Environmental endocrine disruptor Bisphenol A induces metabolic derailment and obesity via upregulating IL-17A in adipocytes

Bisphenol A drives nuclear factor-kappa B signaling activation and enhanced motility in non-transformed breast cells

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical compound found in a wide range of everyday consumer products, resulting in human exposure. BPA has been described as an endocrine disruptor, affecting different systems of the human body. Notably, nanomolar levels of BPA have been detected in human matrices, including plasma and milk. BPA exposure has been associated with the development of breast cancer, and the increase in breast cancer incidence prompted us to investigate the effects of BPA in MCF10A, a model of non-transformed mammary epithelium. Cells were treated with 10 nM BPA for 24 h to capture early molecular alterations preceding phenotypic transitions. Comprehensive transcriptomic analyses were conducted to identify differentially expressed genes and enriched signaling pathways. Subsequent validations included assessment of cytokine release, protein expression, immunofluorescence for subcellular localization of Nuclear Factor-Kappa B (NF-κB), and evaluation of actin cytoskeletal organization. Transcriptome analysis revealed enrichment in interleukin signaling and activation of the NF-κB pathway following BPA exposure. Functional assays demonstrated that BPA treatment enhanced cell motility, accompanied by increased phosphorylation of NF-κB. Inhibition of NF-κB effectively mitigated BPA-induced effects, including augmented cell motility, nuclear translocation of NF-κB, and cytoskeletal rearrangements. Notably, inhibition of the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) pathway, and to a lesser extent of the AKT pathway, counteracted BPA-induced NF-κB activation and the associated increase in cell motility. In conclusion, we show that nanomolar concentration of BPA induces significant changes in the molecular setting and behaviour of non-tranformed breast cells, activating NF-κB signalling that in turn controls inflammation, cell cycle, proliferation and cell motility. Our findings indicate that nanomolar concentrations of BPA can induce significant molecular and behavioral changes in non-transformed breast epithelial cells. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of how environmental pollutants like BPA may perturb breast epithelial cell function and potentially contribute to carcinogenesis.

Novel insights into the causal relationship between endocrine-disrupting chemicals and breast cancer mediated by circulating metabolites

The relationship between endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and breast cancer has not been extensively investigated. Although EDCs can disrupt human endocrine system, the underlying mechanism of EDCs on breast cancer requires further exploration. This study aimed to investigate the causal relationship between EDCs and breast cancer through Mendelian randomization (MR) and Generalised Summary-data-based Mendelian Randomization (GSMR) approach. Our results demonstrated that Bisphenol F was associated with increased risk of breast cancer [odds ratio (OR) = 1.018 (95 % CI 1.004-1.031), P = 0.010)]. Mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP) was associated with lower breast cancer risk (OR = 0.894, 95 %CI = 0.819-0.975, P = 0.012). In addition, we identified 4 EDCs (bisphenol F, MECPP, Mono-ethyl phthalate, and Methyl paraben) significantly associated with ER + breast cancer. Furthermore, 3-bromo-5-chloro-2,6-dihydroxybenzoic acid mediated 10.9 % of the influence of MECPP on breast cancer. In addition, enrichment analysis was used to identify the pathways related to EDCs. MR-Phenome Wide Association Study (PheWAS) analysis was used to explore potential treatable diseases and adverse outcomes of EDCs. These findings shed light on the potential impact of EDCs exposure on breast cancer, which offer novel perspectives for future mechanistic and clinical research of EDCs and breast cancer.

Disruption of PPARG Activity and CPT1A Regulation by Bisphenol A: Implications for Hepatic Lipid Metabolism

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely used industrial chemical with potential endocrine-disrupting effects on metabolic processes. This study investigates the impact of BPA on hepatic function and transcriptional regulation in mouse livers and AML12 cells. Male mice were exposed to low (5 g/kg) and high (50 g/kg) doses of BPA for six weeks. Transcriptomic analysis was performed on liver tissues, and histological examinations were conducted. AML12 cells were treated with varying BPA concentrations, and PPARG transcriptional activity was assessed using a luciferase reporter assay. Additionally, molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS), cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), MM-PBSA calculations, and multi-species protein structure comparative analysis were employed to analyse the interaction between BPA and PPARG. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a decrease in differentially expressed genes with higher BPA doses, with low-dose exposure significantly downregulating hepatic Cpt1a mRNA levels. Histological examination indicated lipid vacuole formation at high doses without collagen deposition. BPA consistently inhibited PPARG activity in both MCF7 cells and mouse livers. BPA exposure disrupts hepatic lipid metabolism and PPARG activity, highlighting its role as an endocrine disruptor. Further research is needed to elucidate the long-term effects of BPA on liver health.

Silymarin attenuates post-weaning bisphenol A-induced renal injury by suppressing ferroptosis and amyloidosis through Kim-1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling modulation in male Wistar rats

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic chemical used in producing polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins and is commonly found in everyday items like water bottles and food containers. Although its usefulness cannot be overemphasized, the major challenge is its toxicity, including renal toxicity. BPA has been reported to induce ferroptosis and amyloidosis via the modulation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling. On the other hand, silymarin activates the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, thus providing cellular defense. However, the effect of silymarin on BPA-induced renal toxicity is yet to be reported. This study investigated the potential impact of silymarin on renal structure and function following post-weaning BPA exposure. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four equal groups. The control was vehicle-treated, while the silymarin-treated received 100 mg/kg/day of silymarin and BPA-treated rats received 50 mg/kg/day of BPA. The BPA + silymarin-treated rats received treatments as BPA-treated and silymarin-treated. Silymarin diminished BPA-induced rise in serum urea, creatinine, BUN, and plasma kim-1 levels. Also, silymarin improved BPA-induced dyslipidemia. More so, silymarin abrogated toxic amyloid formation and improved renal histoarchitecture in BPA-exposed rats. These events were associated with the suppression of BPA-induced rise in renal iron, MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β, and cytochrome c levels, and myeloperoxidase and caspase 3 activities by silymarin therapy. Furthermore, silymarin attenuated BPA-induced downregulation of Nrf2 and GSH levels, and HO-1, GPX4, SOD, catalase, GST, and GR activities. In conclusion, silymarin mitigated post-weaning BPA-induced renal toxicity by suppressing ferroptosis and amyloidosis through Kim-1/Nrf2/HO-1 modulation.

