Benzophenone-3 Linked to Decreased Ovarian Reserve in Younger Women
Key findings
- This prospective study was the first to evaluate the association between exposure to benzophenone-3 (BP-3), an endocrine-disrupting chemical used as an ultraviolet filter, and ovarian reserve in women being treated for infertility
- Urinary BP-3 concentrations were elevated compared with federal government data on reproductive-aged U.S. women (mean 85.9 vs. 39.4 µg/L)
- Among participants ≤35 years old, a 1-unit increase in BP-3 concentration was associated with a 0.91 times lower antral follicle count
- This study contributes to epidemiological literature suggesting a need to clarify the potential effects of BP-3 on fertility-related outcomes
Benzophenone-3 (BP-3), one of the most toxic chemical ultraviolet filters, is used in sunscreens and to prevent photodegradation in a variety of cosmetics and plastic products. Previous research suggests benzophenone derivatives can affect endocrine and reproductive systems, an especially relevant issue for women attempting to conceive.
Subscribe to the latest updates from OB/GYN Advances in Motion
Shruthi Mahalingaiah, MD, MS, director of Clinical Research at the Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Emily L. Silva, PhD, MS, of the Department of Environmental Health at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and colleagues recently completed the first study of BP-3 in relation to ovarian reserve.
In Fertility and Sterility, they report an inverse relationship between BP-3 and antral follicle count (AFC), a measure of follicles that have reached the tertiary stage of folliculogenesis, among women ages 35 and younger.
High BP-3 Levels Detected
The study participants were 142 women ages 18 to 45 who were enrolled in the prospective Environment and Reproductive Health (EARTH) study at Mass General. They underwent infertility treatments between 2009 and 2017, had AFC measured via transvaginal ultrasound on day 3 of an unstimulated cycle, and had BP-3 measured in urine at least once. 57 women also had day 3 measurement of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
BP-3 was detected in 98% of samples. Overall, concentrations were high: the mean was 85.9 μg/L compared with 39.4 μg/L for reproductive-aged U.S. women participating in the 2009 to 2016 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
Stratified Analysis Uncovers Link
In the full study population, BP-3 was not significantly associated with AFC or FSH. However, when the cohort was stratified by women ages ≤35 and those >35, a 1-unit increase in BP-3 concentration was associated with a 0.91 times lower AFC in the younger group. In the older group, there was a positive association between BP-3 and FSH.
Previous analyses in the EARTH study found strong inverse relationships between AFC and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including phthalates and triclosan, among younger women. Because younger women have higher AFCs, they may be more susceptible to the potential detrimental effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and BP-3 remains a chemical of concern.
view original journal article Subscription may be required