Women's health at risk from ordinary plastic - study

A study by Swedish scientists has shown that phthalates, particularly DEHP and its metabolite MEHP, affect various types of human ovarian cells, not just eggs and follicles. Glial cells of the nervous system proved especially sensitive. The authors urge consideration of all cell types when studying the effects of phthalates.

Scientists from Sweden's Karolinska Institute and its affiliated hospital studied the effects of phthalates on human ovarian tissue. Phthalates, particularly DEHP (di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate), are widely used to make plastics flexible and are found in PVC products, food wrap, medical tubing, and eyelash glue. In the body, DEHP converts to MEHP, which can disrupt the endocrine system. The experiment used samples from seven donors with no history of ovarian disease. Tissues were exposed to MEHP at two concentrations for six days, one of which corresponded to a realistic human exposure level. The scientists found changes in gene expression in all seven cell types studied. Glial cells of the nervous system, recently discovered in the ovaries, proved especially sensitive. A reduced ability of cells to interact with each other was also noted. The study is limited by a small number of samples; detailed analysis was performed on tissue from only one donor. The authors emphasize that when studying the effects of phthalates, it is important to consider all ovarian cell types, not just follicles.

Women's health at risk from ordinary plastic - study