Consensus on the key characteristics of metabolism disruptors

Metabolism-disrupting agents (MDAs) are chemical, infectious or physical agents that increase the risk of metabolic disorders. Examples include pharmaceuticals, such as antidepressants, and environmental agents, such as bisphenol A. Various types of studies can provide evidence to identify MDAs, yet a systematic method is needed to integrate these data to help to identify such hazards. Inspired by work to improve hazard identification of carcinogens using key characteristics (KCs), we developed 12 KCs of MDAs based on our knowledge of processes underlying metabolic diseases and the effects of their causal agents: (1) alters function of the endocrine pancreas; (2) impairs function of adipose tissue; (3) alters nervous system control of metabolic function; (4) promotes insulin resistance; (5) disrupts metabolic signalling pathways; (6) alters development and fate of metabolic cell types; (7) alters energy homeostasis; (8) causes inappropriate nutrient handling and partitioning; (9) promotes chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation in metabolic tissues; (10) disrupts gastrointestinal tract function; (11) induces cellular stress pathways; and (12) disrupts circadian rhythms. In this Consensus Statement, we present the logic that revealed the KCs of MDAs and highlight evidence that supports the identification of KCs. We use chemical, infectious and physical agents as examples to illustrate how the KCs can be used to organize and use mechanistic data to help to identify MDAs.

Perinatal Bisphenol Exposure and Small-for-Gestational-Age Neonates: The Evolving Effect of Replacements Then and Now

Bisphenol analogues have been shown to have similar estrogenic activity to that of BPA and may affect fetal development. However, no human studies have examined the effects of perinatal exposure to emerging bisphenol alternatives [bisphenol G, bisphenol M, and bisphenol BP (BPBP)] on small for gestational age (SGA) and how placental function may mediate the relationship. Here, 13 urinary bisphenol analogues were detected in 1054 contemporary pregnant women, and BPA was still the most dominant congener. Logistic regressions identified BPA and its traditional alternatives [bisphenol B (BPB), bisphenol E (BPE), bisphenol Z, and bisphenol AP (BPAP)] as being associated with an elevated risk of SGA (all ORs > 1.80, P < 0.05). In contrast, the emerging substitutes, despite high occurrences, all showed much attenuated risk. Mixture effect models Bayesian kernel machine regression and quantile-based g-computation demonstrated that coexposure to bisphenols was strongly correlated with SGA risk (OR = 2.70, P < 0.001), with BPA and the conventional substitutes (BPB, BPE, and BPAP) as primary effect drivers, outweighing the effect from emerging substitutes. Finally, mediation analysis revealed that the placental function index estriol mediated the relationship between exposure and SGA, dominated by BPBP (25.4%). Our findings provide new epidemiological evidence that early BPA alternatives may pose a higher risk for offspring development than those emerging alternatives, potentially via mediation by compromised placental function. Future toxicity assessments and validation studies in other settings on these emerging bisphenols are needed.

Associations of endocrine-disrupting chemicals mixtures with serum lipid and glucose metabolism among overweight/obese and normal-weight children: A panel study

BACKGROUND

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can disturb lipid and glucose metabolism, but few studies have explored the effects of EDC mixtures and underlying inflammation mechanisms in weight-specific children.

METHODS

We conducted a panel study with 3 repeated visits among 144 children aged 4-12 years. For each visit, participants provided morning urine samples for 4 consecutive days and fasting blood samples on day 4. A total of 36 EDCs were measured, including 10 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), 3 phenols, 3 parabens, 10 phthalates, and 10 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. We used quantile g-computation, grouped weighted quantile sum (GWQS) regression, and linear mixed-effect models to evaluate and validate the associations of the mixture and individual effects of EDCs on lipid and fasting blood glucose (FBG). Further, mediation models were applied to explore the potential role of cytokines in the relationships of EDCs and outcomes.

RESULTS

A quantile increase in EDC mixtures was associated with elevated triglyceride (TG) (β = 0.18, 95 % CI: 0.04, 0.33) and FBG (β = 0.02, 95 % CI: 0.01, 0.04). Also, GWQS regression revealed that PFAS contributed the most to the overall effects for TG and FBG, followed by phenols. These associations were more pronounced in overweight/obese children. Regarding individual pollutants, we observed positive relationships of several PFAS with TG and FBG. Furthermore, chemokine ligand 2 mediated the associations of PFAS with TG among overweight/obese children.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggested that the EDC mixtures were associated with elevated lipid and glucose levels among children, particularly for those with overweight/obesity.

Comprehensive approaches to managing emerging contaminants in wastewater: identification, sources, monitoring and remediation

Wastewater is a major source of contamination and must be treated before it is discharged into rivers and lakes. Water contaminated with emerging pollutants such as micropollutants, pharmaceuticals, endocrine disruptors (EDs), pesticides, synthetic dyes, toxins and hormones is of major concern due to its potential adverse effects. The accumulation of such pollutants can disbalance trophic levels and has negative ecological impacts and possible health risks. Monitoring and detecting these contaminants is essential for effective mitigation. Ongoing research on emerging contaminants drives the development of new analytical techniques and technologies for detection, monitoring and removal of such contaminants. As the demand for sustainable wastewater management increases, both conventional and advanced detection methods can be practised as treatment strategies. This approach enhances our capacity to detect and measure contaminants in environmental samples, leading to the development of more effective treatment methods. This review provides important insights into different classes of emerging contaminants, their sources as well as environmental and health risks associated with these pollutants. It also examines the major conventional and advanced technologies used to manage emerging contaminants.

Structural characterization of polysaccharide isolated from Inonotus hispidus and its anti-obesity effect based on regulation of the interleukin-17-mediated inflammatory response

A heteropolysaccharide (IHP3) with a molecular weight of 22.0 kDa was isolated from Inonotus hispidus (Bull.: Fr.) P. Karst using column chromatography purification from water extraction. Its backbone was predominantly composed of →6)-α-D-Galp-(1→, →2,6)-α-D-Galp-(1→,→6)-α-D-O-Me-Galp-(1→, →3)-α-D-Manp-(1→, and →3,4,6) -β-D-Galp-(1→ residues, branched at C2 of partial α-D-Galp, or C3 and C4 of β-D-Galp, and terminated by α-D-Manp, and α-L-Fucp. In high-fat diet (HFD)-fed obese mice, IHP3 effectively suppressed body weight and plasma glucose gain, decreased fat accumulation, ameliorated lipid metabolism, and protected liver function from HFD-induced damage. Combining the analysis of gut microbiota metabolomics, hepatic proteomics and biochemical detection revealed, IHP3 significantly altered cecum fecal metabolite abundances, inhibited the phosphorylation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, and promoted the browning of white adipose tissue and the activation of brown adipose tissue. These changes collectively contributed to alleviating obesity symptoms by suppressing the interleukin (IL)-17-mediated inflammatory response in obese mice. Therefore, these findings suggest that IHP3 could be a potential candidate for the development of anti-obesity drugs.

The correlation of bisphenol A exposure on inflammatory cytokines in preschool children

OBJECTIVE

Based on current evidence suggesting that bisphenol A (BPA) may contribute to obesity through the modulation of inflammatory markers, this study aims to investigate the correlation between BPA exposure and cellular inflammatory factors in preschool children.

METHODS

A total of 155 preschool children aged 4-6 years were included. Urine and blood samples were collected. BPA exposure was detected by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry through urine samples. The levels of six inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) were determined by flow fluorescence technique. The correlation between urinary BPA exposure and cellular inflammatory factors was analyzed using Spearman's correlation and respectively stratified by gender and BMI.

