Urinary concentrations of phthalate biomarkers and weight change among postmenopausal women: a prospective cohort study.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Some phthalates are endocrine disrupting chemicals used as plasticizers in consumer products, and have been associated with obesity in cross-sectional studies, yet prospective evaluations of weight change are lacking. Our objective was to evaluate associations between phthalate biomarker concentrations and weight and weight change among postmenopausal women.

METHODS:

We performed cross-sectional (N = 997) and longitudinal analyses (N = 660) among postmenopausal Women's Health Initiative participants. We measured 13 phthalate metabolites and creatinine in spot urine samples provided at baseline. Participants' weight and height measured at in-person clinic visits at baseline, year 3, and year 6 were used to calculate body mass index (BMI). We fit multivariable multinomial logistic regression models to explore cross-sectional associations between each phthalate biomarker and baseline BMI category. We evaluated longitudinal associations between each biomarker and weight change using mixed effects linear regression models.

RESULTS:

In cross-sectional analyses, urinary concentrations of some biomarkers were positively associated with obesity prevalence (e.g. sum of di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate metabolites [ΣDEHP] 4th vs 1st quartile OR = 3.29, 95% CI 1.80-6.03 [p trend< 0.001] vs normal). In longitudinal analyses, positive trends with weight gain between baseline and year 3 were observed for mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate, monoethyl phthalate (MEP), mono-hydroxybutyl phthalate, and mono-hydroxyisobutyl phthalate (e.g. + 2.32 kg [95% CI 0.93-3.72] for 4th vs 1st quartile of MEP; p trend < 0.001). No statistically significant associations were observed between biomarkers and weight gain over 6 years.

CONCLUSIONS:

Certain phthalates may contribute to short-term weight gain among postmenopausal women.

• Authors: Mary V Díaz Santana, Susan E Hankinson, Carol Bigelow, Susan R Sturgeon, R Thomas Zoeller, Lesley Tinker, Jo Ann E Manson, Antonia M Calafat, Jaymie R Meliker, Katherine W Reeves
• Journal: Environmental health : a global access science source (Environ Health) Vol. 18 Issue 1 Pg. 20 (03 12 2019) ISSN: 1476-069X [Electronic] England
• PMID: 30866962 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural)

Chemical References

• Biomarkers
• Endocrine Disruptors
• Environmental Pollutants
• Phthalic Acids

Topics

• Aged
• Biomarkers (urine)
• Endocrine Disruptors (urine)
• Environmental Exposure (analysis)
• Environmental Pollutants (urine)
• Female
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Phthalic Acids (urine)
• Postmenopause (urine)
• Prospective Studies
• Weight Gain