Linking EDC-laden food consumption and modern lifestyle habits with preeclampsia: A non-animal approach to identifying early diagnostic biomarkers through biochemical alterations

Abstract

Preeclampsia (PE), a pregnancy complication characterized by new-onset hypertension with or without proteinuria and/or end-organ damage, and it may be influenced by exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals present in processed foods and modern lifestyles. This study explores the potential link using a non-animal approach to identify early diagnostic biomarkers for preeclampsia. Seventy pregnant women aged 21–41 years participated, and completed questionnaires assessing socio-demographic factors, Suboptimal Health Status Questionnaire scores for fatigue, digestive, cardiovascular, immune, and mental health issues, and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals from processed food consumption and daily product use. Peripheral blood samples were analyzed for hormone profiles, complete blood count, and liver function tests (LFT). Statistical analysis revealed that mothers above 27 years old, with a Body Mass Index exceeding 32.59 Kg/m2, and a Mean Arterial Pressure of 108.5 mmHg exhibited a potential obesogenic effect on preeclampsia development. Socio-demographic factors like, lower economic class, housewife status, primiparous pregnancy, non-graduate education, and rural residence were significantly associated with results. Analysis of biochemical parameters revealed that serum creatinine, blood urea, total protein, platelet count, blood urea nitrogen, bilirubin profile, LFT profile, and thyroid profile showed potential detrimental effects on kidney, liver, muscle, and thyroid function in preeclampsia patients. Notably, PC, serum urea, bilirubin, total protein, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were significantly associated with preeclampsia in individuals reporting higher exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Minor biochemical alterations were also observed with dairy product consumption. SHS-25 analysis indicated a significant increase in fatigue, and digestive, cardiovascular, immune, and mental health-related issues in patients. Probably, biochemical alterations due to EDC exposure from processed foods and modern lifestyle habits contribute to organ dysfunction in preeclampsia. Identifying these potential biomarkers may pave the way for the development of non-invasive, early diagnostic tools for improved preeclampsia management. This research emphasizes the importance of non-animal testing methods for assessing EDC-related health risks in pregnancy and contributes to the advancement of early PE diagnosis strategies.