Urinary Bisphenol-A (BPA) and Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) metabolite concentrations in children with obesity: A case-control study

IntroductionObesity is a worldwide public health problem. Experimental animal and in vitro studies suggest that the exposure to BPA and phthalates are associated to a higher risk of obesity.ObjectiveTo determine urinary excretion of bisphenol A and phthalates in obese and normal weight children.MethodsA case-control study was conducted in 122 children. Sixty-six obese children 36 girls (mean age 8.41 +/- 1.27 years) and 30 boys (mean age 8.51 +/- 1.33 years), and 56 normal weight children, 27 girls (mean age 7.64 +/- 1.49 years) and 29 boys (mean age 7.77 +/- 1.56 years) were studied. Urinary BPA and Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) metabolites (MEHP, MEHHP and MEOHP) were measured respectively by gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography. Individual determinants of exposure were evaluated through "ad hoc" questionnaires.ResultsBPA and DEHP metabolites were detectable in obese and normal weight children. Obese girls showed significantly higher BPA concentrations in comparison with normal weight girls (means 10.77, 95% CI 7.02-16.53 vs 5.50, 95% CI 3.93-7.71 mu g/g creatinine, respectively, p< 0.02). The first step of DEHP metabolic rate was significantly higher in obese girls compared with controls (p<0.05). DEHP metabolites correlated significantly with leptin concentrations in obese girls (p< 0.03). A higher risk of obesity was found in children with BPA levels above the median values with the habit to eat food packaged (OR=11.09, 95% CI=1.28-95.78).ConclusionsThese findings show that a higher exposure to BPA is associated with the risk of obesity in girls. Further studies are needed to unveil the cause-effect relationship.