Bisphenol A--sources, toxicity and biotransformation

Paternal bisphenol A exposure alters craniofacial cartilage development in rare minnow (Gobiocypris rarus) descendants

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a recognized estrogenic endocrine disruptor that poses a threat to the reproductive health of fish. However, it remains unclear whether and how paternal BPA exposure can lead to developmental toxicity in offspring. To explore the potential paternal BPA exposure impacts on craniofacial cartilage growth in offspring, male rare minnows were subjected to BPA and subsequently mated with normal females to produce progeny. Our results demonstrated that paternal BPA exposure resulted in increased malformation and delayed craniofacial cartilage development in the F1 offspring. Furthermore, BPA exposure led to differential expression of 28 miRNAs in paternal sperm in F0 generation (13 upregulated and 15 downregulated), among which 7 miRNAs were involved in the regulation of bone development. BPA also downregulated the expression of bmp2a and Runx1 during F1 embryonic development. The inhibited bmp2a expression might derive from BPA's stimulation of one miRNA, aca-miR-16a-5P, due to bmp2a being one of its target genes. Notably, paternal BPA exposure did not affect craniofacial cartilage development or gonadal development in the F2 generation. Overall, our study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the impact of paternal BPA exposure on facial chondrogenesis in offspring and provides theoretical support for the ecological protection of fish populations.

Novel guaiacol-based high-performance dimethacrylate containing fluorenyl cardo structure for dental restorative resins

In dentistry, the use of bisphenol A glycidyl methacrylate (Bis-GMA) is being questioned since bisphenol A is regarded as an endocrine disruptor. As alternative candidates to Bis-GMA, bio-based dental resins face the crucial challenge of low mechanical strength and high water sorption. In this study, a novel guaiacol-based dimethacrylate containing fluorenyl cardo-structure was developed to effectively improve the hydrophobicity, enhance the mechanical properties, and reduce the polymerization shrinkage of bio-based dental restorative resins. Therefore, 9, 9-bis(3-methoxy-4-glycerolate methacrylate)fluorene (BMHF-GMA) was synthesized from a new guaiacol-based bisphenol, 9, 9-bis(3-methoxy-4-phenol)fluorene (BMHF), which is a lower estrogenic activity bisphenol monomer than commercial bisphenols from the results of cell proliferation test. The experimental dental resin (5 MHMA5T) was prepared containing BMHF-GMA and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate in a 1:1 ratio. The control group (5B5T) replaced BMHF-GMA completely with Bis-GMA. Evaluation of both dental resins revealed that 5 MHMA5T possessed comparable double bond conversion (>50 % in 20 s), better volumetric polymerization shrinkage (7.19 ± 0.09 %), shrinkage stress (0.92 ± 0.01 MPa in 1200 s), water sorption (39.9 ± 0.52 μg mm-3), water solubility (0.99 ± 0.04 μg mm-3) and lower cytotoxicity compared with 5B5T. 5 MHMA5T had superior mechanical properties (flexural strength: 122.30 ± 5.00 MPa; flexural modulus: 3.49 ± 0.02 GPa; Vickers hardness number: 25.21 ± 0.56 HV). Especially, after water immersion, it still maintained adequate mechanical properties (flexural strength: 97.34 ± 5.00 MPa; flexural modulus: 2.92 ± 0.02 GPa; Vickers hardness number: 19.33 ± 0.61 HV). Therefore, the new dimethacrylate BMHF-GMA shows great potential in complex and wet oral environments and offers a promising alternative to Bis-GMA in dental restorative resins.

Multi-omics analysis reveals BPF exposure causes hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism disorder in rats by disrupting energy homeostasis

Bisphenol F (BPF) is one of the main substitutes for Bisphenol A (BPA) and is widely used in the manufacture of household products. In addition, BPF threatens human health through environmental pollution and the food chain. However, the hepatotoxicity of BPF and its effects on glucose and lipid metabolism remain unclear. This study used male SD rats as an animal model to investigate the hepatotoxicity of BPF and its effects on glucose and lipid metabolism. The results of the HE staining, serum and liver biochemical indicators show that BPF can damage the basic structure of the liver, cause liver dysfunction and lead to disorders of liver glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism. Furthermore, we conducted metabolomics and proteomics analyses on the livers of the BPF exposed group at 100 mg/kg/d in comparison with the control group. The results indicated that BPF exposure had a significant effect on liver metabolism. Combined with biological analysis and the validation of changes in genes and proteins related to glucose and lipid metabolism in the liver, it was elucidated that BPF can promote fatty acid oxidation and inhibit fatty acid synthesis through the AMPK and PPAR signaling pathways, leading to a reduction in fatty acids. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that BPF can promote glycogen synthesis and gluconeogenesis via the AKT pathway, which can result in disorders of glucose metabolism.

