Intake of Phthalate-Tainted Foods Alters Thyroid Functions in Taiwanese Children

Wu, MT; Wu, CF; Chen, BH; Chen, EK; Chen, YL; Shiea, J; Lee, WT; Chao, MC; Wu, JR

HERO ID

5620182

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2013

Language

English

PMID

23383031

HERO ID 5620182
In Press No
Year 2013
Title Intake of Phthalate-Tainted Foods Alters Thyroid Functions in Taiwanese Children
Authors Wu, MT; Wu, CF; Chen, BH; Chen, EK; Chen, YL; Shiea, J; Lee, WT; Chao, MC; Wu, JR
Journal PLoS ONE
Volume 8
Issue 1
Page Numbers e55005
Abstract BACKGROUND: On April-May, 2011, two Taiwan chemical companies were found to have intentionally added phthalates, Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and/or Di-isononyl phthalate, as a substitute of emulsifier to many foodstuffs. This study aimed to investigate whether exposure to these foods altered endocrine functions in children aged ≤10 years and, if so, whether those changes could be reversed by stopping exposure. METHODS: One Phthalates Clinic for Children was established in southern Taiwan between May 31 and June 17, 2011. All eligible children had their exposure information, blood and/or urine specimens collected. Endocrine functions were assessed in serum. The exposure groups were categorized into three (High, >500 ppm, Low, 1-500 ppm, and No, <1 ppm of DEHP). After six months, some children were followed up for the selected endocrine hormones. RESULTS: Sixty children were eligible in this study; all were Tanner stage 1 with no pubic hair. Compared to non-exposed group, both high and low exposure groups had significantly lower serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels (P = 0.001 and 0.024). At six months follow-up, serum triiodothyronine (T3) levels was significantly changed (P = 0.034) in high exposure group (n = 13). For serum estradiol (E2), the detectable rate (≥8 pg/mL) decreased from 76.9% (10/13) to 30.8% (4/13) (P = 0.070). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that serum TSH levels can be altered when children were exposed to high concentrations of phthalate-tainted foodstuffs. Serum E2 and T3 may be partially recovered after stopping exposure.
Doi 10.1371/journal.pone.0055005
Pmid 23383031
Wosid WOS:000315563800101
Url https://search.proquest.com/docview/1327979283?accountid=171501
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments Source: Web of Science WOS:000315563800101
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword Sciences: Comprehensive Works; Thyroid-stimulating hormone; Phthalates; Metabolites; Endocrinology; Thyroid; Thyroxine; Pediatric endocrinology; Parents & parenting; Laboratories; Food safety; Hormones; Food contamination & poisoning; Thyroid gland; Accreditation; Hospitals; Biological assays; Bisphenol A; Children; Health sciences; Exposure; Nuclear medicine; Pediatrics; Thyroid hormones; Estradiol; Public health; Triiodothyronine; Environmental protection; Food intake; Sex hormones; United States--US
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