Abstract
Adverse birth outcomes present risk factors resulting in neonatal morbidity and mortality. Sufficient maternal hormonal concentrations are crucial for normal foetal development. Previous studies have shown a relationship between phthalate exposure and maternal hormonal levels during pregnancy. This study aims to investigate if neonatal anthropometric parameters are associated with maternal endocrine parameters during the ≤15th week of gestation and the third trimester of pregnancy concerning phthalate exposure in pregnant women from Nitra, Slovakia. We used high-performance liquid chromatography, tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS), and electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay to quantify urinary concentrations of phthalates and serum concentrations of hormones and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), respectively. We observed a mostly positive correlation between neonatal anthropometric parameters (gestational age, birth length, birth weight, head circumference) and maternal concentration of phthalate metabolites (p ≤ 0.05). The hierarchical multivariate regression results showed a statistically significant association between Apgar score at 5 min after delivery, gestational age, birth weight, head circumference, and maternal endocrine parameters during pregnancy (p ≤ 0.05), adjusted to phthalate metabolites. To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first to indicate that prenatal exposure to phthalates may also affect birth outcomes through interaction with the maternal endocrine system.
Highlights
The prenatal period is dependent on the maternal endocrine system [2]
We examined how phthalate exposure may affect the relationship between maternal endocrine parameters and birth outcomes in neonates relationship between maternal endocrine parameters and birth outcomes in neonates (Ta(Tables 8 and 9)
During the early stage and the third trimester of pregnancy, we we found a significant relationship between maternal endocrine parameters and gestational found a significant relationship between maternal endocrine parameters and gestational age at delivery, birth weight, and head circumference of newborns
Summary
Foetal growth and development are complex processes regulated by genetic and hormonal factors, nutrition, and the maternal and foetal environment [1]. The prenatal period is dependent on the maternal endocrine system [2]. Proper foetal development needs adequate levels of estradiol [3], cortisol [4], and thyroid hormones [5]. Phthalates are applied widely within the plastic industry. They are used as plasticisers to increase softness and elasticity in various plastic products. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals interact with the hormonal system of the organism, which leads to endocrine-system imbalances such as altered foetal levels of adrenal and maternal gonadal steroids or thyroid hormones (reviewed in [10]). This disruption could induce adverse development and growth during the prenatal period
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
