Impact of phthalate metabolites on vitamin D levels and subclinical inflammation: national health and nutrition examination survey, 2013-2018.

This study explores the association between phthalates and total vitamin D levels and the link between phthalates exposure and subclinical inflammation using monocyte percentage to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR), utilizing three National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) survey cycles 2013-2018. This study is cross-sectional, utilizing one-time urine samples from randomly selected NHANES participants to assess phthalate metabolites. An inverse association between vitamin D and all Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) metabolites was found. The molar sum of DEHP metabolites was inversely associated with vitamin D (ß -2.329; 95% CI -3.937,-0.720). An inverse association was observed between monocarboxynonyl phthalate and vitamin D (ß -0.0278; 95% CI -0.0527,-0.00298). A similar relationship was found between monocarboxyoctyl phthalate and vitamin D (ß -0.0160; 95% CI -0.0242,-0.00775). There was no association between phthalate metabolites and MHR. Stratified analysis showed that the association between phthalate metabolites and MHR may vary according to vitamin D status.

Clinical Phenotypes of PCOS: a Cross-Sectional Study.

This cross-sectional study examines the Doi-Alshoumer PCOS clinical phenotype classification in relation to measured clinical and biochemical characteristics of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Two cohorts of women (Kuwait and Rotterdam) diagnosed with PCOS (FAI > 4.5%) were examined. These phenotypes were created using neuroendocrine dysfunction (IRMA LH/FSH ratio > 1 or LH > 6 IU/L) and menstrual cycle status (oligo/amenorrhea) to create three phenotypes: (A) neuroendocrine dysfunction and oligo/amenorrhea, (B) without neuroendocrine dysfunction but with oligo/amenorrhea, and (C) without neuroendocrine dysfunction and with regular cycles. These phenotypes were compared in terms of hormonal, biochemical, and anthropometric measures. The three suggested phenotypes (A, B, and C) were shown to be sufficiently distinct in terms of hormonal, biochemical, and anthropometric measures. Patients who were classified as phenotype A had neuroendocrine dysfunction, excess LH (and LH/FSH ratio), irregular cycles, excess A4, infertility, excess T, highest FAI and E2, and excess 17αOHPG when compared to the other phenotypes. Patients classified as phenotype B had irregular cycles, no neuroendocrine dysfunction, obesity, acanthosis nigricans, and insulin resistance. Lastly, patients classified as phenotype C had regular cycles, acne, hirsutism, excess P4, and the highest P4 to E2 molar ratio. The differences across phenotypes suggested distinct phenotypic expression of this syndrome, and the biochemical and clinical correlates of each phenotype are likely to be useful in the management of women with PCOS. These phenotypic criteria are distinct from criteria used for diagnosis.