The Possible Impact of Fetal Exposure to Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in Biochemical Parameters and Emotional Quotients in Children and Adolescents

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous substances that possess endocrine disrupting properties by interfering with hormonal function. They can cause adverse effects on human health, including metabolic function, reproductive health, brain development, immune responses, and development of hormone-sensitive cancers. Early-life exposure appears to represent a window of susceptibility to long-term health consequences. Materials and Methods: 224 children and adolescents, 148 female, aged 11–19 years old, and their mothers were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Weight and height were measured and BMI% was calculated. Biochemical parameters, including glucose concentrations, renal function tests (urea, creatinine), liver function tests (SGOT, SGPT, γ-GT), lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides), and thyroid profile (FT4, TSH) were measured. EDC exposure of mothers during pregnancy was evaluated through an EDC exposure questionnaire and emotional intelligence quotients of the children and adolescents were evaluated through the TEIQue-ASF questionnaire. Results: Children and adolescents of mothers who were exposed to EDCs during lactation exhibited statistically significantly lower TSH concentrations and those of mothers who were exposed to EDCs during pregnancy exhibited statistically significantly higher BMI%, T4, SGOT, SGPT, γ-GT, total cholesterol, LDL levels, compared to those of mothers who were not.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that EDCs are potential risk factors for adverse effects on thyroid function, hepatic function and lipid profile, raising concerns about potential future morbidity. Also, a possible association between endocrine disruptors and emotional quotients is demonstrated, thus broadening the range of adverse health consequences related to disruption of the endocrine system.