Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology

Bibliography: Pages 168-176.

Background: Phthalates are chemicals used in the manufacturing of medical supplies, cellophane wrap, beverage containers, and metal can linings, and they can serve as powerful endocrine disruptors in experimental animals, affecting reproductive capacity. Endometriosis is a gynaecological disease in which ectopic endometrial glands and stroma are present, which is consistent with the disease's estrogen-dependent nature. Idiopathic infertility is a diagnosis made in couples who have had all of their routine investigations, such as ovulation tests, tubal patency tests, and semen analysis, come back normal. Objective: The goal of our research is to assess if there's a relation between urine phthalate metabolite levels and endometriosis or idiopathic infertility in women in their reproductive years. Methods: Our research was carried out at Cairo University's Faculty of Medicine's infertility outpatient clinic , it included (100) female subjects who were age matched (18 -40 years old). Group A (idiopathic infertility, n=40), group B (endometriosis, n=40), and group C (control, n=20) were the three groups that were studied.Using High Performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), urine samples were obtained for quantitative detection of Mono Ethyl Hexyle Phthalate (MEHP)Results: Comparison between study group cases (A&B&C), show statistically significant differences regarding levels of mono ethyl hexyl phthalate in group A&B. Correlation of mono ethyl hexyl phthalate levels in the study group (A&B) & items of exposure showed significant higher urinary MEHP level in correlation to plastic dietary containers, cosmetics, & estrogen level. Also group A was correlated to abortion. Conclusion: It was concluded from this study, that the higher levels of Mono Ethyl Hexyl Phthalates (MEHP) have positive relation with female reproductive disorders, specifically endometriosis, idiopathic infertility & abortion

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