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Human exposure to endocrine disrupters: consequences of gastroplasty on plasma concentration of toxic pollutants

International Journal of Obesity volume 26, pages 1465–1468 (2002)Cite this article

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Body weight loss occurring after a hypoenergetic diet or a gastroplasty could be followed by an increase in blood concentration of potentially toxic pollutants that can interfere with the hormonal system (endocrine disrupters).

DESIGN: Thirty obese individuals recruited for gastroplasty were compared before and after treatment with 45 normal-weight people.

MEASUREMENTS: Blood samples were analyzed for DDT, DDE, HCB and PCBs no. 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153 and 180, by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.

RESULTS: The results indicate clearly that body weight loss occurring after gastroplasty increases plasma concentration of lipophilic pollutants.

CONCLUSION: Gastroplasty increases plasma concentration of organochlorine pesticides and PCBs, which could be a risk factor of endocrine disruption. Future longitudinal research will have to determine if the advantages of body weight loss are reduced by this potentially harmful effect.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clinical Toxicology Laboratory, University Hospital, Liege, Belgium

    C Charlier & G Plomteux

  2. Abdominal Surgery Department, University Hospital, Liege, Belgium

    Cl Desaive

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  1. C Charlier
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  2. Cl Desaive
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  3. G Plomteux
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Correspondence to C Charlier.

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Charlier, C., Desaive, C. & Plomteux, G. Human exposure to endocrine disrupters: consequences of gastroplasty on plasma concentration of toxic pollutants. Int J Obes 26, 1465–1468 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0802144

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0802144

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