Phthalate exposure and obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease: A systematic review
Abstract
Background: Phthalates are environmental chemicals found in many common plastic consumer goods and have been found to have an association with various health concerns. Although previous research has focused on the role of phthalates in developmental, reproductive, and respiratory health problems, current research has found associations of phthalates to the outcomes of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the relationship between phthalates and the health outcomes of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease through literary findings. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using the databases Ovid Medline and Pubmed. Studies were considered relevant if they included human or animal subjects, had a laboratory measure of one or more of the phthalate metabolites of MEHP, MEOHP, MEHHP, MEP, MiBP, MnBP, MzBP, MCPP in humans or DEHP exposure in animals, and focused on at least one of the outcomes of obesity, diabetes, and/or cardiovascular disease. Results: Both low molecular weight (LMW) phthalates, including MEP, MiBP, and MnBP, and DEHP, including MEHP, MEHHP, and MEOHP, had a positive association with all three outcomes in human studies. DEHP was also found to have a positive association to obesity and diabetes in animals. LMW phthalates are found in personal care products, such as shampoos and lotions, while DEHP phthalates are found in plastic food packaging. Consumers must be made aware of the consumer goods they purchase. A prospective cohort study with a proper phthalate surveillance instrument will allow researchers to make causal inferences on phthalate use and health outcomes. Conclusion: Evidence shows that there is a negative relationship between phthalates and the outcomes of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Phthalate exposure remains common between personal care products and food packaging. Further research is necessary to provide both consumer awareness and worldwide conclusive results.
Subject Area
Toxicology|Surgery|Environmental Health|Public health
Recommended Citation
Nicksic, Nicole E, "Phthalate exposure and obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease: A systematic review" (2013). Texas Medical Center Dissertations (via ProQuest). AAI1564371.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/dissertations/AAI1564371