Thesis

Factors affecting the metabolism and toxicity of DEHP

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Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2015
Thesis identifier
  • T14224
Person Identifier (Local)
  • 201471786
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Qualification Name
Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is an organic compound belonging to the class of phthalates. Phthalates are chemicals that are added to Poly vinyl chloride (PVC) to make them soft and flexible. PVC is synthetic polymer, widely used in medical devices such as; blood bags, intravenous tubing and intragastric feeding equipment. During use, DEHP leaches out of the devices into the patients' bodies or into the fluids stored in the PVC bags. This project concentrates on factors affecting the metabolism and toxicity of DEHP. Studies have reported that there is concern for DEHP effects in premature infants, which has led to withdrawal of the plasticiser from use in paediatrics in a number of countries. DEHP has been observed to cause reproductive defects in animals. The objective of my research was to find out if undeveloped neonatal metabolism could contribute to the adverse effects in premature infants exposed to DEHP. Premature infants are exposed to DEHP when PVC tubing is used in nasogastric tubing. DEHP metabolism to water-soluble products, that can be excreted, involves Glucuronidation, which is catalysed by UDP- glucuronyltransferase (UDPGT) in the liver. This hepatic enzyme develops to its adult levels to a large extent after birth. Deficient UDPGT can lead to hyperbilirubinemia as it is responsible for metabolism of bilirubin thus leading to jaundice. Levels of UDPGT may be induced by Phenobarbitone both in animals and humans. We posed the question, 'Could Phenobarbitone be used to speed up metabolism and excretion of DEHP in premature infants, minimising risk of adverse effects on the reproductive tract?'
Resource Type
DOI
Date Created
  • 2015
Former identifier
  • 1247938

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