In Utero Exposure to the Antiandrogen 1,1-Dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (DDE) in Relation to Anogenital Distance in Male Newborns from Chiapas, Mexico

Abstract

The insecticide 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT) is still used for disease control in some areas, resulting in high levels of human exposure. The main degradation product of DDT is 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (DDE), an antiandrogen. In animal experiments, in utero exposure to DDE decreases anogenital distance in male offspring. In these models, anogenital distance serves as a measure of fetal androgen action. The authors designed the present study to examine the hypothesis that in utero exposure to DDE decreases anogenital distance in newborn human males. A cross-sectional study of 781 newly delivered male infants was conducted in 2002-2003 in Chiapas, Mé xico, where DDT had recently been used for malaria control. Measurements of anogenital distance and penile dimensions were taken, and a sample of the mother's blood was drawn. In this population, the range of serum DDE levels was large (0.8-398 lg/liter). The authors, using two-sided tests, found no evidence that exposure in utero to DDE was related to reduced androgen action as reflected by anogenital distance or penile dimensions at birth. If DDE has important antiandrogenic action in humans, it may be manifest only at higher levels of exposure or via effects on other outcomes.

Persistent organic pollutant concentrations in first birth mothers across Mexico

“…DDT use was banned in 2000 and the remaining reserves were eliminated in 2009 (Panamerican Health Organization, 1992;Albert, 1996;Gobierno Federal, 2009). Total concentrations of DDT and DDE found in our study were lower than those seen by Torres-Sanchez et al (2007) and Longnecker et al (2007), but this is expected because those studies were conducted in Morelos and Chiapas where DDT was extensively used for malaria control. The DDT/DDE ratio found indicates chronic exposure, although the ratio found in Coatzacoalcos is almost 30 times higher than that found by Torres-Sanchez et al (2009) in pregnant women from Morelos (0.002 ± 0.003).…”

Exposure to phthalates: Reproductive outcome and children health. A review of epidemiological studies

“…Amniotic fluid obtained from routine amniocentesis at 16-20 weeks of gestation may be a better marker for the assessment of prenatal phthalate exposure during the period of sexual differentiation [86,87]. So far, only in one study the phthalate, besides in the urine from pregnant women, were measured in amniotic fluid [45].…”

Prenatal exposure to DDT in malaria endemic region following indoor residual spraying and in non-malaria coastal regions of South Africa

“…Available epidemiological data on human health effects of DDT and other pesticides show that they are similar to those found in animals, affecting neurodevelopment, causing endocrine disruptions, as well as producing immune related conditions and asthma (Arndt et al, 1999;Eskenazi et al, 2006;Longnecker et al, 2007;Narita et al, 2007;Sunyer et al, 2005;van Wendel de Joode et al, 2001). Other studies indicate that DDT may be implicated in liver and pancreatic cancer aetiologies (Rogan and Chen, 2005).…”