Abstract
BackgroundPhthalates have been identified as endocrine active compounds associated with developmental and reproductive toxicity. The exposure to phthalates in premenstrual Egyptian females remains unknown. The objective of this study was to characterize phthalate exposure of a potentially vulnerable population of premenstrual girls from urban and rural Egypt.Materials and methodsWe collected one spot urine sample from 60 10-13 year old females, 30 from rural Egypt, and 30 from urban Egypt from July to October 2009. Samples were analyzed for 11 phthalate metabolites. Additionally, we collected anthropometrics as well as questionnaire data concerning food storage behaviors, cooking practices, and cosmetic use. Phthalate metabolite concentrations were compared between urban and rural Egyptians as well as to age and gender matched Americans.ResultsMonoethyl phthalate (MEP), was detected at the highest concentration in urine of Egyptian girls (median: 43.2 ng/mL in rural, 98.8 ng/mL in urban). Concentrations of urinary metabolites of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and dibutyl phthalate were comparable between Egyptians and age matched US girls. Storage of food in plastic containers was a statistically significant predictor of urinary mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP) concentrations when comparing covariate adjusted means.ConclusionsUrinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites were similar in Egyptian and US populations, suggesting that phthalate exposure also occurs in developing nations. Dietary intake is likely an important route of exposure to phthalates in both urban and rural populations.
Highlights
Phthalates have been identified as endocrine active compounds associated with developmental and reproductive toxicity
Urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites were similar in Egyptian and US populations, suggesting that phthalate exposure occurs in developing nations
A case control study conducted in Northern Mexico found significantly higher levels of monoethyl phthalate (MEP), a metabolite of diethyl phthalate (DEP), in breast cancer cases compared to controls [13], while evidence for phthalates’ association with premature puberty and breast development is conflicting
Summary
Phthalates have been identified as endocrine active compounds associated with developmental and reproductive toxicity. Higher molecular weight phthalates, such as di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), are most often used as plasticizers in polyvinyl chloride (PVC), while lower molecular weight phthalates, such as diethyl phthalate (DEP) and dimethyl phthalate (DMP), are used in cosmetics, insecticides, and pharmaceutical applications [2]. Studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have detected metabolites of DEHP and diethyl phthalate (DEP) in the majority of the US population [6,7,8]. Epidemiological studies of exposure to phthalates suggest potential developmental and reproductive associations. A case control study conducted in Northern Mexico found significantly higher levels of monoethyl phthalate (MEP), a metabolite of diethyl phthalate (DEP), in breast cancer cases compared to controls [13], while evidence for phthalates’ association with premature puberty and breast development is conflicting. Exposure to high molecular weight phthalates has been weakly associated with early breast and pubic hair development, while exposure to low molecular weight phthalates was weakly associated with later breast and pubic hair development [15]
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