Serum Diethyl Phthalate Levels in Infertile Females with Endometriosis

Background: Endometriosis has a complex multifactorial pathophysiology and is a leading cause of female infertility. Emerging evidence suggests the role of endocrine disrupting chemicals and environmental factors such as Diethyl phthalate (DEP) in the pathophysiology of the disease. Aim: To investigate the serum DEP levels in females with infertility having endometriosis and normal healthy counter parts. Methods: Married females (n=50) age 20-40 years, diagnosed with endometriosis and having history of >1 year of infertility, were selected as cases. Age matched women (n=50) with proven fertility and screened negative for endometriosis were included as controls. Females on any medicine, having co morbid conditions were also excluded from the study. DEP concentration in serum was determined by using High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: Significantly higher levels (p=0.003) of DEP were seen in endometriosis females (3.76± 1.28 ng/ml) as compared to controls (2.61± 1.72 ng/ml). The comparison of DEP levels between different stages of endometriosis revealed an increasing, but no significant trend with advancement of the disease. Conclusion: High serum DEP levels in patients substantiate their role in disease pathophysiology. Therefore, it may be advisable to pay attention while using such compounds. There is an increased need to regulate the levels of such industrial compounds manufactured for daily use of human beings by efficient and judicious quality assurance plastics and by using the standards set by WHO and/or FDA. Keywords: Phthalate, Endometriosis, Diethyl phthalate, plasticizers, Infertility

Assessing the Molecular Interaction between Poly Lactic-co-glycolic Acid (PLGA) 50:50 and Poly Ethylene Glycol in Presence of Diethyl Phthalate Using in silico Study - A Novel Approach of Pre-Formulation Study

The efficacy of a drug relies on drug formulation and targeting. Imatinib is an anti-cancer drug identified to be effective in the treatment of cancers like myeloid leukemia and lymphoblastic leukemia, and gastrointestinal tumors. The prediction of mixing energy and identification of docking interactions and scores can help identify the most efficient drug carrier/plasticizer molecule that could exert maximum pharmaceutical efficiency. The results of a preliminary study explicitly showed the potent carrier molecule before conducting formulation studies. Hence, the present study was designed to screen the interaction energies between different combinations of Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PGLA) or Poly Ethylene Glycol (PEG) or diethyl phthalate with Imatinib using in silico computational methods. The study results suggested that the binding energy and the score obtained for docking interactions for Imatinib versus diethyl phthalate was better when compared to the other combinations. Therefore, Diethyl phthalate might be a signature candidate to act as Imatinib-carrier/plasticizer. More formulation studies are warranted further to demonstrate the desired continuous drug release and maximum efficacy with Imatinib chemotherapy.

Harmful substances in cosmetic preparations

Cosmetic preparations contain a large number of ingredients. Some of them may have negative consequences, most often in the form of allergic reactions, skin irritations, hormonal disorders, increased risk of cancer. These chemicals are most often added to protect, soften, or otherwise make the product more usable. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of some potentialy harmful substances by qualitative analysis of cosmetic products using the GC-MS method and to compare results with the data stated on the product declaration. A total of 66 samples were analyzed: 10 baby shampoos and bath products, 26 cosmetic products for the axillary area and 30 samples of creams and serums. In 4 samples of baby shampoos and bath products (40 %) the presence of pottentialy harmful ingredients were proven (parabens and phenoxyethanol), while diethyl phtalate was detected in all samples but was not stated in any of the declarations of these samples. Parabens were detected in 7.7 % of the products for application in the axillary area, although were most often not declared on products, and diethyl phthalate was detected in 19 % of these samples. In 24 samples of creams and serums (80%) the presence of potentialy harmful substances buthylhydroxytoluene, cyclopentasiloxane, cyclotetrasyloxan, benzophenone, triethanolamine, phenoxyethanol, diethylphthalate was noted. This study has proven the misleading declarations. Phthalates were most often not declared on products. Better regulation of product declarations is needed, as well as stricter controls on the impact of primary packaging on product composition after packaging.