Effects of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals on Fetal Weight: Exposure Monitoring Among Mothers with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Their Fetuses
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) requires lifestyle changes that may alter exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). This study aimed to assess maternal and fetal exposure to EDCs—including bisphenol-A (BPA), monoethyl phthalate (MEP), and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)—during the COVID-19 pandemic and to evaluate their association with fetal birthweight. Maternal urine (second and third trimester) and paired cord blood samples were analyzed from 58 GDM and 118 non-GDM pregnancies using UPLC-MS/MS. Significant correlations were found between maternal urine and cord blood levels of BPA and MEP. Cord blood BPA levels were significantly lower in GDM mothers (0.35 vs. 0.72 μg/L, p < 0.05), suggesting reduced exposure due to dietary interventions. However, maternal urinary BPA levels in GDM pregnancies were positively associated with fetal birthweight (β = 2.69, p < 0.05), indicating increased susceptibility to obesogenic effects. PFOA was present in all cord blood but only 41% of maternal urine samples. These findings underscore the dual impact of GDM-related lifestyle changes: reduced EDC transfer to the fetus, yet persistent metabolic vulnerability.
DOI: 10.3390/ijms26094226
Institutions: The Catholic University of Korea Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic University of Korea, The Catholic University of Korea Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea Bucheon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea St. Vincent's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital, Sookmyung Women's University
Language: English
Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,499
Award: G4799795590
OpenAlex ID: W4409944508