Association between urinary phthalate metabolites and dyslipidemia in children: Results from a Chinese cohort study

Rising evidence of both experimental and epidemiological studies suggests that phthalate exposure may contribute to increased risks of metabolic disorders. But there is limited research on the childhood dyslipidemia. Our cohort study was conducted in Xiamen city, Fujian Province, China. A total of 829 children (mean age 8.5 years) were included with collection of urine, blood samples and demographic data in May 2018 and followed up once a year from 2018 to 2020. We performed adjusted log-binomial regressions to examine associations between sex-specific tertiles of seven phthalate metabolites and dyslipidemia in visit 1, as well as persistent dyslipidemia and occasional dyslipidemia. We also used generalized estimating equation models (GEE) to explore the relationships between log-transformed phthalate metabolites and lipid profiles. In adjusted models, the prevalence and RRs of dyslipidemia increased with tertile group of mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP), mono-2ethyl-5-oxohexyl phthalate (MEOHP), mono-2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl phthalate (MEHHP), and summed di-(2ethylhexyl) phthalate ( n-ary sumation DEHP) metabolites with a dose-response relationship in visit 1, as well as persistent dyslipidemia. Higher MnBP, n-ary sumation LMWP, MEHHP, MEOHP, and n-ary sumation DEHP concentrations were also associated with higher levels of log-transformed triglycerides (TG). Boys were more vulnerable to phthalates exposure than girls. In conclusion, children in China were widely exposed to phthalates, and phthalates exposure during childhood might significantly increase the risk of dyslipidemia and a higher level of lipid profiles, particularly in boys.

Automated summary

Research suggests that phthalate exposure during childhood may significantly increase the risk of dyslipidemia and higher levels of lipid profiles, particularly in boys. This study found that Chinese children are widely exposed to phthalates.