Urinary Concentration of Phthalate Metabolites in Women With and Without Endometriosis

Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals can considerably affect female reproductive system. Exposure can occur in living environments and in specific workplaces in which these substances are produced or used. Among endocrinedisrupting chemicals, phthalates, dialkyl esters or alkyl aryl esters of orthophthalic acid (1,2-dicarboxylic acid) represent a group of structurally similar molecules, widely used in industry since 1930 in numerous manufacture processes, mainly as a plasticizer. These substances present dangerous characteristics, particularly associated with reproductive toxicity, and their xenoestrogenicity led some authors to evaluate a possible involvement in the aetiology of endometriosis. In this proposed study the investigators aim to clarify a potential association between endometriosis and phthalates exposure. Women with a diagnosis of endometriosis will be recruited as "cases" while women without endometriosis as "controls". An "ad hoc" questionnaire will be administered to the patient to collect the necessary information on the characteristics of endometriosis as well as their lifestyle and work habits. The biological monitoring will be carried out measuring the urinary levels of phthalate metabolites. In order to produce reliable data and to reduce the possible contamination caused by the contact with plastic materials, samples will be analyzed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). A statistical elaboration of the data will clarify possible identifiable risk factors and associations with specific clinical situations. The investigators expect that women with endometriosis may present higher levels of phthalates compared with women without the disease. In particular, the investigators hypothesize that women with the most severe form of the disease \[i.e. deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE)\] may present the highest levels. These study findings will provide valuable suggestions for developing effectiv