Prenatal exposure to persistent organochlorine pollutants and female reproductive function in young adulthood
Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
BACKGROUND: The biopersistent organochlorine pollutants dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE), hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can be detected in humans worldwide. The chemicals can cross the placenta and may interfere with endogenous hormonal homeostasis.
OBJECTIVES: To investigate effects on female reproduction following intrauterine exposure to selected biopersistent organochlorines.
METHODS: We used data from a Danish pregnancy cohort with follow-up on 436 eligible daughters at approximately 20years of age. Information on age of menarche (n=335), menstrual cycle length (n=230) and serum concentrations of reproductive hormones (n=243) was obtained. Number of antral follicles was counted by vaginal ultrasound (n=147). Of 244 daughters who attended clinical examination, 170 used hormonal contraceptives and 74 were non-users. Concentrations of p,p'-DDE, HCB and six PCB congeners were analysed in maternal serum samples obtained in pregnancy week 30.
RESULTS: Age of menarche and menstrual cycle length were found not to be statistically significant associated with prenatal organochlorine exposure. Among non-users of hormonal contraceptives with information on antral follicle number (n=43), daughters exposed to the highest tertile of p,p'-DDE had 28% (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 5; 46%) lower follicle number compared to the low-level exposed reference group. Those exposed to medium and higher levels of HCB had 30% (95% CI: 5; 48%) and 28% (95% CI: 7; 44%) lower follicle number compared to the reference group. Furthermore, maternal serum HCB concentrations were inversely associated with free androgen index among non-users of hormonal contraceptives (n=73). These associations were not found in users of hormonal contraceptives.
CONCLUSIONS: Among non-users of hormonal contraceptives, we found indications of adverse long-term effects on female reproduction following prenatal exposure to biopersistent organochlorines. These findings may have wide implications for public health as intrauterine exposure occurs worldwide.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Environment International |
Volume | 92-93 |
Pages (from-to) | 366-72 |
Number of pages | 7 |
ISSN | 0160-4120 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2016 |
Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
- Adult, Cohort Studies, Denmark, Environmental Exposure, Environmental Pollutants/adverse effects, Female, Fetal Development, Gestational Age, Humans, Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated/adverse effects, Menarche, Placenta/chemistry, Pregnancy, Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects, Reproduction, Young Adult
Research areas
ID: 306897366