Childhood exposure to phthalates: associations with thyroid function, insulin-like growth factor I, and growth.
BACKGROUND
Phthalates are widely used chemicals, and human exposure is extensive. Recent studies have indicated that phthalates may have thyroid-disrupting properties.


OBJECTIVE
We aimed to assess concentrations of phthalate metabolites in urine samples from Danish children and to investigate the associations with thyroid function, insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), and growth.


METHODS
In 845 children 4-9 years of age, we determined urinary concentrations of 12 phthalate metabolites and serum levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyroid hormones, and IGF-I.


RESULTS
Phthalate metabolites were detected in all urine samples, of which monobutyl phthalate was present in highest concentration. Phthalate metabolites were negatively associated with serum levels of free and total triiodothyronine, although statistically significant primarily in girls. Metabolites of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and diisononyl phthalate were negatively associated with IGF-I in boys. Most phthalate metabolites were negatively associated with height, weight, body surface, and height gain in both sexes.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study showed negative associations between urinary phthalate concentrations and thyroid hormones, IGF-I, and growth in children. Although our study was not designed to reveal the mechanism of action, the overall coherent negative associations between urine phthalate and thyroid and growth parameters may suggest causative negative roles of phthalate exposures for child health.
Boas
Malene
M
Department of Growth and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark. maleneboas@dadlnet.dk
Frederiksen
Hanne
H
Feldt-Rasmussen
Ulla
U
Skakkebæk
Niels E
NE
Hegedüs
Laszlo
L
Hilsted
Linda
L
Juul
Anders
A
Main
Katharina M
KM
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003404:Creatinine / Q000652:urine; D005260:Female; D006128:Growth / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000378:metabolism*; D007455:Iodine / Q000652:urine; D008297:Male; D010795:Phthalic Acids / Q000633:toxicity* / Q000652:urine; D013960:Thyroid Function Tests
D010795:Phthalic Acids; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; D007455:Iodine; D003404:Creatinine