Raw sheep wool contamination with bisphenol A and parabens. An assessment of interregional differences

The objective of this work is to investigate for the first time the contamination of raw wool with endocrine disruptor compounds - bisphenol A (BPA) and parabens (PBs), as well as to conduct the first biomonitoring study on long-term sheep exposure to these substances. The levels of BPA, methylparaben (MeP), ethylparaben (EtP), propylparaben (PrP) and butylparaben (BuP) were evaluated in wool samples (n = 100) from Kyrgyzstan and Poland using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. The highest levels were noted for BPA (range: 46.9-502 ng/g, mean 132 ± 70.5 ng/g) and MeP (range: 3.4 ng/g-71.1 ng/g, mean 19.9 ± 13.8 ng/g). Lower levels were found for EtP (range: Collapse

Key Words

• Biomonitoring
• Bisphenol A
• Endocrine disruptors
• Parabens
• Sheep wool

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MESH Headings

• Animals
• Benzhydryl Compounds/analysis
• Parabens/analysis
• Phenols/analysis
• Sheep
• Wool/chemistry
• Endocrine Disruptors/analysis
• Poland
• Environmental Pollutants/analysis
• Environmental Monitoring
• Bisphenol A Compounds

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Affiliation(s)

Sławomir Gonkowski Department of Clinical Physiology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Poland
Julia Martin Departamento de Química Analítica, Escuela Politécnica Superior, Universidad de Sevilla, Spain
Nariste Kadyralieva Department of Histology and Embryology, Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, Veterinary Faculty, Kyrgyzstan
Irene Aparicio Departamento de Química Analítica, Escuela Politécnica Superior, Universidad de Sevilla, Spain
Juan Luis Santos Departamento de Química Analítica, Escuela Politécnica Superior, Universidad de Sevilla, Spain
Esteban Alonso Departamento de Química Analítica, Escuela Politécnica Superior, Universidad de Sevilla, Spain
Liliana Rytel Department of Internal Diseases with Clinics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland.

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Network toxicology and molecular docking to investigate the mechanism of bisphenol A toxicity in human diabetic cardiomyopathy

Bisphenol A (BPA), a ubiquitous endocrine-disrupting chemical, is widely used in polymers, plasticizers, and food packaging, raising significant concerns for human health. Growing evidence links BPA exposure to cardiovascular diseases, including diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), a severe complication of diabetes characterized by myocardial dysfunction. This study employs an integrative approach combining network toxicology and molecular docking to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying BPA-induced DCM. Using computational tools such as ADMETlab2.0, ProTox3.0, GeneCards, OMIM, Swiss Target Prediction, and ChEMBL databases, we systematically predicted BPA's potential to induce DCM and constructed comprehensive disease and BPA target libraries. Venn diagram analysis identified 93 potential targets associated with BPA-induced DCM, and a robust BPA regulatory network was established using Cytoscape. Functional enrichment analyses revealed significant involvement of oxidative stress, insulin signaling, and metabolic pathways in BPA toxicity. Molecular docking simulations demonstrated stable binding interactions between BPA and core targets (INS, AKT1, PPARG, STAT3, PPARA, MMP9), with binding energies ranging from -5.3 to -7.5 kcal/mol. Our findings indicate that BPA may induce DCM through key genes and pathways, including cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, insulin signaling pathway, AMPK signaling pathway, and HIF-1 signaling pathway. This study provides a novel theoretical framework for understanding the molecular pathogenesis of BPA-induced DCM and highlights the potential of network toxicology in identifying toxic pathways for uncharacterized environmental compounds. These insights offer potential targets for preventive and therapeutic strategies against BPA-associated cardiovascular complications.

