Key Messages
Phthalates have known adverse effects on the respiratory and
immunological systems. However, the mechanisms by which they promote
asthma, impaired lung function, and airway inflammation are unknown
because few studies have thoroughly examined this topic. We found that
exposure to low-molecular-weight phthalates was significantly associated
with airway dysfunction, and this effect is partially attributable to
increased serum periostin level. Our results suggest that periostin
might stimulate Th2 cell-mediated inflammation and thereby cause
pulmonary dysfunction in children exposed to phthalates.