RESULTS

The detection rate of BPA in urine samples was 100 %. The median urinary BPA concentration was 0.48 μg/L(IQR:0.25-1.02 μg/L), and the creatinine-adjusted BPA concentration was 0.94 μg/g(IQR:0.57-1.66 μg/g). BPA level was negatively correlated with IL-10 (r = -0.172, P < 0.05). After stratification by gender, the negative association between BPA exposure and IL-10 was found in females (r = -0.257, P < 0.05), while no association was found in males. According to BMI stratification, BPA exposure in overweight/obese children was positively correlated with IL-6 (r = 0.354, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that BPA exposure in preschool children was correlated with a decrease in levels of IL-10, and this effect was significantly expressed in girls. In addition, BPA exposure in overweight/obese children was correlated with increased levels of IL-6. However, the mechanism between BPA and inflammatory factors remains to be further explored.

Metabolic and molecular Characterization, following dietary exposure to DINCH, Reveals new Implications for its role as a Metabolism-Disrupting chemical

Plastic materials are ubiquitous, leading to constant human exposure to plastic additives such as plasticizers. There is growing evidence that plasticizers may contribute to obesity due to their disruptive effects on metabolism. Alternatives like diisononylcyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate (DINCH) are replacing traditional phthalates such as di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), which are now banned due to their proven harmful health effects. While DINCH is considered a safer alternative to DEHP and no adipogenic effects have been demonstrated in in vivo studies, recent research suggests that the primary metabolite, monoisononylcyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic acid ester (MINCH), promotes adipocyte differentiation and dysfunction in vitro. However, metabolic and molecular effects are not fully understood in vivo. Here, we performed a comprehensive in vivo analysis using C57BL/6N mice to investigate the effects of DINCH on adipose tissue physiology and function. Mice were exposed to two doses of DINCH for 16 weeks, followed by a 10-week recovery period. Tissue analysis confirmed the presence of DINCH and MINCH in liver and adipose tissue after treatment and recovery. After the recovery period, elevated DINCH concentrations in adipose tissue depots indicated possible bioaccumulation. Although no changes were observed in body composition and energy expenditure, sex-specific metabolic effects were identified. Female mice exhibited impaired whole-body insulin sensitivity and higher triglyceride levels, while male mice showed an altered insulin/C-peptide ratio and elevated cholesterol, HDL, and LDL levels. Proteomic profiling of serum, adipose and liver tissues revealed changes in pathways related to central energy metabolism and immune response, highlighting the systemic impact of DINCH, potentially on inflammatory processes. Most effects of DINCH, such as changes in insulin response and serum lipid levels, were diminished after the recovery period. Despite many findings consistent with the existing literature suggesting DINCH as a safer DEHP substitute, the observed sex-specific effects on insulin sensitivity, lipid metabolism and inflammatory processes, as well as potential bioaccumulation and long-term metabolic effects of DINCH exposure warrant careful consideration in further risk assessment.

Impact of Ex Vivo Bisphenol A Exposure on Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis and Its Association with Childhood Obesity

Dietary exposure to the plasticiser bisphenol A (BPA), an obesogenic and endocrine disruptor from plastic and epoxy resin industries, remains prevalent despite regulatory restriction and food safety efforts. BPA can be accumulated in humans and animals, potentially exerting differential health effects based on individual metabolic capacity. This pilot study examines the impact of direct ex vivo BPA exposure on the gut microbiota of obese and normal-weight children, using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and anaerobic culturing combined methods. Results showed that direct xenobiotic exposure induced modifications in microbial taxa relative abundance, community structure, and diversity. Specifically, BPA reduced the abundance of bacteria belonging to the phylum Bacteroidota, while taxa from the phylum Actinomycetota were promoted. Consistently, Bacteroides species were classified as sensitive to BPA, whereas bacteria belonging to the class Clostridia were identified as resistant to BPA in our culturomics analysis. Some of the altered bacterial abundance patterns were common for both the BPA-exposed groups and the obese non-exposed group in our pilot study. These findings were also corroborated in a larger cohort of children. Future research will be essential to evaluate these microbial taxa as potential biomarkers for biomonitoring the effect of BPA and its role as an obesogenic substance in children.

Cyano-functionalized porous hyper-crosslinked cationic polymers for efficient preconcentration and detection of phenolic endocrine disruptors in fresh water and fish

Sensitively analyzing phenolic endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in environmental substrates and aquatic organisms provides a significant challenge. Here, we developed a novel porous hyper-crosslinked ionic polymer bearing cyano groups (CN-HIP) as adsorbent for the highly efficient solid phase extraction (SPE) of phenolic EDCs in water and fish. The CN-HIP gave an excellent adsorption capability for targeted EDCs over a wide pH range, and the adsorption capacity was superior to that of several common commercial SPE adsorbents. The coexistence of electrostatic forces, hydrogen bond, and π-π interactions was confirmed as the main adsorption mechanism. A sensitive quantitative method was established by coupling CN-HIP based SPE method with high-performance liquid chromatography for the simultaneously determining trace bisphenol A, bisphenol F, bisphenol B and 4-tert-butylphenol in fresh water and fish. The method afforded lower detection limits (S/N = 3) (at 0.03-0.10 ng mL-1 for water and 0.8-4.0 ng g-1 for fish), high accuracy (the recovery of spiked sample at 88.0%-112 %) and high precision (the relative standard deviation < 8.5 %). This work provides a feasible method for detecting phenolic EDCs, and also opens a new perspective in developing functionalized cationic adsorbent.

Key role of sulfur in sulfidated zerovalent iron during persulfate activation for the dynamic equilibrium of oxidative radicals including SO4•- and •OH

Surface sulfidation has been widely investigated to effectively enhance the utilization and selectivity of iron electrons for enhanced pollutant reduction. However, there is relatively less knowledge on whether sulfidation facilitates the catalytic oxidation process and the mechanism of enhancement. Therefore, in this study, the role of surface sulfidation in modulating the oxidant decomposition pathway and reactive oxygen species generation was investigated with the sulfidated zerovalent iron (S-ZVI) activated persulfate (PS) system. The results revealed that sulfur on the surface of S-ZVI not only facilitates PS activation to generate more SO4•-, but also acts as an essential in the dynamic equilibrium between SO4•- and •OH. Specifically, the S-ZVI surface sulfide first forms sulfur monomers during catalysis, which promotes electron transfer to accelerate Fe3+ to Fe2+ cycling, prompting the generation of more SO4•- also generates SO32-. Then, SO32- is further reacted with •OH to generate the [O--O-SO3-] intermediate of SO4•-, which leads to a dynamic equilibrium of SO4•- and •OH, mitigating the further conversion of SO4•- to •OH. These findings unveiled the dynamic variation of sulfur on the surface of S-ZVI during PS activation, elevating new insights for the sulfate radical-based efficient degradation.

