Relationship of Urinary Phthalate Metabolites with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors and Oxidative Stress Markers in Children and Adolescents

Abstract

Introduction. Studies have proved that exposure of adults to phthalates might be related to cardiometabolic risk factors and changes in markers of oxidative stress. Such studies conducted on school-age children and adolescents are limited and fail to assess the simultaneous effect of phthalates on these risk factors and oxidative stress markers. Therefore, it was attempted to identify the relationship of urinary phthalate metabolites with cardiometabolic risk factors and oxidative stress markers in children and adolescents. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, 108 children and adolescents, living in Isfahan industrial city of Iran, were examined. Urine samples taken from the participants were analyzed for mono-butyl phthalate (MBP), mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP), mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP), mono-(2-ethyl-5-exohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP), and mono-methyl phthalate (MMP). Results. Results showed that, among phthalate metabolites, MBP had the highest concentration, followed by MBzP, MEOHP, MEHHP, MEHP, and MMP. Concentrations of these metabolites had a significant relationship with some of the cardiometabolic risk factors including systolic blood pressure (SBP), fasting blood sugar (FBS), and triglycerides (TG) ( p < 0.05). Furthermore, the crude and adjusted linear regression models indicated the significant association of phthalate metabolites with superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) ( p < 0.05). Conclusion. Although urinary phthalate concentrations could not exactly reflect the long-term exposure level in the studied age groups, the consumption of phthalate-free products during childhood and adolescent development shall be assumed helpful in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. To confirm these findings and develop effective intervention strategies, it would be necessary to perform longitudinal studies on diverse population.

Association of urine phthalate metabolites, bisphenol A levels and serum electrolytes with 24-h blood pressure profile in adolescents

“…This suggests that different effects can be seen at different doses rather than a linear dose-response relationship. A negative association between insulin resistance and MMP in children was reported by Hashemi et al [ 61 ]. It has been reported that insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia may lead to increased blood pressure by causing sympathetic system activation, vascular changes, insufficient vascular dilatation and changes in membrane ion exchange [ 72 – 74 ].…”

“…Studies evaluating the relationship between urinary phthalates and blood pressure in children and adolescents are limited and reported controversial results. While an increased risk for blood pressure was found in some studies with urinary MBzP levels in children [ 61 ] and adults [ 62 ], no correlation was observed in others [ 63 , 64 ]. In a cross-sectional study of 108 children aged 6–18 years, a positive correlation was reported between urinary MBzP level and systolic blood pressure [ 61 ].…”

“…This is the first study evaluating WCHT with these pollutants. A recent cross-sectional study from Isfahan (an industrial city in Iran) included 108 children (6–18 years) observed a positive relationship between systolic blood pressure and some metabolites including urinary MnBP and MEHP; no association with MEHHP, MEOHP, and MMP [ 61 ]. A recent cross-sectional study from China including a total of 1044 primary school children (6–8 years old) with an electronic sphygmomanometer were studied reported that MMP, MiBP, MnBP, MCEPP, MCMHP, “the sum of MMP, MEP, MiBP, and MnBP”, and “the sum of MCEPP, MEHHP, MEOHP, MCMHP, MEHP, MMP, MEP, MiBP, and MnBP” in urine samples were associated with elevations in systolic/diastolic blood pressure-SDS, pulse pressure, and MAP.…”

Measurement of Urinary Triclocarban and 2,4‐Dichlorophenol Concentration and Their Relationship with Obesity and Predictors of Cardiovascular Diseases among Children and Adolescents in Kerman, Iran

“…Urine samples were also taken from the subjects for the creatinine test performed by the Hitachi 704 automatic analyzer [ 6 , 19 ]. A total of 6 ml of urine sample was kept in glass containers at −20°C until the day of the experiment to measure the TCC and 2,4-DCP concentration [ 44 , 51 – 53 ].…”

Phthalate Exposure and Biomarkers of Oxidation of Nucleic Acids: Results on Couples Attending a Fertility Center

“…Exposure to phthalate seems to increase oxidative stress levels, which is recognized to contribute to male and female infertility. Phthalates are substances that exhibit endocrine disrupting properties and can induce problems related to infertility, disorders of the metabolic, immune, and thyroid systems [1]. They are a family of esters of phthalic acid, widely used in industry as plasticizing agents, added to improve the flexibility and moldability of plastics and widely used in children's toys, medical devices, cosmetics, hygiene products, clothing such as footwear and raincoats, food packaging, and also construction material [2].…”