Endocrine disruptors and antimicrobial agents in an intercity study in England: Towards holistic environmental and public exposure assessment using water-based epidemiology and retrospective mass spectra data mining

An analytical framework was developed, allowing for suspect screening and retrospective quantification of hazardous household-derived chemicals (HDCs) in community wastewater and river water to assess public exposure and environmental health status. 11 HDCs (bisphenol A, 4 parabens, 5 antimicrobials and benzophenone-1) and 2 metabolites (bisphenol A sulfate and triclosan sulfate) were identified, confirmed and quantified in mass spectra from a multi-city study covering 5 contrasting towns and cities in England within a catchment served by 5 wastewater treatment plants (WwTPs), representing > 75 % of the whole catchment population (∼1.5 million people) and covering a 2000 km2 area. A further 5 HDC metabolites: hydroxytriclocarban,p-chlorocresol sulfate, 2,6-dimethyl-1,4-benzenediol, chloroxylenol sulfate, 2-benzyl-1,4-benzenediol were for the first time tentatively identified in wastewater and river water using suspect screening. Trends in daily loads and population normalised daily loads of HDCs were studied. Population size was identified as the key driver of environmental burden, however, impacts from industrial usage were also apparent in the case of BPA and parabens. For example, BPA population normalised daily loads indicated higher exposure estimated for communities with industrial presence indicating occupational exposure. Environmental risk assessment was also undertaken for 11 HDCs using the risk quotient (RQ) method. RQ values < 0.1, found for most HDCs in river water, suggested low risk. However, RQ values > 1 found for triclosan and triclocarban indicated potentially high risk to the environment, which is concerning due to their endocrine disruption and antimicrobial resistance properties. This study verified the potential for holistic assessment of both community and environmental exposure. It showed that different chemicals might need to be considered in the context of risks to humans and the environment (e.g., bisphenol A of high risk to humans vs triclosan and triclocarban being of high risk to the aquatic environment). Lack of analytical standards for metabolic biomarkers, as well as lack of understanding of metabolic pathways of HDCs were identified as the key limiting factors in establishing WBE as a holistic One Health tool for combined environmental and public health assessment of HDCs, especially those that are not intended for human consumption.

Advancements and prospects of molecularly imprinted polymers as chemical sensors: A comprehensive review

The scientific literature on molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) has grown significantly in the past decades, reflecting an increasing interest in their potential applications. MIPs are valued for their ability to selectively detect a broad range of analytes and mimic biological recognition in different environmental conditions. This review utilises data (Scopus data from 2010 to 2024) from a bibliometric visualisation with VOSviewer (version 1.6.2) to identify trends and research hotspots in developing MIP-based sensors. The findings from this review indicated notable advancements in molecular imprinting technology (MIT) and the challenges MIP technology faces. It also discusses how various optimisation preparation techniques can be used to overcome the inherent limitations of MIP synthesis. The review also presents a case investigation and suggests classifying MIPs as chemosensors (chemical sensors) rather than biosensors to resolve the confusion and classification difficulties encountered in the existing literature on MIP sensors. It also addresses critical issues regarding the paradoxical lack of MIP-based sensors in the commercial market despite a marked increase in scientific output. The review outlines future research directions to enhance MIP sensor technology further. It emphasises the need for more collaboration between academia and industry to bridge existing gaps and accelerate commercialisation.

Biodegradation and mineralization of bisphenol A by a novel soil-derived fungus Paraconiothyrium brasiliense mediated by extracellular laccase

Bisphenol A (BPA), involved in plastic manufacturing, has indeed raised major threats due to its pervasive and potentially hazardous effects on human life and the environment. Therefore, a global concern with the elimination and biodegradation of diverse plastic material pollution is necessary. The purpose of this study was to investigate and thoroughly screen promising fungi for efficacy BPA biodegradation. Totally, 15 soil fungi were isolated. Among them, 6 isolates exhibited greater levels of BPA degradation with varied rates from 60 ± 0.8-100 ± 0.1 % and were then identified in accordance with (ITS) regions. The highly promising BPA degradation isolate (100 %) was confirmed as Paraconiothyrium brasiliense strain HMA1, with a removal concentration of (0.5-500 mg/L) after 10 days with an optimal temperature at 30 °C, pH at 7.5, and ammonium sulphate as nitrogen source. Moreover, multiple intermediate metabolites were detected and confirmed during the BPA biodegradation process using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) with the help of quadrupole time-of-flight (Q-TOF). The HMA1 exhibited a considerable mineralization rate of 150 mg/L BPA reached up to 78 % of total organic carbon in the culture media after 5 days. Depending on the properties of intermediate components, the potential BPA degradation pathway of HMA1 was proposed. Furthermore, the activity of extracellular laccase and its potential for BPA degradation was studied to elucidate the mechanism of BPA biodegradation by HMA1. Conclusively, our findings provide the first report combined with distinct characteristics of P. brasiliense with a maximum BPA elimination to be a promising candidate for plastic-based material degradation.

