Urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations in relation to levels of circulating matrix metalloproteinases in pregnant women

Abstract

Phthalate exposure has been shown to be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, human studies informing relevant mechanistic pathways are lacking. Experimental studies have reported that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are responsible for extracellular protein degradation, may be upregulated in response to phthalate exposure. In this exploratory study we measured urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations, plasma MMP levels, and relevant covariates among 134 pregnant women. There were statistically significant or suggestive positive relationships between several phthalates, particularly between metabolites of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, with MMP-1 and MMP-9 levels. Further research is needed to confirm these results and how they may inform the mechanisms involved between phthalate exposure and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Trends and Patterns of Phthalates and Phthalate Alternatives Exposure in Pregnant Women from Mexico City during 2007–2010

“…Epidemiological data suggest associations between phthalate exposure and a variety of adverse health outcomes, including reproductive, − perinatal, − and offspring health outcomes. − Di­(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a known reproductive toxicant, and its use, along with several other phthalates, has been restricted by the European Union, United States, and other legislative bodies. As data on the health effects of phthalates and their metabolites accumulate, phthalates with suspected harmful effects have been replaced with alternative phthalates or phthalate substitutes.…”