Urinary phthalate monoesters concentration in couples with infertility problems

The widespread use of phthalates results in human exposure: phthalates are rapidly metabolized to their respective monoesters and other oxidative products, which are glucuronidated and excreted through the urine and feces. Several in vivo studies showed that some phthalates, in particular diethyl-hexyl phthalate (DEHP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di(n-butyl)phthalate (DnBP) and n-butylbenzylphthalate (BBzP), are able to interact with the human endocrine system, interfering with the reproduction ability. In this study, 56 couples were recruited from a centre of assisted reproduction. Spot urine samples were collected and five urinary metabolites of the above phthalates were determined using an HPLC/MS/MS analytical method with isotopic dilution.The results were compared with those of 56 couples of parents of one or more children and the statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between the two groups in terms of urinary concentrations of phthalates metabolites. A further step will be the correlation of these results with information on the life styles and working conditions collected through a specifically designed questionnaire.

► This study evaluates the phthalates exposure of couples with infertility problems.
► Urines were collected from 56 infertile couples and from 56 controls.
► Urinary metabolites of DEHP, DEP, DnBP and BBzP were determined by HPLC/MS/MS.
► A significant difference was found between groups in metabolites concentrations.
► No statistically significant difference was found between genders.