Abstract

The present study aimed to detect serum levels of three phthalate esters in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients and explore the association between these phthalate esters and PCOS. Eighteen PCOS patients and 16 age-matched women without PCOS or laparoscopy-proven endometriosis but with infertility related to tubal defects or pelvic adhesions were recruited into the present study. Serum levels of three phthalate esters (diethyl phthalate [DEP], dibutyl phthalate [DBP] and diisooctyl phthalate [DEHP]) were measured using high performance liquid chromatography. Results showed PCOS patients had significantly higher levels of DEP and DBP than those in control group (DEP: 0.45±0.24 vs 0.26±0.10 mg/ml; DBP: 0.53±0.15 vs 0.41±0.14 mg/ml). Meanwhile, the levels of DBP, DEP, and DEHP declined in sequence in PCOS women. But no statistically significant difference in DEHP level was noted between these two groups; in the PCOS patients, there was no significant correlation between the serum levels of three phthalate esters and estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), body mass index (BMI), and age. Our results suggest that phthalate esters may have an etiological association with PCOS.

Key words: Polycystic ovarian syndrome, phthalate esters, endocrine disrupting chemicals.