Construction of an adverse outcome pathway for the cardiac toxicity of bisphenol a by using bioinformatics analysis

Bisphenol A (BPA), a common endocrine disruptor, has shown cardiovascular toxicity in several epidemiological studies, as well as in vivo and in vitro experimental studies. However, the related adverse outcome pathway (AOP) of BPA toxicity remains unraveled. This study aimed to develop an AOP for the cardiac toxicity of BPA through bioinformatics analysis. The interactions among BPA, genes, phenotypes, and cardiac toxicity were retrieved from several databases, including the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database, Computational Toxicology, DisGeNet, and MalaCards. The target genes and part of target phenotypes were obtained by Venn analysis and literature screening. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis were performed for target genes by using the DAVID online analysis tool to obtain other target phenotypes. AOP hypotheses from BPA exposure to heart disease were established and evaluated comprehensively by a quantitative weight of evidence (QWOE) method. The target genes included ESR2, MAPK1, TGFB1, and ESR1, and the target phenotypes included heart contraction, cardiac muscle contraction, cellular Ca2+ homeostasis, cellular metabolic process, heart development, etc. Overall, the AOP of BPA cardiac toxicity was deduced to be as follows. Initially, BPA bound with ERα/β and then activated the MAPK, AKT, and IL-17 signaling pathways, leading to Ca2+ homeostasis disorder and increased inflammatory response. Subsequently, cardiac function was impaired, causing coronary heart disease, arrhythmia, cardiac dysplasia, and other heart diseases. According to the Bradford-Hill causal considerations, the score of AOP by QWOE was 69, demonstrating a moderate confidence and providing clues on cardiotoxicity-assessment procedure and further studies on BPA.

Hydroxyl-functionalized cationic porous organic polymers for efficient enrichment and detection of phenolic endocrine disrupting chemicals in water and snapper

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can disrupt the normal functioning of the endocrine system in organisms, leading to various health issues. Therefore, monitoring EDCs in the environment and food is of significant importance. In this study, a hydroxyl-functionalized ionic porous organic polymer (OH-IPOP) has been synthesized for the first time using 2-benzimidazolemethanol as a monomer. The OH-IPOP exhibited excellent adsorption performance towards phenolic EDCs. An efficient method for determination of phenolic EDCs (p-tert-butylphenol, bisphenol B, bisphenol A and bisphenol F) in environmental water and snapper samples was successfully established by with OH-IPOP as solid-phase extraction sorbent and determination with high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detection. The method showed good linearity (r2 > 0.998), low detection limits (0.008-0.020 ng mL-1 for lake water, 1.00-3.00 ng/g for snapper), high recovery rates (82.3-106 %), and good precision (relative standard deviation < 6.6 %), making it a highly efficient adsorbent for the enrichment of EDCs in complex sample matrices.

Distribution, bioaccumulation and human exposure risk of bisphenol analogues, bisphenol A diglycidyl ether and its derivatives in the Dongjiang River basin, south China

Bisphenols, bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE), and bisphenol F diglycidyl ether (BFDGE) are commonly used as raw materials or additives in the production of several industrial and consumer products. However, information regarding the occurrence and distribution of these industrial chemicals in freshwater ecosystem is limited. In this study, four bisphenols, six BADGEs, and three BFDGEs were determined in abiotic and biotic samples collected from the Dongjiang River basin in southern China. Among the four bisphenols, BPA was widely present in all samples analyzed including surface water (median: 1.81 ng/L), sediment (3.1 ng/g dw), aquatic plants (3.69 ng/g dw), algae (7.57 ng/g dw), zooplankton (6.17 ng/g dw), and fish muscle (5.28 ng/g dw). Among the nine BADGEs and BFDGEs analyzed, BADGE, BADGE•H2O, BADGE·HCl·H2O and BADGE•2H2O was found in all sample types. Although the median concentration of BADGE•2H2O in surface water was below LOQ, this compound was found at median concentrations of 2.61, 3.59, 1.03, 1.69, and 49.8 ng/g dw in sediment, plants, algae, zooplankton, and fish muscle, respectively. Significant positive linear correlations were found among logarithmic transformed concentrations of BPA, BADGE, BADGE•H2O, BADGE•HCl•H2O, and BADGE•2H2O in sediment. The bioconcentration factor (logBCF) values of BADGE, BADGE•H2O, BADGE•HCl, BADGE•HCl•H2O, BADGE•2H2O, and BADGE•2HCl in fish, plants, algae, and zooplankton were > 3.3 L/kg (wet weight), indicating that these chemicals possess moderate bioaccumulation potential. The estimated daily total intake of bisphenols and BADGEs through fish consumption was 75.1 ng/kg bw/day for urban adult residents. The study provides baseline information on the occurrence of bisphenols, BADGEs, and BFDGEs in a freshwater ecosystem.

Mechanisms insights into bisphenol S-induced oxidative stress, lipid metabolism disruption, and autophagy dysfunction in freshwater crayfish

Bisphenol S (BPS) is widely used in plastic products, food packaging, electronic products, and other applications. In recent years, BPS emissions have increasingly impacted aquatic ecosystems. The effects of BPS exposure on aquatic animal health have been documented; however, our understanding of its toxicology remains limited. This study aimed to explore the mechanisms of lipid metabolism disorders, oxidative stress, and autophagy dysfunction induced in freshwater crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) by exposure to different concentrations of BPS (0 µg/L, 1 µg/L, 10 µg/L, and 100 µg/L) over 14 d. The results indicated that BPS exposure led to oxidative stress by inducing elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibiting the activity of antioxidant-related enzymes. Additionally, BPS exposure led to increased lipid content in the serum and hepatopancreas, which was associated with elevated lipid-related enzyme activity and increased expression of related genes. Furthermore, BPS exposure decreased levels of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylinositol (PI), disrupted glycerophospholipid (GPI) metabolism, and caused lipid deposition in the hepatopancreatic. These phenomena may have occurred because BPS exposure reduced the transport of fatty acids and led to hepatopancreatic lipid deposition by inhibiting the transport and synthesis of PC and PI in the hepatopancreas, thereby inhibiting the PI3K-AMPK pathway. In conclusion, BPS exposure induced oxidative stress, promoted lipid accumulation, and led to autophagy dysfunction in the hepatopancreas of freshwater crayfish. Collectively, our findings provide the first evidence that environmentally relevant levels of BPS exposure can induce hepatopancreatic lipid deposition through multiple pathways, raising concerns about the potential population-level harm of BPS and other bisphenol analogues.

