The Association between Nonylphenol and Sexual Hormone Levels among Pregnant Women: a Cohort Study in Taiwan

Nonylphenol (NP) is an endocrine disrupter that is capable of interfering with the endocrine system. Although the health effects of NP on pregnant women and their fetuses have been confirmed, its negative effects on the mechanisms for the regulation of estrogen during pregnancy must be clarified. The objective of this study is to explore the association between maternal NP and hormonal levels, such as estradiol, testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and progesterone. Methods: A cohort of pregnant women was established in North Taiwan between March and December 2010. Maternal urine and blood samples from the first, second, and third trimesters of gestation were collected. Urinary NP concentration was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with fluorescent detection. A mixed-effects model using a generalized estimating equation (GEE) was applied to assess the associations between maternal NP concentration and plasma hormones throughout the three trim...