Endocrine Disruptors and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Phthalates.

Aim: We aimed to investigate a possible role of endocrine disruptors phthalates, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) aetiopathogenesis. We also wished to evaluate the relationship between phthalates and metabolic disturbances in adolescents with PCOS. Methods: A total of 124 adolescents (63 PCOS, 61 controls, mean age: 15.2±1.5 age range: 13-19 years) were included in the study. Serum MEHP and DEHP levels were determined with HPLC method. Insulin resistance was evaluated using HOMA-IR, QUICK-I, fasting glucose /insulin ratio, Matsuda index, and total insulin levels during OGTT. Participants were further subdivided into lean and obese subgroups according to body mass index. Results: Serum DEHP and MEHP levels were not significantly different between PCOS and control groups. The mean (95% CI) values of DEHP and MEHP were 2.62 (2.50-2.75) µg/ml vs 2.71 (2.52-2.90) µg/ml and 0.23 (0.19-0.29) µg/ml vs 0.36 (0.18-0.54) µg/ml in PCOS and the control groups respectively, p>0.05). The correlation analysis adjusted for BMI revealed that both phthalates significantly correlated with insulin resistance indices and serum triglycerides in adolescents with PCOS. Conclusion: Serum DEHP and MEHP concentrations were not different between adolescents with or without PCOS. However, these phthalates are associated with metabolic disturbances such as dyslipidemia and insulin resistance, independently of obesity, in girls with PCOS.