Possible Association of Blood Organochlorine Pesticides Levels with Recurrent Miscarriages

Abstract

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), present in the environment include agricultural and industrial compounds. These compounds have received the most attention because of their persistence in the environment, ability to concentrate up the food web, and their continuous detection in the food supply and drinking water. They can cause endocrinal disruption at environmentally realistic exposure levels. The present study involved 20 women (cases) with a history of at least three recurrent miscarriages before the 20th week of gestation; in addition to an equal numbers of control women undergoing normal vaginal labor at term with live birth. All participants were subjected to a complete history, full clinical examination, Hystosalpingography, chromosomal analysis, immunologic tests, antiphospholipid antibodies and tests for thyroid functions, diabetes mellitus, hyperprolactinemia and OCPs residues were extracted by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). There was statistically significant increase in lindane (HCH) concentration in cases group (18.55+1.23) in comparison to control group (12.30 +1.41) while there was non significant increase in both 1,1,1,-trichloro-2,2-bis (4 p -chlorophenyl) ethane (DDT) and methoxychlor [1,1,1- trichloro-2,2-bis (p -methoxyphenyl) ethane] (MXC) concentration in cases group (2.60+0.59 and 1.50±0.61 respectively) in comparison to their values in control group (2.30+0.57 and 1.25+0.44 respectively. In addition, there was no difference between both groups as regard demographic and clinical data. Also, there was no significant difference between primary or secondary miscarriage and early and late miscarriages as regard any of the studied parameters. In conclusion, this study may highlight the reproductive effects of environmental chemicals on the “course of pregnancy”, as the recurrent miscarriages are associated with increased levels of (HCH) and other OCPs.