Perinatal Exposure to Phthalates: From Endocrine to Neurodevelopment Effects

Abstract

Phthalates, as other endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), may alter the homeostasis and the action of hormones and signaling molecules, causing adverse health outcomes. This is true especially for infants, who are both more exposed and sensitive to their effects. Phthalates are particularly harmful when the exposure occurs during certain critical temporal windows of the development, such as the prenatal and the early postnatal phases. Phthalates may also interfere with the neuroendocrine systems (e.g., thyroid hormone signaling or metabolism), causing disruption of neuronal differentiation and maturation, increasing the risk of behavioral and cognitive disorders (ADHD and autistic behaviors, reduced mental, psychomotor, and IQ development, and emotional problems). Despite more studies being needed to better understand the role of these substances, plenty of evidence suggests the impact of phthalates on the neuroendocrine system development and function. This review aims to update the knowledge on the neuroendocrine consequences of neonatal and perinatal exposure to phthalates.

Impact of Environmental Pollutants on Gut Microbiome and Mental Health via the Gut–Brain Axis

“…Prenatal phthalate exposure has been linked to negative impacts on children’s neurodevelopment, including psychomotor, cognitive and behavioral outcomes, as indicated in numerous research studies [ 126 , 127 , 128 , 129 ]. By interfering with neuroendocrine systems, this contaminant may impair neuronal differentiation and maturation, increasing the risk of behavioral and cognitive deficits [ 130 ]. Mood problems are typically linked to the HPA axis, which can be disrupted by estrogenic EDCs such as phthalates and BPA.…”

Biochemical Hazards during Three Phases of Assisted Reproductive Technology: Repercussions Associated with Epigenesis and Imprinting

“…They exert a now well-known potent effect on methylation/epigenetic processes [ 36 , 71 , 72 ], and can act as negative catalytic cofactors during embryo development. Reduced IQ and impaired neurodevelopment have been reported [ 72 , 73 ], and this could be partly attributed to negative effects of EDCs on metabolic pathways [ 37 , 71 ]. It is clearly now imperative to exert caution, considering the differing roles and effects of 5-MTHF vs. FA, their doses and timing of administration, as well as the effects of a potential MTHFR SNP genetic background.…”

Reply to Otter et al. Comment on “Bernard et al. Association between Urinary Metabolites and the Exposure of Intensive Care Newborns to Plasticizers of Medical Devices Used for Their Care Management. Metabolites 2021, 11, 252”

“…From our point of view as clinicians, only through the multiplication of biomonitoring studies is possible to judge the consistency of results. However, it is an indisputable fact that the first 1000 days of life represent a critical period during which neonates and children are particularly vulnerable to exposure to low doses of endocrine-disrupting substances, and the consequences can be serious [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. It is therefore important to continue to assess the exposure of patients, particularly premature babies in intensive care units who are highly exposed to potential toxic compounds leaching from medical devices.…”