Variability in Phthalate Measures and Gestational Cardiometabolic Disease in Atlanta African American Mothers Open Access

Abstract

PURPOSE

Phthalates are a class of chemicals that are used as plasticizers, are ubiquitous in the environment, and are known to be endocrine disrupting chemicals. This poses a serious threat to pregnant mothers, especially those mothers that may have a higher rate of exposure to phthalates. This study aims to observe any relationship between phthalate exposure and cardiometabolic disease in pregnant mothers.

METHODS

400 Mother-child pairs were selected from the sample population based on the following criteria: African American, 8-14 weeks pregnant, planned to deliver at Grady or Emory Midtown, prenatal care at one of three clinics serving Emory or at Grady, and singleton pregnancy. Each mother gave three urine samples to be tested over the course of her pregnancy. Phthalate metabolite measurements were combined to form 3 summary variables indicative of: (1) DEP exposure (MEP measurement only); (2) BzBP, DnBP, and DiBP exposure (summed MBzP, MnBP and MiBP); and (3) DEHP exposure (summed MEHP, MEHHP, and MEOHP).

RESULTS

Gestational cardiometabolic disease was more prevalent in women delivering at Grady than at Emory (OR=3.26 (CI 1.55-6.87). MEP in our population was higher than both non-Blacks and Blacks in the general US population suggesting a larger or unique exposure in our population. We observed a statistically significant interaction between lnMEP and age (P=0.05).  Similarly, we observed interactions, albeit with different variables, in the models for MBPs and MEHPs. Higher concentrations of MEP and MEHP tended to result in a lower prevalence of gestational cardiometabolic disease.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the data collected and analyzed here suggest a significant difference between the urinary concentrations of phthalates in Atlanta-area African American pregnant mothers delivering at Emory Midtown or Grady hospitals. We observed suggestive associations between gestational cardiometabolic disease and phthalate metabolites which warrant further study.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION.. 1

METHODS. 6

Study Population. 6

Phthalate Measurements. 7

Statistical Analysis. 8

RESULTS. 9

EQUATIONS. 10

DISCUSSION.. 11

CONCLUSIONS. 13

REFERENCES. 13

TABLES AND FIGURES. 13

About this Master's Thesis

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School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Environmental Health
Degree	M.P.H.
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Environmental Health Biology, Endocrinology
Keyword	phthalate metabolite mothers disease cardiometabolic pthalates DEHP African American endocrine disrupting chemical DEP endocrine gestational diabetes CCHEM DBP toxicology eclampsia biomarkers Phthalate preeclampsia
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Dana Barr, Emory University

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