Primal Health Databank: Study
| Entry No: | 0438 |
| Title: | DDT and DDE exposure in mothers and time to pregnancy in daughters |
| Author(s): | Cohn BA, Cirillo PM, Wolff MS, et al. |
| Reference: | Lancet 2003; 361: 2205 |
| Place of Study: | USA |
| Abstract: | Reproductive-tract anomalies after administration of the potent oestrogen, diethylstilboestrol, in pregnant women raised concerns about the reproductive effects of exposure to weakly oestrogenic environmental contaminants such as bis[4-chlorophenyl]-1,1,1-trichloroethane (p,p′-DDT) or its metabolites, such as bis[4-chlorophenyl]-1,1-dichloroethene (p,p′-DDE). The authors measured p,p′-DDT and p,p′-DDE in preserved maternal serum samples drawn 1-3 days after delivery between 1960 and 1963. We recorded time to pregnancy in 289 eldest daughters 28-31 years later. Daughters' probability of pregnancy fell by 32% per 10 µg/L p,p′-DDT in maternal serum (95% CI 11-48). By contrast, the probability of pregnancy increased 16% per 10 µg/L p,p′-DDE (6-27). The decreased fecundability associated with prenatal p,p′-DDT remains unexplained. The authors speculate that the antiandrogenic activity of p,p′-DDE may mitigate harmful androgen effects on the ovary during gestation or early life. |
| Keyword(s): | DDE, DDT, fertility, intrauterine pollution |
| Discussion: | No discussion mentioned for this entry |
| See Also: | No related entries mentioned for this entry |
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