Enhanced endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling disrupts porcine sertoli cell function in response to Bisphenol A exposure

Bisphenol A (BPA), a pervasive substance in our daily lives and livestock excreta, poses significant threats due to its infiltration into foods and water sources. BPA has adverse impacts on male reproductive function, particularly affecting the critical Sertoli (ST) cells that play a pivotal role in the process of spermatogonia differentiating into spermatozoa. In this study, we examined the prevalence of BPA within the pig industry and delved into the impact of BPA exposure on the motility of boar sperm, the function of pig ST cells, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms involved. This study revealed spatial disparities in the global distribution of BPA and its analogue contamination, utilizing data compiled from 130 comprehensive studies. The average concentration of BPA found in pig feed ranges from 9.7 to 47.9 μg/kg, while in serum, it averages between 55.1 and 75.6 ng/L. The BPA concentration in feed exhibits a negative correlation with sperm viability and the percentage of progressive motile spermatozoa. Exposure to BPA reduced sperm motility in boar and ST cell activity at both 6 and 24 h. The transcriptome analysis revealed that, compared to untreated control cells, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related genes were upregulated in ST cells exposed to BPA at 6 and 24 h. This activation of ERS in ST cells was mediated by receptor protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), inositol-requiring protein-1α (IRE1α), and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6). Additionally, BPA exposure triggered oxidative stress and a proinflammatory response mediated by the transcription factor NF-κB, accompanied by an increase in downstream proinflammatory cytokines. BPA exposure also led to apoptosis in ST cells and upregulated the expression levels of pro-apoptosis proteins. However, inhibiting ERS activity with 4-PBA attenuated the BPA-induced inflammatory response and apoptosis in ST cells. Our findings suggest that BPA induced apoptosis and inflammatory response in porcine ST cells through persistent activation of ERS, thereby compromising the normal function of these cells.

Obesity aggravates neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative effects of bisphenol A in female rats

Bisphenol A (BPA), a common plasticizer, is categorized as a neurotoxic compound. Its impact on individuals exhibits sex-linked variations. Several biological and environmental factors impact the degree of toxicity. Moreover, nutritional factors have profound influence on toxicity outcome. BPA has been demonstrated to be an obesogen. However, research on the potential role of obesity as a confounding factor in BPA toxicity is lacking. We studied the neurodegenerative effects in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese female rats after exposure to BPA (10 mg/L via drinking water for 90 days). Four groups were taken in this study - Control, HFD, HFD + BPA and BPA. Cognitive function was evaluated through novel object recognition (NOR) test. Inflammatory changes in brain, and changes in hormonal level, lipid profile, glucose tolerance, oxidative stress, and antioxidants were also determined. HFD + BPA group rats showed a significant decline in memory function in NOR test. The cerebral cortex (CC) of the brain showed increased neurodegenerative changes as measured by microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP-2) accompanied by histopathological confirmation. The increased level of neuroinflammation was demonstrated by microglial activation (Iba-1) and protein expression of nuclear factor- kappa B (NF-КB) in the brain. Obesity also caused significant (p < 0.05) increase in lipid peroxidation accompanied by reduced activities of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione S-transferase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase) and decrease in reduced-glutathione (p < 0.05) when compared to non-obese rats with BPA treatment. Overall, study revealed that obesity serves as a risk factor in the toxicity of BPA which may exacerbate the progression of neurological diseases.

Tetra methyl bisphenol F: another potential obesogen

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Obesity and its associated metabolic diseases are increasing globally. Sedentary lifestyle, high caloric diet, and genetic predisposition are known to contribute to the onset of obesity. It is increasingly recognized that exposure to environmental chemicals such as Bisphenol A (BPA) may also play a significant role. BPA has been correlated with an array of adverse health effects, including obesity and metabolic disorders. Due to public concern, manufacturers are replacing BPA with structural analogues for which there is limited toxicological data. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of these BPA analogues on adipogenesis.

METHODS

The adipogenic effects of Tetra Methyl Bisphenol F (TMBPF), Bisphenol F (BPF), Bisphenol AP (BPAP), and fluorine-9-bisphenol (BHPF) were evaluated in murine 3T3-L1 cells. The cells were treated with BPA and its analogues at concentrations from 0.01 µM to 20 µM, throughout differentiation, in the absence of Dexamethasone (Dex). Lipid accumulation, mRNA and protein levels of adipogenic markers was assessed.

RESULTS

We found that TMBPF, BPF and BPA increased 3T3-L1 lipid accumulation and the expression levels of adipogenic markers lipoprotein lipase (Lpl), fatty acid binding protein 4 (Fabp4) and perilipin (Plin) (1-20 µM; p < 0.05), whereas BHPF and BPAP had no effect in this model. Further, TMBPF induced adipogenesis to a greater extent than all the other chemicals including BPA (1-20 µM; p < 0.05). The effect mediated by TMBPF on expression levels of Fabp4, but not Plin, is likely mediated via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ activation.

CONCLUSIONS

Of the BPA analogues tested, BPF was most similar to BPA in its effects, while TMBPF was most adipogenic. In addition, TMBPF is likely a PPARγ agonist, it is likely an obesogenic chemical and may be a metabolic disruptor.

Construction of magnetic azo-linked porous polymer for highly-efficient enrichment and separation of phenolic endocrine disruptors from environmental water and fish

Developing effective methods for highly sensitive detection of phenolic endocrine disruptors (EDCs) is especially urgent. Herein, a magnetic hydroxyl-functional porous organic polymer (M-FH-POP) was facilely synthesized by green diazo-couple reaction using basic fuchsin and hesperetin as monomer for the first time. M-FH-POP delivered superior adsorption performance for phenolic EDCs. The adsorption mechanism was hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interaction and π-π interplay. With M-FH-POP as adsorbent, a magnetic solid phase extraction method was established for extracting trace phenolic EDCs (bisphenol A, 4-tert-butylphenol, bisphenol F and bisphenol B) in water and fish before ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analysis. The method displayed low detection limit (S/N = 3) of 0.05-0.15 ng mL-1 for water and 0.08-0.3 ng g-1 for fish. The spiked recoveries were 88.3 %-109.8 % with the relative standard deviations of 2.4 %-6.4 %. The method offers a new strategy for sensitive determination of phenolic EDCs in water and fish samples.

4-tert-Butylphenol impairs the liver by inducing excess liver lipid accumulation via disrupting the lipid metabolism pathway in zebrafish

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can disrupt normal endocrine function by interfering with the synthesis and release of hormones, causing adverse reactions to development, immunity, nerves, and reproduction. 4-tert-Butylphenol (4-t-BP) is disruptive to early zebrafish development, but its effects on zebrafish liver are unknown. In this study, the adverse effects of 4-t-BP on the liver were investigated using zebrafish as a model organism. 4-t-BP inhibited liver development in zebrafish embryos and induced liver damage in adult zebrafish. Even if F1 was not directly exposed to 4-t-BP, its growth and development were inhibited. 4-t-BP can lead to an increase in lipid accumulation, total cholesterol and triglycerides contents, and the activities of alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase in zebrafish embryos and adult zebrafish livers, and also cause an acceleration of glucose metabolism in zebrafish embryos. In addition, qRT-PCR showed that 4-t-BP induced the changes in the expressions of liver development-, steroid and unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis-, and glycerolipid and arachidonic acid metabolism-related genes in zebrafish embryos and inflammatory factors-, antioxidant enzymes- and lipid metabolism-related genes in adult zebrafish livers. Transcriptome sequencing of embryos showed that 4-t-BP altered the expressions of lipid metabolism pathways such as steroid and unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, glycerolipid, and arachidonic acid metabolism pathways. Therefore, 4-t-BP may be external stimuli that cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid accumulation in zebrafish liver, resulting in tissue damage and dysfunction in zebrafish liver.

