Oestrogenic Activity in Girls with Signs of Precocious Puberty as Exposure Biomarker to Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals: A Pilot Study

Marta Gea (), Anna Toso, Giuseppe Nicolò Bentivegna, Raffaele Buganza, Enrica Abrigo, Luisa De Sanctis and Tiziana Schilirò
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Marta Gea: Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
Anna Toso: Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
Giuseppe Nicolò Bentivegna: Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
Raffaele Buganza: Unit of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, Regina Margherita Children Hospital, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
Enrica Abrigo: Unit of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, Regina Margherita Children Hospital, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
Luisa De Sanctis: Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
Tiziana Schilirò: Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 20, issue 1, 1-18

Abstract: The relationship between endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) exposure and Precocious Puberty (PP) was investigated in this pilot study, involving girls with signs of PP (P) and pre-pubertal girls (C). Risk factors for PP were assessed through questionnaires, while 17β-oestradiol (E2) levels and oestrogenic activity were quantified on sera. The oestrogenic activity, expressed as E2 equivalent concentration (EEQ), was applied as EDC exposure biomarker. Questionnaires showed a low EDC knowledge, a high EDC exposure, and a potential relationship between some habits at risk for EDC exposure and PP. EEQs were similar between C and P; however, they were significantly higher in girls living in an urban environment than in girls living in a rural environment, suggesting a potential higher EDC exposure in cities. The results of this pilot study highlighted the need to raise awareness on EDCs and can be considered a starting point to clarify the relationship between EDC exposure and PP.

Keywords: early puberty; endocrine disruptors; exposure biomarker; MELN gene reporter assay; oestradiol equivalent concentration; urban environment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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