiated red blood cells

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Due to increasing concerns about possible endocrine-disrupting properties, the use of the plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) will be banned in future blood storage. Di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DEHT) provides sufficient red blood cell (RBC) quality during conventional blood bank storage. It is important that a new plasticizer also maintains acceptable quality during exposure to high cell stress, such as irradiation, which is commonly used to prevent graft-versus-host disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 59 RBC units were collected and processed in polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-DEHT or PVC-DEHP blood bags combined with either saline-adenine-glucose-mannitol (SAGM) or phosphate-adenine-glucose-guanosine-saline-mannitol (PAGGSM) additive solution. All units were X-ray irradiated on day 2 post-collection. Sampling for assessment of parameters of storage lesion was performed on day 2 pre-irradiation and day 14 and 28 post-irradiation.

RESULTS

Though irradiation increased cell stress, DEHT/PAGGSM and current common European preference DEHP/SAGM were equally affected up to 14 days post-irradiation for all measured parameters. At day 28, haemolysis and microvesicle count were slightly increased in DEHT, whereas extracellular potassium ions, glucose, lactate, pH, mean corpuscular volume and microvesicle phosphatidylserine remained unaffected by plasticizer choice throughout storage. No individual unit exceeded 0.8% haemolysis, not even in DEHT/SAGM, the combination overall most affected by irradiation. Of the four combinations, membrane stability was least impacted in DEHP/PAGGSM.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate that DEHT is a suitable plasticizer for storage of RBCs after X-ray irradiation cell stress. This strengthens the option of DEHT as a viable non-phthalate substitute for DEHP.

Correlations between Urinary Monoethylhexyl Phthalate Concentration in Healthy Individuals, Individuals with Colorectal Adenomas, and Individuals with Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer death in Taiwan. A recent study suggested a link between exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and increased susceptibility to pathology. Exposure to di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), an EDC and plasticizer widely used in consumer products, has been reported to be significantly positively correlated with increased risks of various cancers. We explored this connection of DEHP exposure with the development of CRC through the detection of urinary monoethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), a potent metabolite of DEHP. Participants comprised 221 individuals recruited between October 2016 and November 2019 from a single institution. Overall, urinary MEHP concentrations were significantly higher in patients with CRC than in the patients with adenoma or healthy participants (both P < 0.001). Higher exposure to DEHP may contribute to the occurrence of CRC. Urinary MEHP detection may serve as a beneficial noninvasive indicator of increased CRC risk.

Effects of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals on Endometrial Receptivity and Embryo Implantation: A Systematic Review of 34 Mouse Model Studies

Several available studies have already analyzed the systemic effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on fertile woman and neonatal outcomes, but little is still known in humans about the precise mechanisms of interference of these compounds with the endometrial receptivity. There is consistent evidence that continuous and prolonged exposure to EDCs is a risk factor for reduced fertility and fecundity in women. Preliminary studies on mammalian models provide robust evidence about this issue and could help gynecologists worldwide to prevent long term injury caused by EDCs on human fertility. In this systematic review, we aimed to systematically summarize all available data about EDC effects on blastocyst endometrial implantation. We performed a systematic review using PubMed^®/MEDLINE^® to summarize all in vivo studies, carried out on mice models, analyzing the molecular consequences of the prolonged exposure of EDC on the implantation process. 34 studies carried out on mouse models were included. Primary effects of EDC were a reduction of the number of implantation sites and pregnancy rates, particularly after BPA and phthalate exposure. Furthermore, the endometrial expression of estrogen (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR), as well as their activation pathways, is compromised after EDC exposure. Finally, the expression of the primary endometrial markers of receptivity (such as MUC1, HOXA10, Inn and E-cadherin) after EDC contact was analyzed. In conclusion EDC deeply affect blastocyst implantation in mouse model. Several players of the implantation mechanism are strongly influenced by the exposure to different categories of EDC.