Human Exposure to Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals and Prenatal Risk Factors for Cryptorchidism and Hypospadias: A Nested Case–Control Study

• DOI: 10.1289/ehp.9351
• Publication Date: 2007-06-01T21:19:43Z
• Authors: Mariana F. Fernandez; Begoña Olmos; Alicia Granada; Maria José López-...; José-Manuel Molin...; Juan Manuel Ferna...; Milagros Cruz; Fátima Olea-Serrano; Nicolás Olea
• Keywords: Nested case-control study; Xenoestrogen

BackgroundExposure to xenoestrogens during pregnancy may disturb the development and function of male sexual organs.ObjectiveIn this study we aimed determine whether combined effect environmental estrogens measured as total effective xenoestrogen burden (TEXB) is a risk factor for urogenital malformations.MethodsIn case–control study, nested in mother–child cohort (n = 702) established at Granada University Hospital, compared 50 newborns with diagnosis cryptorchidism and/or hypospadias 114 boys without malformations matched by gestational age, date birth, parity. Controls did not differ from confounding variables. TEXB levels 16 organochlorine pesticides were placenta tissues. Characteristics parents, pregnancy, birth gathered questionnaire. We used conditional unconditional regression models estimate odds ratios (ORs) 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsTEXB organohalogenated compounds was detectable 72% 54% case control placentas, respectively. Compared controls, cases had an OR versus non-detectable 2.82 (95% CI, 1.10–7.24). More detected than controls (9.34 ± 3.19 vs. 6.97 3.93). ORs pesticides, after adjusting potential confounders analysis, o,p′-DDT (OR 2.25; 1.03–4.89), p,p′-DDT 2.63; 1.21–5.72), lindane 3.38; 1.36–8.38), mirex 2.85; 1.22–6.66), endosulfan alpha 2.19; 0.99–4.82). Engagement mothers agriculture 3.47; 1.33–9.03), fathers’ occupational exposure 2.98; 1.11–8.01), history previous stillbirths 4.20; 1.11–16.66) also associated malformations.ConclusionsWe found increased related placenta.