Determination of trace bisphenols in milk based on AMA/DVB@GO@UiO-66-NH2 dispersive micro solid-phase extraction coupled with HPLC-UV

A novel Zr-based metal-organic framework (MOF) functionalized with graphene oxide-coated allylmethacrylate-divinylbenzene microspheres (AMA/DVB@GO), termed AMA/DVB@GO@UiO-66-NH2 was designed. The composite exhibits great adsorption capacity and selectivity for bisphenols (BPs), driven by synergistic interactions, including hydrophobic, π-π, and hydrogen bonding. We optimized conditions to establish an efficient dispersive micro-solid phase extraction procedure coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography (d-μSPE-HPLC) for extracting BPs from milk samples, using the AMA/DVB@GO@UiO-66-NH2 composite. The method achieved recoveries ranging from 84.0 to 106.6%, with relative standard deviations below 6.9% and detection limits between 0.17 and 0.67 μg/L. This study introduced a novel, hydrophilic, and stable AMA/DVB@GO@UiO-66-NH2 composite, offering a promising material for the selective enrichment and detection of BPs in food analysis.

Development of a robust enzyme cascade system: co-immobilization of laccase and versatile peroxidase on polyacrylamide hydrogel for enhanced BPA degradation

Biodegradation using a synergically integrated system of laccase (E.C. 1.10.3.2) and versatile peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.16) co-immobilized on the polyacrylamide (PAM) hydrogel presents a promising solution for removing endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) like bisphenol A (BPA) from wastewater. In this study, we developed a tailored biocatalyst consisting of a fungal laccase from Pleurotus ostreatus IBL-02 and versatile peroxidase, enzyme cascade co-immobilized covalently on a 7% (w/v) PAM hydrogel, offering high catalytic potential across various pH and temperature ranges. The PAM-VP/Lac structure was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectrophotometry, revealing improved characteristics compared to free counterparts (FLac and FVP). The optimal pH for FLac, FVP, Lac/VP, and PAM-VP/Lac was 4, 5, 6, and 7, respectively. PAM-VP/Lac exhibited optimal activity at 50-60 °C, higher than FLac, FVP, and Lac-VP. PAM-VP/Lac showed superior operational stability, retaining 99.2% of its activity after eight cycles, with an immobilization efficiency of 78.62 ± 1.15% and activity recovery of 33.71 ± 0.2%. It also demonstrated enhanced thermal stability, with a two-fold increase in half-life at 50-70 °C. Thermodynamic analysis showed significant improvements in stability parameters for PAM-VP/Lac. This system achieved complete BPA degradation within two and a half hr, highlighting its potential for industrial-scale environmental remediation.

Bisphenol A Exposure Modifies the Vasoactive Response of the Middle Cerebral Artery

Bisphenol A (BPA) is the most used widely synthetic compound for the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins produced worldwide. Given its androgenic and estrogenic activities, BPA is an endocrine disruptor that is linked to neurological and vascular outcomes, including strokes. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the mechanisms by which a 24 h exposure to BPA (0.002-20 μM) modifies the contractile function of rat middle cerebral artery (MCA) smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Thus, MCA explants were isolated from Wistar rats, and the SMC-MCA vasoactive response was assessed using planar cell surface area, while the gene expression of proteins and ion channel subunits involved in the MCA vasoactive response was evaluated by real-time quantitative PCR. The exposure to BPA (0.02 and 2 μM) decreased the noradrenaline (NA) vasocontractile response and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) vasorelaxant response. Moreover, exposure to BPA (0.02 and 2 μM) increased the gene expression of the soluble guanyl cyclase protein and the large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (1.1 α-subunit). These results suggest an impairment of the SMC-MCA vasoactive response induced by intermediate BPA concentrations, an effect not attained for the lowest or highest exposure concentrations (non-monotonic inverted U-shaped response). In summary, these findings suggest that BPA exposure modifies MCA vascular homeostasis by interfering with the nitric oxide (NO) pathway and may, thus, be involved in ischemic stroke development.

