DEHP Exposure and Liver Enzymes

Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) is a widely used plasticizer in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products and is known for its endocrine-disrupting properties. This study investigates the effects of DEHP exposure on liver enzyme levels, focusing on cytochrome P450 isoforms (CYP3A4, CYP2C19, CYP2C9, CYP2D6) in human liver samples. We will conduct a case-control study at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre involving 78 liver transplant recipients (cases) and 78 healthy liver donors (controls), matched by age, gender, and region of origin.

Participants will provide urine samples for DEHP metabolite analysis and liver tissues for enzyme quantification. Exclusion criteria include known liver disease, interfering medications, or unstable perioperative conditions. Enzyme concentrations in liver homogenates will be measured using MyBioSource ELISA kits. DEHP metabolites will be quantified using UPLC-MS/MS with 13C4-labeled internal standards. Additional measurements will include creatinine, liver function enzymes, and lifestyle questionnaires.

The study aims to investigate the differential impact of DEHP exposure on cytochrome P450 enzyme levels in patients with liver disease compared to healthy individuals. This research may provide critical insight into the metabolic effects of DEHP, offering evidence to inform public health policies and regulatory decisions concerning environmental phthalate exposure.

Ali Albenmousa, Bandar Ajudaibi, Malaga Massimo, Hatouf Sukkairah, Rami Bustami, Madiha Jamal, Ruba Alsaeed, Alfaisal Medical Students, Reem Alswaye, Rola Elkhatib.