Research Progresses on the Relationship Between the Phthalates Exposure and Children’s Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Abstract

Neurodevelopment, a complex multifactorial process, is influenced by genetic factors, environmental factors and the interaction between them. Among various environmental factors, prenatal or postnatal phthalate exposure are gradually attracting great attention. The plasticizers phthalate are widely used in various products. Since they do not form covalent bonds with the polymer matrix, they may leach or outgas into the environment and enter the human body, even affect the development of the fetus or newborn through the placenta or breast milk. In recent years, increasing evidences have shown that maternal phthalate exposure can interfere with the development of fetal central nervous system, resulting in neurodevelopmental disorders in postnatal children. However, the specific relationship between maternal phthalate exposure and fetal neurodevelopment and its mechanism have not been clearly studied. At present, the known possible mechanisms include disruption of thyroid homeostasis, alteration of calcium signal transduction, disturbance of lipid metabolism, interfering with the action of sex hormones, influence of the Rho-GTPase pathway, induction of epigenetic and oxidative stress, etc. As the problem has gradually become the focus of attention all over the world, new research results are still emerging. In order to provide references for further study of the etiology and pathogenesis, the latest research progresses and mechanisms of phthalate exposure on neurodevelopment were reviewed in the following article.