Repeated measurements of urinary bisphenol A and its analogues in relation to sperm DNA damage

Bisphenol A (BPA), a common endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC), has shown detrimental effects on sperm quality and function in experimental models. However, epidemiological evidence is inconsistent and also there exists a notable lack of data on its analogues, such as bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol S (BPS). To investigate the relationships between BPA, BPF and BPS exposures and sperm DNA damage, we conducted a cross-sectional study recruiting 474 Chinese men from an infertility clinic in Wuhan, China. We repeated measurements of urinary BPA, BPF and BPS concentrations to enhance the exposure assessments and evaluated sperm DNA damage using three comet assay indicators: tail length (TL), tail distributed moment (TDM) and percentages of tail DNA (Tail%). We observed positive associations of BPA exposure with TL and TDM (both P for trends < 0.05) and an association of elevated BPF exposure with increased Tail% (P for trend = 0.066). Furthermore, BPA exposure in relation to increased TL and TDM were more pronounced in men with body mass index (BMI) below 24 kg/m2 and non-smokers (all P for interactions < 0.05). Our findings strengthened human evidence that BPA and its analogue BPF exposures were in relation to increased sperm DNA damage.

Effects of bioplastics and their leachates on marine bacterial communities

Biobased biodegradable plastics (bioplastics) are promising alternatives fuel-based plastics. However, higher additive content is generally used to perform similarly to fuel-based materials. Moreover, plastic additives are not covalently bound to carbon chains and can leach into aquatic environments such as seawater, potentially impacting marine biota, though the extent of these effects is not yet fully understood. To evaluate the leaching behaviour in seawater of plastic additives from bioplastics materials and its impact on coastal surface marine bacterial communities, microcosm experiments were conducted using seawater amended with non-aged pellets of polylactic acid (PLA), poly-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), and commercial materials, a knife of PLA and a bag of PLA&PHB, under biotic and abiotic conditions for two months. Samples were taken weekly to study the bacterial abundance, bi-weekly to evaluate the leaching process and potential biodegradation products and, finally, at the end of the experiment to study the microbial communities. Chemical analysis was performed using suspect screening by means of Liquid Chromatography coupled to High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LCHRMS) equipped with Electrospray Ionization source working in positive and negative conditions. The experiment showed that 177 compounds were tentatively identified at confidence level 2, including plasticizers, UV filters, flame retardants, and PLA- and PHB-related degradation products, which were detected in similar proportions under abiotic and biotic processes. Bacterial communities exposed to PLA showed higher production and significant differences in the community composition, with PLA degraders being identified in the different plastispheres studied. Leachates impacted differently microbial communities in the free-living fraction, particle-attached fraction and in the plastisphere, indicating taxa-specific responses. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study providing further insights into the influence of bioplastics and their leachates on marine microbial communities, contributing to our understanding of bioplastics' effects on the global oceans.

Analysis of Phthalate Monoesters and Bisphenols in Human Prostate Cancer Tissue and Urine

A growing concern has been raised about human exposure to phthalates and bisphenols, while data is limited regarding the accumulation of these endocrine disrupting chemicals at the target tissue. In this study, a novel, simple, and sensitive method was successfully developed for the simultaneous determination of nine phthalate monoesters and nine bisphenols in human prostate tissue samples. A solid-liquid extraction procedure was applied following ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analysis. The detection and quantification limits were in the range of 4.12 × 10-3 to 0.370 ng/g and 1.38 × 10-3 to 1.23 ng/g, respectively. The average spiked recoveries varied from 71.4% to 102%, with relative standard deviations ≤ 10%. Finally, this method was applied to 76 human prostate tissue samples. Four phthalate monoesters (mono-ethyl phthalate, mono-iso-butyl phthalate, mono-n-butyl phthalate, and mono-benzyl phthalate) were detected with the highest frequency of 98.68%, followed by other five phthalate monoesters (71.05% ∼ 94.74%), bisphenol S (72.37%), and bisphenol A (57.89%). Five bisphenols were not detected in any tissue sample. The concentrations of detected phthalate monoesters and bisphenols ranged from 1.12 × 10-3 to 1.86 × 102 ng/g and 6.08 × 10-3 to 39.0 ng/g, respectively, with standard errors ranging from 3.25×10-3 to 4.64 ng/g. Besides, a positive correlation for the concentration of seven phthalate monoesters and bisphenol A could be observed between tissue and urine, which indicates that these metabolites in urine can serve as noninvasive biomarkers to evaluate the true exposure level of prostate tissue. This study provides data and information on exposure to phthalate monoesters and bisphenols in human prostate tissue and the association with their urinary metabolites, supporting further studies of pollutant exposure and prostate disease.