Beyond drug discovery: Exploring the physiological and methodological dimensions of zebrafish in diabetes research

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that is now considered a global epidemic. Chronic diabetes conditions include type 1 and type 2 diabetes, both of which are normally irreversible. As a result of long-term uncontrolled high levels of glucose, diabetes can progress to hyperglycaemic pathologies, such as cardiovascular diseases, retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy, among many other complications. The complete mechanism underlying diabetes remains unclear due to its complexity. In this scenario, zebrafish (Danio rerio) have arisen as a versatile and promising animal model due to their good reproducibility, simplicity, and time- and cost-effectiveness. The Zebrafish model allows us to make progress in the investigation and comprehension of the root cause of diabetes, which in turn would aid in the development of pharmacological and surgical approaches for its management. The current review provides valuable reference information on zebrafish models, from the first zebrafish diabetes models using genetic, disease induction and chemical approaches, to the newest ones that further allow for drug screening and testing. This review aims to update our knowledge related to diabetes mellitus by gathering the most authoritative studies on zebrafish as a chemical, dietary and insulin induction, and genetic model for diabetes research.

SWATH-MS reveals that bisphenol A and its analogs regulate pathways leading to disruption in insulin signaling and fatty acid metabolism

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC), associated with obesity and insulin resistance. The FDA prohibited the use of BPA-based polycarbonate resins in infant formula packaging; thus, its analogs, viz. Bisphenol S (BPS) and Bisphenol F (BPF) were considered alternatives in epoxy resins, plastics, and food cans. As these analogs might evoke a similar response, we investigated the role of Bisphenols (BPA, BPF, and BPS), on insulin signaling in CHO-HIRc-myc-GLUT4eGFP cells at environmentally relevant concentrations of 2 nM and 200 nM. Insulin signaling demonstrated that Bisphenols reduced phosphorylation of IR and AKT2, GLUT4 translocation, and glucose uptake. This was accompanied by increased oxidative stress. Furthermore, SWATH-MS-based proteomics of 3T3-L1 cells demonstrated that Bisphenol-treated cells regulate proteins in insulin resistance, adipogenesis, and fatty acid metabolism pathways differently. All three Bisphenols induced differentially expressed proteins enriched similar pathways, although their abundance differed for each Bisphenol. This might be due to their varying toxicity level, structural differences, and estrogen-mimetic activity. This study has important implications in addressing health concerns related to EDCs. Given that the analogs of BPA are considered alternatives to BPA, the findings of this study suggest they are equally potent in altering fatty acid metabolism and inducing insulin resistance.

The Conflict between Regulatory Agencies over the 20,000-Fold Lowering of the Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) for Bisphenol A (BPA) by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)

BACKGROUND

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommended lowering their estimated tolerable daily intake (TDI) for bisphenol A (BPA) 20,000-fold to 0.2  ng / kg  body weight  ( BW ) / day . BPA is an extensively studied high production volume endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) associated with a vast array of diseases. Prior risk assessments of BPA by EFSA as well as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have relied on industry-funded studies conducted under good laboratory practice protocols (GLP) requiring guideline end points and detailed record keeping, while also claiming to examine (but rejecting) thousands of published findings by academic scientists. Guideline protocols initially formalized in the mid-twentieth century are still used by many regulatory agencies. EFSA used a 21st century approach in its reassessment of BPA and conducted a transparent, but time-limited, systematic review that included both guideline and academic research. The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) opposed EFSA's revision of the TDI for BPA.

OBJECTIVES

We identify the flaws in the assumptions that the German BfR, as well as the FDA, have used to justify maintaining the TDI for BPA at levels above what a vast amount of academic research shows to cause harm. We argue that regulatory agencies need to incorporate 21st century science into chemical hazard identifications using the CLARITY-BPA (Consortium Linking Academic and Regulatory Insights on BPA Toxicity) nonguideline academic studies in a collaborative government-academic program model.

DISCUSSION

We strongly endorse EFSA's revised TDI for BPA and support the European Commission's (EC) apparent acceptance of this updated BPA risk assessment. We discuss challenges to current chemical risk assessment assumptions about EDCs that need to be addressed by regulatory agencies to, in our opinion, become truly protective of public health. Addressing these challenges will hopefully result in BPA, and eventually other structurally similar bisphenols (called regrettable substitutions) for which there are known adverse effects, being eliminated from all food-related and many other uses in the EU and elsewhere. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13812.

Assessing the contribution of plastic-associated obesogenic compounds to cardiometabolic diseases

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To present recent evidence that strengthens the concept that exogenous pollutants contribute to adipose dysfunction and increased rates of disease and to highlight the ineffective regulation of this risk as industry switches to related but similarly toxic variants.

RECENT FINDINGS

Substitutes for common phthalates and the highly regulated bisphenol A (BPA) show similar deleterious effects on adipocytes. The well tolerated limit for BPA exposure has been reduced in Europe to below the level detected in recent population studies. Additionally, the role for BPA-induced inflammation mediated by interleukin 17a has been described in animal and human studies.

SUMMARY

Despite experimental and associative evidence that supports plastics and plastic associated chemicals deleteriously influencing adipose homeostatasis and contributing to metabolic diseases, structurally related alternate chemicals are being substituted by manufacturers to circumvent trailing regulatory actions.

Toxic effects of triclosan on hepatic and intestinal lipid accumulation in zebrafish via regulation of m6A-RNA methylation

Triclosan (TCS), recognized as an endocrine disruptor, has raised significant concerns due to its widespread use and potential health risks. To explore the impact of TCS on lipid metabolism, both larval and adult zebrafish were subjected to acute and chronic exposure to TCS. Through analyzes of biochemical and physiological markers, as well as Oil Red O (ORO) and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, our investigation revealed that TCS exposure induced hepatic and intestinal lipid accumulation in larval and adult zebrafish, leading to structural damage and inflammatory responses in these tissues. The strong affinity of TCS with PPARγ and subsequent pathway activation indicate that PPARγ pathway plays a crucial role in TCS-induced lipid buildup. Furthermore, we observed a decrease in m6A-RNA methylation levels in the TCS-treated group, which attributed to the increased activity of the demethylase FTO and concurrent suppression of the methyltransferase METTL3 gene expression by TCS. The alteration in methylation dynamics is identified as a potential underlying mechanism behind TCS-induced lipid accumulation. To address this concern, we explored the impact of folic acid-a methyl donor for m6A-RNA methylation-on lipid accumulation in zebrafish. Remarkably, folic acid administration partially alleviated lipid accumulation by restoring m6A-RNA methylation. This restoration, in turn, contributed to a reduction in inflammatory damage observed in both the liver and intestines. Additionally, folic acid partially mitigates the up-regulation of PPARγ and related genes induced by TCS. These findings carry substantial implications for understanding the adverse effects of environmental pollutants such as TCS. They also emphasize the promising potential of folic acid as a therapeutic intervention to alleviate disturbances in lipid metabolism induced by environmental pollutants.

