P –296 Examining the link between environmental toxin exposure and uterine leiomyoma: a systematic review

AbstractStudy questionIs there an association between exposure to certain environmental toxins and the prevalence of uterine leiomyoma in women?Summary answerSome evidence was obtained to suggest an association between phthalate esters, bisphenol A, heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants and the prevalence of uterine fibroids.What is known alreadyEnvironmental toxins are naturally occurring, or human made chemicals that can act as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) by binding and activating estrogen receptors in the body. Uterine fibroids, often called leiomyoma are non-cancerous growths occurring in the uterus. Though often asymptomatic, they can cause pain, infertility, pregnancy complications and are a leading cause for hysterectomy. The aetiology of leiomyoma is not fully understood but both estrogen and progesterone have been implicated in their growth. We aimed to investigate the epidemiological evidence for the association between EDCs and the prevalence of fibroids.Study design, size, durationWe undertook a systematic review and in keeping with PRISMA guidelines, a structured search of Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted (to October 2020). Case-control, cross-sectional, cohort and experimental studies were included.Participants/materials, setting, methodsThe included studies analyzed the association between one or more toxins and the occurrence, or growth of leiomyoma in humans, including human cell lines. The types of toxins, patient cha...
Source: Human Reproduction - Category: Reproduction Medicine Source Type: research