Endocrine Disruptors Chemicals: Impacts of Bisphenol A, Tributyltin and Lead on Thyroid Function

The large-scale industrial production characteristic of the last century led to an increase in man-made compounds and mobilization of natural compounds, many of which can accumulate in the environment and organisms due to their bioaccumulation and biomagnification properties. The endocrine system is especially vulnerable to these compounds that are known as endocrine disruptor chemicals (EDCs). Thyroid hormones (THs) are essential for normal development and growth, besides being the main regulators of basal metabolic rate. Thus, compounds able to affect THs synthesis, transport, and action could produce important deleterious effects, impacting the development of metabolic and endocrine diseases. Herein, we will review the main effects of EDCs on the thyroid axis, with special emphasis on the widely used substances bisphenol A (BPA), employed in the synthesis of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins; tributyltin (TBT), an organotin chemical substance widely used in several agro-industrial applications; and lead (Pb), a ubiquitous environmental and occupational polluting heavy metal. Exposure to these EDCs occurs mainly from the ingestion of contaminated food and beverages. Furthermore, there are few epidemiological studies evaluating human risk, and experimental studies employ different exposure models, making it difficult to integrate results. However, even low doses of these EDCs warn of thyrotoxicity. Since THs homeostasis is essential for health and humans are increasingly being exposed to EDCs, it is important to clarify which substances might act as thyroid hormone system disrupting chemicals and how they act in order to try to overcome their deleterious effects and limit the exposure to these compounds.

Internal Bisphenol Analogue Exposure in an Elderly Chinese Population: Knowledge from Dietary Exposure

Due to its endocrine-disrupting effects and neurotoxicity, Bisphenol A (BPA) has been banned from some products and some countries; therefore, alternatives are increasingly being used. Studies have been performed to evaluate internal Bisphenol analogue (BP) exposure in children, adolescents and adults; however, little information on elderly age groups is available. In this study, a cohort of 161 senior residents aged 60-70 years, from a coastal residential district in Jiangsu Province of China, was selected, and blood samples were collected from these individuals to evaluate internal BP exposure. The serum concentrations of eleven BPs (BPA, BPB, BPC, BPE, BPF, BPS, BPZ, BPP, BPAF, BPAP and TBBPA) were quantitatively determined by HPLC-MS/MS. In parallel, demographic and dietary surveys were conducted, and the potential association between BP levels and dietary habits was analyzed. Noteworthily, the detection rate of 10 BPs in serum samples exceeded 78%. Of all the BPs, BPA displayed the highest level, followed by BPAF, BPB, and BPS. Interestingly, the levels of most types of BPs in males were higher than those in females, and individuals above 65 years of age exhibited significantly higher BPA levels. Dietary analysis indicated a significant correlation between meat consumption and BP levels, implying that this is an important source of BP exposure. The current study uncovers previously unknown aspects of BPs exposure, characterized by high internal BP levels in the elderly, and risk factors such as gender and meat consumption. This offers valuable insights for preventing region-specific BP exposure in the elderly.

Assessment of Bisphenol A (BPA) Exposure in Dairy Cows Using Hair Samples Analysis

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a plasticizer known to have various adverse effects on humans and animals. Exposure of farm animals to BPA negatively impacts their health and poses a threat to humans who consume products of animal origin. Despite the importance of studying the exposure of farm animals to BPA, the knowledge in this area is quite limited. To date, the assessment of BPA levels in dairy cows using analysis of hair samples has not been performed. The study utilized liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to analyze hair samples collected from 48 dairy cows in the following regions of Kyrgyzstan: Sokuluk, Alamedin and Ysyk Ata. BPA levels above the limit of detection (LOD = 4.8 pg/mg) were noted in 18.8% of analyzed samples. BPA levels in individual samples ranged from below LOD to 89.1 pg/mg with a median value of 9.3 ± 19.7 pg/mg. The study indicates that dairy cows are exposed to BPA, and hair samples can be used for BPA biomonitoring in farm animals. The present study is the first investigation of BPA levels in cows' hair, which is one of the best matrices to study long-term exposure of living organisms to environmental pollutants. Additionally, this study is the first to analyze BPA in biological samples from Kyrgyzstan.

