Association between some endocrine-disrupting chemicals and childhood obesity in biological samples of young girls: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

tChildhood obesity, a major public health concern, has increased worldwide. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have recently received attention as a cause of obesity. Across-sectional study using logistic regression was conducted to investigate the associa-tion between some endocrine disrupting chemicals and obesity in young girls. Endogenoussteroids expected to be associated with EDCs were also investigated. The target compoundsincluded 7 phthalates (MEP, DBP, MBP, DEHP, MEHP, PA and MBzP), 2 alkylphenols (4-NP andt-OP), bisphenol A and 9 endogenous steroids (DHT, epi-T, T, DHEA, A, P, E1, E2 and E3). PA inurine and MEP, DBP and PA in serum showed statistically significant differences between thecontrol and obese groups, those compounds were considered to be associated with obesity.In addition, DHEA in serum showed a statistically significant difference between obese andcontrol groups. We concluded that these substances can affect the development of obesity.