The extent and predictors of phthalate exposure among couples undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment.

Phthalates are chemicals used as plasticizers and solvents in many consumer products but are suspected of disrupting the endocrine system and are known for their reproductive/developmental health risks. This study examined the extent and predictors of phthalate exposure among 599 couples undergoing in vitro fertilization. A questionnaire was administered to obtain sociodemographic, health, and lifestyle data, and two spot urine samples were collected from the couples to analyze eight phthalate metabolites, cotinine (COT) as a smoking index, and creatinine to adjust for urine dilution.

Couples exposure to phthalates and its influence on in vitro fertilization outcomes.

This prospective study examined the associations between the levels of eight urinary phthalate metabolites in 599 couples and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. We used log-binomial multivariate regression to estimate relative risks (RR) for the association between phthalate concentration and IVF binary outcomes (fertilization rate >50%, biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy and live birth) for each woman after adjusting the model for the concentration in a male partner and each relevant confounders. RR was expressed per unit increase in log-transformed urinary metabolite concentration.

The relationships between urinary phthalate metabolites, reproductive hormones and semen parameters in men attending in vitro fertilization clinic.

Evidence from previous studies has shown that phthalates may play a role in male reproductive function; however, results are still inconclusive, and the mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we first assessed whether exposure to phthalates is associated with altered reproductive hormones and semen parameters in 599 men attending an in vitro fertilization clinic. Secondly, we evaluated whether reproductive hormones could play a mediating role in the association between phthalates and sperm parameters.

Exposure to phthalates in couples undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment and its association with oxidative stress and DNA damage.

This prospective study of 599 couples seeking fertility treatment and who were recruited between 2015 and 2017 was conducted to (a) explore the associations between phthalate exposure and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes; and (b) examine the implication of oxidative stress as a mediator of these. We measured eight phthalate metabolites in two spot urine samples; oxidative stress biomarkers such as malondialdehyde, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, hydrogen peroxide, catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity in follicular fluid and seminal plasma. We also examined DNA damage in sperm and granulosa cells.

Levels of DDT and its metabolites in placenta, maternal and cord blood and their potential influence on neonatal anthropometric measures.

Previous studies of in utero exposure to dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) have shown mixed results for the harmful effects on fetal growth and development. This cross-sectional study was designed to: (1) examine the extent of DDT exposure in 1578 women, aged 28.5±6.

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometric determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in five species of fish from three sites in the Arabian Gulf.

A gas chromatography-mass spectrmetroic (GC-MS) method was developed to measure six polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in 54 fish samples. Five fish species highly consumed by the local population (shrimps, Emperors, Rabbitfish, Doublebar Bream and Greasy Grouper) were selected from three different sites on the Gulf coast of Saudi Arabia where agricultural, municipal and petroleum industry activities take place. Variations in PAH levels among the three sites were not significant.

The distribution of selenium levels in Saudi dairy farms: a preliminary report from Al-Kharj.

A survey was undertaken within four dairy farms in Al-Kharj area, Saudi Arabia, to measure the selenium (Se) content in the soil, alfalfa, and water samples. Selenium was determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry. Selenium content in the studied soil samples was low, and, in some farms, the Se content of alfalfa approached that in the low-Se zone in China.

Survey of trace elements in household and bottled drinking water samples collected in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Total dissolved beryllium (Be), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se), strontium (Sr), vanadium (V) and zinc (Zn) were measured in the drinking water of 101 households and 21 samples of retail bottled waters purchased in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to ascertain the water quality for human consumption. The Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometer (ICP) was used for analysis. First-draw Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn concentrations decreased significantly after 10 min of flushing in the morning.

Selenium levels in infant milk formula.

Twenty-four brands of commercial infant milk formula were collected and analysed for selenium by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry with the hydride t-system after an acid digestion procedure. The mean selenium concentration was 49.0 +/- 11.

Mercury content in skin-lightening creams and potential hazards to the health of Saudi Women.

It seems evident from a wealth of scientific research that mercury is toxic. Because of the nature of the Saudi markets, different brands of skin-lightening creams are widely available. In this study, 38 skin-lightening cream samples were collected and analyzed for mercury by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry after an acid digestion procedure.

Selenium levels in breast milk and cow's milk: a preliminary report from Saudi Arabia.

We measured the selenium in 117 milk samples by means of inductively coupled plasma spectrometry with the hydride t-system. The samples were collected from healthy lactating mothers living in the Al-Kharj area in Saudi Arabia and from seven brands of Saudi fresh cow's milk. The concentration of selenium in breast milk significantly decreases toward the end of lactation.