The association between prenatal exposure to bisphenol A and offspring obesity: A systematic review

In recent years, the global prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity has surged. Bisphenol A (BPA), prevalent in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, is associated with this escalating obesity pattern. Both early life stages and pregnancy emerge as pivotal windows of vulnerability. This review systematically evaluates human studies to clarify the nexus between prenatal BPA exposure and offspring obesity. Our extensive literature search covered databases like PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Scopus, encompassing articles from their inception until July 2023. We utilized the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) to evaluate the methodological rigor of the included studies, the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine Levels of Evidence Working Group (OCEBM) table to determine the level of the evidence, and the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) guidelines to evaluate the certainty of the evidence with statistical significance. We centered on primary studies investigating the link between urinary BPA levels during pregnancy and offspring obesity. Our analysis included thirteen studies, with participant counts ranging from 173 to 1124 mother-child dyads. Among them, eight studies conclusively linked prenatal BPA exposure to increased obesity in offspring. Evaluation metrics for the effect of prenatal BPA on offspring obesity comprised BMI z-score, waist circumference, overweight/obesity classification, aggregate skinfold thickness, body fat percentage, and more. Present findings indicate that prenatal BPA exposure amplifies offspring obesity risk, with potential effect variations by age and gender. Therefore, further research is needed to explore the causal link between prenatal BPA exposure and obesity at different developmental stages and genders, and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

The Role of Endocrine Disruptors Bisphenols and Phthalates in Obesity: Current Evidence, Perspectives and Controversies

Excess body weight constitutes one of the major health challenges for societies and healthcare systems worldwide. Besides the type of diet, calorie intake and the lack of physical exercise, recent data have highlighted a possible association between endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as bisphenol A, phthalates and their analogs, and obesity. EDCs represent a heterogeneous group of chemicals that may influence the hormonal regulation of body mass and adipose tissue morphology. Based on the available data from mechanistic, animal and epidemiological studies including meta-analyses, the weight of evidence points towards the contribution of EDCs to the development of obesity, associated disorders and obesity-related adipose tissue dysfunction by (1) impacting adipogenesis; (2) modulating epigenetic pathways during development, enhancing susceptibility to obesity; (3) influencing neuroendocrine signals responsible for appetite and satiety; (4) promoting a proinflammatory milieu in adipose tissue and inducing a state of chronic subclinical inflammation; (5) dysregulating gut microbiome and immune homeostasis; and (6) inducing dysfunction in thermogenic adipose tissue. Critical periods of exposure to obesogenic EDCs are the prenatal, neonatal, pubertal and reproductive periods. Interestingly, EDCs even at low doses may promote epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of adult obesity in subsequent generations. The aim of this review is to summarize the available evidence on the role of obesogenic EDCs, specifically BPA and phthalate plasticizers, in the development of obesity, taking into account in vitro, animal and epidemiologic studies; discuss mechanisms linking EDCs to obesity; analyze the effects of EDCs on obesity in critical chronic periods of exposure; and present interesting perspectives, challenges and preventive measures in this research area.

Unravelling the Influence of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals on Obesity Pathophysiology Pathways

Obesity represents a global health concern, affecting individuals of all age groups across the world. The prevalence of excess weight and obesity has escalated to pandemic proportions, leading to a substantial increase in the incidence of various comorbidities, such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. This chapter seeks to provide a comprehensive exploration of the pathways through which endocrine-disrupting chemicals can influence the pathophysiology of obesity. These mechanisms encompass aspects such as the regulation of food intake and appetite, intestinal fat absorption, lipid metabolism, and the modulation of inflammation. This knowledge may help to elucidate the role of exogenous molecules in both the aetiology and progression of obesity.

Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure aggravates hepatic oxidative stress and inflammatory response under hypertensive milieu - Impact of low dose on hepatocytes and influence of MAPK and ER stress pathways

Human exposure to the hazardous chemical, Bisphenol A (BPA), is almost ubiquitous. Due to the prevalence of hypertension (CVD risk factor) in the aged human population, it is necessary to explore its adverse effect in hypertensive subjects. The current study exposed the Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) induced hypertensive Wistar rats to human exposure relevant low dose of BPA (50 μg/kg) for 30 days period. The liver biochemical parameters, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, gene expression (RT-qPCR), trace elements (ICP-MS), primary rat hepatocytes cell culture and metabolomic (1H NMR) assessments were performed. Results illustrate that BPA exposure potentiates/aggravates hypertension induced tissue abnormalities (hepatic fibrosis), oxidative stress, ACE activity, malfunction of the antioxidant system, lipid abnormalities and inflammatory factor (TNF-α and IL-6) expression. Also, in cells, BPA increased ROS generation, mitochondrial dysfunction and lipid peroxidation without any impact on cytotoxicity and caspase 3 and 9 activation. Notably, BPA exposure modulate lipid metabolism (cholesterol and fatty acid) in primary hepatocytes. Finally, the influence of ERK1/2, p38MAPK, ER stress and oxidative stress during relatively high dose of BPA elicited cytotoxicity was observed. Therefore, a precise hazardous risk investigation of BPA exposure in hypertensive populations is highly recommended.

The obesogenic side of Genistein

Genistein (GN) has been highly recommended for its medicinal properties like anticancer, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, antiviral, and antioxidant activities among others. Recently, scientists realized that Genistein is an endocrine disruptor. It is an obesogen that interferes with the endocrine system causing obesity through many mechanisms like inducing adipocyte differentiation, lipid accumulation, and transformation of some stem cells into adipocytes (bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells for example) in vitro. Animal studies show that GN upregulates genes associated with adipogenesis like CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (Cebpα), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta (Cebpβ), and PPARγ. In silico studies reveal a strong binding affinity for estrogen receptors. All these findings were contingent on concentration and tissues. It is beyond dispute that obesity is one of the most frustrating medical conditions under the sun. The pathophysiology of this disease was first attributed to a high-calorie diet and lack of physical activity. However, studies proved that these two factors are not enough to account for obesity in both children and adults. This mini review highlights how Genistein interaction with the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma protein can cause obesity.

