Reproductive toxicology of environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals in women: A cohort study protocol Provisionally Accepted

Shuyi Zhang¹ Fumei Gao¹ Min Fu¹ Qiuxiang Zhang¹ Jing Guan¹ Huan Shen^1*

• ¹Peking University People's Hospital, China

Epidemiological evidence over the last few decades has consistently shown that exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is associated with adverse reproductive health outcomes, including male and female infertility, poor pregnancy outcomes and increased risk of diseases in childhood and beyond. To investigate the effects of EDCs and lifestyle on all aspects of reproduction (including early oocyte development, fertilization, embryo development, embryo implantation, abortion, preterm birth, etc.), we performed this cohort study on patients receiving in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Biological samples, including urine, serum, follicular fluid, semen, fetal tissue, decidua and placenta, were obtained. By studying the correlations between reproductive outcomes and environmental pollutant exposure and lifestyle, we aimed to determine the toxicological mechanisms and health effects of EDCs and on female reproductive health. We found that higher concentrations of pre-and polyfluoroalkyl substances were correlated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Using specific biomarkers, we also detected the concentrations of organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) in urine and found that OPFRs may disrupt hormone homeostasis. All of these results reveal how EDCs may disrupt female reproduction.