Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT3717

Introduction: Endocrine disruptors represent a growing threat due to increased presence of these substances in the environment as a part of commonly used items. Among these compounds, phthalates are of particular concern because of their ubiquity and association with disruptions of steroidogenesis, gametogenesis, and tissue differentiation.

Objective: This article aims to elaborate a comprehensive analysis of the impact of phthalate exposure on puberty, growth, and reproductive system function, while elucidating the mechanisms by which they affect the endocrine system.

Methods: A review of scientific literature from the last 5 years from online data-bases such as NCBI, HINARI and Scopus regarding phthalate effects on the endocrine system and development during puberty was conducted.

Results: Exposure to phthalates was identified as a prominent cause of precocious puberty, including an earlier onset of menarche. In males, phthalates also exhibited an interference with testosterone metabolism. Suppression of thyroid function, as well as a decrease in sperm quality and motility in males and impaired ovarian function in females were also associated with exposure to phthalates. Phthalate-exposed individuals showed reduced height growth during childhood and delayed bone mineralization.

Conclusions: Phthalate exposure significantly affected the endocrine system, resulting in long-term consequences for pubertal development, reproductive health, and physical growth. The widespread occurrence of these findings in multiple studies substantiates the necessity for regulations concerning the use of endocrine-disrupting compounds, including phthalates.