Toxics (Jan 2022)

Phthalate Exposure and Biomarkers of Oxidation of Nucleic Acids: Results on Couples Attending a Fertility Center

  • Daniela Pigini,
  • Lidia Caporossi,
  • Enrico Paci,
  • Silvia Capanna,
  • Paola Viganò,
  • Alessandra Alteri,
  • Elisa Rabellotti,
  • Flavia Buonaurio,
  • Bruno Papaleo,
  • Giovanna Tranfo

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10020061
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10, no. 2
p. 61

Abstract

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Phthalates are substances used as plasticizing agents and solvents that can increase the risk of infertility and that appear to induce oxidative stress. The aim of the study was to show the possible relationship between urinary concentrations of phthalates metabolites, namely MEP, MBzP, MnBP, MEHP, MEHHP, and MnOP and biomarkers of nucleic acids oxidation, methylation, or protein nitroxidation. The oxidative stress biomarkers measured in human urine were 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine, 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine, 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine, 3-nitrotyrosine, and 5-methylcytidine. Two hundred and seventy-four couples were enrolled, undergoing an assisted reproduction technology (ART) treatment, urine samples were analyzed in HPLC/MS-MS, and then two sub-groups with urinary concentration > 90th or 2Tyr between men and women, with higher levels in men, was found. The levels of oxidative stress biomarkers were directly correlated with some phthalate concentrations in both sexes.

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