Unravelling the Link Between Phthalate Exposure and Endometriosis in Humans: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Literature

Overview

Journal J Assist Reprod Genet

Publisher Springer

Specialties Genetics
Reproductive Medicine

Date 2021 Jul 6

PMID 34227050

Citations 4

Authors

Alessandro Conforti

Luigi Carbone

Vittorio Simeon

Paolo Chiodini

Vincenzo Marrone

Francesca Bagnulo

Federica Cariati

Ida Strina

Carlo Alviggi

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Purpose: Endometriosis is a chronic debilitating inflammatory pathology which interests females in their reproductive age. Its pathogenesis has not yet been clearly defined. Recent evidence linked chemical agents as endocrine-disrupting chemicals to endometriosis. Phthalates are a widely used class of such compounds. This study aimed to summarize the current literature evaluating the link between exposure to phthalates and occurrence of endometriosis.

Methods: A systematic review of literature and meta-analysis has been carried out following PRISMA guidelines to assess such link. Fourteen studies have been included in the review. Risk of bias has been assessed through the Newcastle Ottawa Scale.

Results: We observed association between endometriosis and increased urinary levels of MBP/MnBP, MEOHP, and MEHHP, but not for others. Blood-derived analysis showed statistically significant link between endometriosis and BBP, DEHP, DnBP, and MEHP.

Conclusion: Given the wide heterogeneity of included studies, results should be taken with caution. Further studies with more rigorous methodology are encouraged to unravel the true link between this class of toxic compounds and manifestation of endometriosis.

Citing Articles

Association between the Exposure to Phthalates and the Risk of Endometriosis: An Updated Review.

Ribeiro B, Mariana M, Lorigo M, Oliani D, Ramalhinho A, Cairrao E Biomedicines. 2024; 12(8).

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The Effect of Various Environmental Pollutants on the Reproductive Health in Children: A Brief Review of the Literature.

Yesildemir O, Celik M Curr Nutr Rep. 2024; 13(3):382-392.

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Advances in understanding the reproductive toxicity of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in women.

Wang J, Zhao C, Feng J, Sun P, Zhang Y, Han A Front Cell Dev Biol. 2024; 12:1390247.

PMID: 38606320 PMC: 11007058. DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1390247.

Endometrial Cells Acutely Exposed to Phthalates In Vitro Do Not Phenocopy Endometriosis.

Gonzalez-Martin R, Palomar A, Medina-Laver Y, Quinonero A, Dominguez F Int J Mol Sci. 2022; 23(19).

PMID: 36232341 PMC: 9569573. DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911041.

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