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. 2022 Jul 20;14(1):100.
doi: 10.1186/s13098-022-00875-0.

High exposure to phthalates is associated with HbA1c worsening in type 2 diabetes subjects with and without edentulism: a prospective pilot study

Alessandro Mengozzi  1   2 , Fabrizia Carli  3 , Samantha Pezzica  3 , Edoardo Biancalana  4 , Amalia Gastaldelli #  3 , Anna Solini #  5
Affiliations

High exposure to phthalates is associated with HbA1c worsening in type 2 diabetes subjects with and without edentulism: a prospective pilot study

Alessandro Mengozzi et al. Diabetol Metab Syndr. .

Abstract

Background: Phthalates exposure and complete edentulism are related to both low socioeconomic status. No study by far has verified if and to what extent these two conditions are related. We aimed to explore their potential association and interplay in the metabolic control and cardiovascular risk profile.

Methods: In our small (n = 48) prospective pilot study twenty-four patients with type 2 diabetes (DnE) and twenty-four patients with type 2 diabetes and edentulism (DE) followed for 19 ± 2 months were treated according to best clinical standards. Phthalates' exposure was evaluated by urinary concentration of di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP), metabolites, i.e. mono 2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), mono-2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl phthalate (MEOHP) and mono 2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl phthalate (MEHHP).

Results: No association between phthalates and edentulism was found, nor did edentulism affect glucose control. Higher phthalates exposure was associated with a glycated haemoglobin worsening. This association was found for all the measured phthalates metabolites, both as a whole (DEHP; r = 0.33, p = 0.0209) and individually: MEHP (r = 0.41, p = 0.0033), MEHHP (r = 0.32, p = 0.028), MEOHP (r = 0.28, p = 0.0386).

Conclusions: Phthalates are not associated with edentulism but predict the worsening of glucose control in subjects with type 2 diabetes. These findings might prove relevant in identifying novel biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk. Further studies are needed to validate our results and estimate the true potential of phthalates in terms of risk assessment.

Keywords: Biomarker; Cardiovascular risk; Diabetes; Edentulism; Phthalate.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
CONSORT flow diagram of the study
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Correlation between baseline phthalates exposure and changes in glycated haemoglobin over the follow-up period
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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