Association between co-exposure to phenols and phthalates mixture and infertility risk in women Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
I am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Female Infertility
Female Infertility
Female infertility is a multifactorial condition affecting 10-15% of women of reproductive age, often caused by underlying conditions like Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), PCOS, Endometriosis, and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Microbiome-targeted interventions (MBTIs) offer a promising approach to restoring balance, improving fertility outcomes, and addressing root causes.
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Divine Aleru
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This study investigated the combined effects of co-exposure to phenols and phthalates on infertility risk among women of reproductive age. Specifically, it examined whether the mixture of these endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is associated with an increased risk of infertility. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2016 were used, including 857 women aged 18-45 years. The study measured urinary metabolites of phenols and phthalates, along with reproductive health data, to explore their relationships with self-reported infertility.
Who was studied?
The study focused on 857 women of reproductive age (18-45 years) from the NHANES 2013–2016 data set. These women had available information on urinary phenol and phthalate metabolites, reproductive health questionnaires, and relevant covariates. The study excluded pregnant women, those who had undergone hysterectomy or oophorectomy, and those without full data on infertility history or other covariates.
What were the most important findings?
The study found significant associations between the combined exposure to phenols and phthalates and an increased risk of infertility. Higher levels of bisphenol A (BPA) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) metabolites were positively linked to infertility risk. The analysis showed that the DEHP-BPA factor, derived through principal component analysis (PCA), had a strong positive association with infertility. Specifically, women in the higher quartiles of this DEHP-BPA mixture component had a significantly higher likelihood of infertility compared to those in the lower quartiles. Furthermore, the Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) model confirmed that exposure to specific metabolites, including MEOHP, MEHHP, and BPA, significantly contributed to the increased risk of infertility. The study also highlighted that the risk of infertility grew with increasing concentrations of these pollutants, underscoring the cumulative effects of mixed exposures to environmental chemicals. These findings indicate that combined exposure to multiple EDCs, such as phenols and phthalates, rather than individual compounds, has a more profound impact on female fertility.
What are the greatest implications of this study?
The most significant implication of this study is the recognition that environmental pollutants have a substantial impact on reproductive health in women. This study suggests that it is crucial to evaluate the combined effects of multiple pollutants, as exposure to these chemicals frequently occurs simultaneously in real-life settings. The findings highlight the need for more comprehensive regulations and preventive measures to reduce exposure to these EDCs, especially for women of reproductive age. Clinicians and researchers should consider the potential cumulative effects of these pollutants when diagnosing and treating infertility. Furthermore, future studies are needed to establish causal links and investigate the underlying biological mechanisms, such as epigenetic changes and hormone disruption, to better understand how these chemicals contribute to infertility.