Development and validation of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous determination of phthalates and bisphenol a in serum, urine and follicular fluid.

Phthalates and bisphenol A interfere with the synthesis, secretion, transport, binding, metabolism, and excretion of endogenous hormones and, for this reason, are classified as endocrine disruptors. We are here presenting an analytical method for the simultaneous detection of six phthalates metabolites and bisphenol A in different biological fluids (urine, serum and follifular fluid) by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. The quantification was carried out in negative electrospray ionization mode using selected reaction monitoring as acquisition mode.

Phthalates and Bisphenol A: Presence in Blood Serum and Follicular Fluid of Italian Women Undergoing Assisted Reproduction Techniques.

Background: folliculogenesis is a strictly regulated process that may be affected by endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) through sometimes not so clear molecular mechanisms.

Methods: we conducted a multicentric observational study involving six fertility centers across Italy, prospectively recruiting 122 women attending a fertility treatment. Recruited women had age ≤42 years, and normal ovarian reserve.