Puerarin Prevents Bisphenol S Induced Lipid Accumulation by Reducing Liver Lipid Synthesis and Promoting Lipid Metabolism in C57BL/6J Mice

Bisphenol S (BPS) is an environmental pollutant that can accumulate in the human body and cause harm. Puerarin (PUE) is a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. In this study, we used 50 mg/kg/d BPS as a poison and PUE as an intervention for model mice for 42 d. BPS exposure significantly increased the levels of the impairment of the mice's liver function, T-CHO, TG, LDL-C, ALT, and AST in the BPS group were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Additionally, BPS exposure caused inflammatory cell infiltration in the mice liver tissue and enhanced oxidative stress response, the level of MDA was significantly increased (p < 0.05). The expression of CD36 and pparγ was stimulated after BPS exposure. Moreover, the expression of cpt1a and cpt1b, which promote fatty acid oxidation, was downregulated. After PUE intervention, the levels of genes and proteins involved in lipid synthesis (PPARγ, SREBP1C, and FASN) and metabolism (Cpt1a, Cpt1b, and PPARα) in mice returned to those of the control group, or much higher than those in the BPS group. Therefore, we hypothesized that BPS causes lipid accumulation in the liver by promoting lipid synthesis and reducing lipid metabolism, whereas PUE reduces lipid synthesis and promotes lipid metabolism. Conclusively, our results imply that long-term exposure to BPS in mice affects liver lipid metabolism and that PUE intervention could maintain the liver function of mice at normal metabolic levels.

Toxicological evaluation of bisphenol analogues: preventive measures and therapeutic interventions

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a prominent endocrine-disrupting compound that shares structural similarities with estrogen. It is widely used, particularly in the production of food packaging, canned goods, and dental sealants. Of the eight bisphenol analogues, BPA is the most frequently utilized chemical in packaging food items, canned foods and dental sealants. However, chronic exposure to BPA can pose severe health risks, particularly in children. To ensure public safety, it is crucial to adopt proper precautionary measures to minimize BPA exposure. This article explores the toxic effects of bisphenols on various body systems and mechanisms, shedding light on their impact on the reproductive and endocrine system, obesity, albuminuria, and the generation of reactive oxygen species. Understanding the detrimental effects of bisphenols on these systems and mechanisms is vital for developing strategies to mitigate their harmful consequences. Furthermore, the article delves into the biotransformation processes of bisphenols, focusing on their occurrence in vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, and microorganisms. Investigating the biotransformation pathways provides valuable insights into the fate of bisphenols in various organisms and ecosystems. Lastly, the article emphasizes preventive measures to avoid bisphenol exposure and highlights the potential use of plant-based bioactive compounds for treatment strategies. By implementing effective preventive measures, such as utilizing BPA-free products and adopting safer alternatives, individuals can reduce their exposure to bisphenols. Additionally, exploring the potential of plant-based bioactive compounds as therapeutic agents offers promising avenues for addressing the adverse effects of bisphenols. The findings presented herein contribute to a better understanding of the novelty, significance, and potential implications of bisphenol research in the field, aiding in the development of safer practices and interventions to safeguard public health.

Endocrine disruptors in plastics alter β-cell physiology and increase the risk of diabetes mellitus

Plastic pollution breaks a planetary boundary threatening wildlife and humans through its physical and chemical effects. Of the latter, the release of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has consequences on the prevalence of human diseases related to the endocrine system. Bisphenols (BPs) and phthalates are two groups of EDCs commonly found in plastics that migrate into the environment and make low-dose human exposure ubiquitous. Here we review epidemiological, animal, and cellular studies linking exposure to BPs and phthalates to altered glucose regulation, with emphasis on the role of pancreatic β-cells. Epidemiological studies indicate that exposure to BPs and phthalates is associated with diabetes mellitus. Studies in animal models indicate that treatment with doses within the range of human exposure decreases insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, induces dyslipidemia, and modifies functional β-cell mass and serum levels of insulin, leptin, and adiponectin. These studies reveal that disruption of β-cell physiology by EDCs plays a key role in impairing glucose homeostasis by altering the mechanisms used by β-cells to adapt to metabolic stress such as chronic nutrient excess. Studies at the cellular level demonstrate that BPs and phthalates modify the same biochemical pathways involved in adaptation to chronic excess fuel. These include changes in insulin biosynthesis and secretion, electrical activity, expression of key genes, and mitochondrial function. The data summarized here indicate that BPs and phthalates are important risk factors for diabetes mellitus and support a global effort to decrease plastic pollution and human exposure to EDCs.

Association between Bisphenol A exposure and body composition parameters in children

Background

Although there is evidence linking Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure to obesity, research examining its relationship with body composition parameters in young children is limited.

Methods

A cross-sectional investigation was conducted on 200 preschool children aged between 4 and 6 years in Guangzhou, China. BPA exposure was assessed through urine samples using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry, and body composition parameters were measured through bioelectrical impedance analysis (InBody770).

Results

The median urinary BPA concentration was 0.556 μg/L (IQR: 0.301 - 1.031 μg/L) and creatinine-adjusted BPA concentration was 0.930 μg/g (IQR: 0.551 - 1.586 μg/g). BPA levels were significantly associated with body mass index (β= 1.15; 95%CI: 0.47, 1.83), body fat mass (β= 1.14; 95%CI: 0.39, 1.89), fat free mass (β= 0.92; 95%CI: 0.26, 1.58), and percent body fat (β= 3.44; 95%CI: 1.17, 5.71) after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Similarly, adjusted models with log₁₀-transformed creatinine-adjusted BPA concentrations as a continuous variable showed similar trends. Positive linear associations were observed between quartiles of BPA concentrations and body composition parameters, with the highest coefficients in the fourth quartile.

Conclusion

Our study provides further evidence of positive correlations between BPA exposure and body composition parameters in children aged 4 to 6 years. These findings highlight the potential health risks associated with obesity-related body composition parameters in young children. Further investigations are needed to confirm this association and explore the underlying mechanisms.

New Evidence on BPA's Role in Adipose Tissue Development of Proinflammatory Processes and Its Relationship with Obesity

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a xenobiotic with endocrine disruptor properties which interacts with various receptors, eliciting a cellular response. In the plastic industry, BPA is widely used in the production of polycarbonate and epoxy-phenolic resins to provide elastic properties. It can be found in the lining of canned foods, certain plastic containers, thermal printing papers, composite dental fillings, and medical devices, among other things. Therefore, it is a compound that, directly or indirectly, is in daily contact with the human organism. BPA is postulated to be a factor responsible for the global epidemic of obesity and non-communicable chronic diseases, belonging to the obesogenic and diabetogenic group of compounds. Hence, this endocrine disruptor may be responsible for the development of metabolic disorders, promoting in fat cells an increase in proinflammatory pathways and upregulating the expression and release of certain cytokines, such as IL6, IL1β, and TNFα. These, in turn, at a systemic and local level, are associated with a chronic low-grade inflammatory state, which allows the perpetuation of the typical physiological complications of obesity.