Menstrual wastes: a Sri Lankan perspective on quantities, characteristics, and issues

The importance of good menstruation hygiene management (MHM) practices has gained considerable attention in Sri Lanka, but least attention is given to menstrual wastes regarding the types, quantities, characteristics, disposal practices, and potential environmental impacts due to haphazard disposal. An understanding of the types, quantities, and characteristics of menstrual wastes is crucial to formulate and implement safer collection and environmentally acceptable disposal strategies. Therefore, this paper provides a preliminary viewpoint regarding menstrual wastes generated in Sri Lanka with an overview on source separation (SS), disposal methods, and the legal requirements regarding disposal. Commercially available single-use sanitary pads (100% in Colombo capital city; 17-91% in other regions) and reusable cotton cloths (3-83% in other regions, except in Colombo-0%) are the widely used menstrual hygiene products (MHPs). SS is very low, and overall disposal practices are environmentally unfriendly (e.g., 8-84% flushing into toilets). Pad quantities generated from one menstruator/month are 288.4 g (259.6 g plastic), 360.5 g (324.5 g plastic), and 432.6 g (389.3 g plastic) (from a 5 mL blood-soaked 5 g pad); 436.8 g (393.1 g plastic), 546 g (491.4 g plastic), and 655.2 g (589.7 g plastic) (from a 10 mL blood-soaked 5 g pad); and 568.4 g (511.6 g plastic), 710.5 g (639.5 g plastic), and 852.6 g (767.3 g plastic) (from a 5 mL blood-soaked 15 g pad), and cloths/menstruator/month are 199.4 g, 249.2 g, and 299 g (from a 5 g material) at changing frequencies of 4, 5, and 6 times/day, respectively. Nevertheless, cloth waste quantities that get disposed for any given year are substantially less (due to reuse) compared with sanitary pad wastes. Soiled MHPs are not categorized as infectious wastes or household hazardous wastes in Sri Lanka. Legislative changes with planning of proper SS, collection, and disposal and the use of cotton cloths and/or other environmentally friendly MHPs are suggested.

Biodegradation of Xenoestrogens by the Green Tide Forming Seaweed Ulva: A Model System for Bioremediation

Anthropogenic xenoestrogens pose serious threats to humans and the environment. Ulva (Chlorophyta), a green macroalga that can propagate in environments of various salinities, is a potential candidate for efficient wastewater treatment and bioremediation. In this study, we tested the class of bisphenols and ethinylestradiol and investigated the underlying removal mechanisms of these xenoestrogens. The model organism Ulva mutabilis demonstrated over 99% removal efficiency for bisphenols A, B, E, F, P, and Z, and partial removal of bisphenol S. Ulva showed complete removal capabilities even under axenic conditions, while its associated bacteria were not involved. Complete removal of 6.6 mg L-1 of bisphenol A was achieved within 2 days and a half-time of 1.85 h. Biodegradation was the leading cause of removal, whereas bioaccumulation was minimal. The model substance bisphenol A underwent various reactions, and 20 transformation products were detected using stable isotope labeling. While most of the bisphenol A was completely biodegraded, the primary transformation products were monobromobisphenol A, bisphenol A bisulfate, and 4-hydroxypropanylphenol. This study highlights the potential of the green seaweed Ulva to provide a pathway for more effective and sustainable bioremediation strategies to tackle the environmental pollution caused by xenoestrogens.

Association of environmental phenol and paraben exposure with allergic biomarkers in eczema: findings from NHANES 2005-2006

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as phenols and parabens can promote allergic conditions including eczema. We aimed to analyze the association between exposure to environmental phenols and parabens and allergic biomarkers-including total serum Immunoglobulin E (IgE), C-reactive protein (CRP), and eosinophils-in individuals with eczema, using the dataset from NHANES 2005-2006. This analysis was based on urinary biomarker levels of phenols and parabens, including bisphenol A, benzophenone-3, 4-tert-octylphenol, triclosan, as well as methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl parabens. The urinary biomarkers of phenols and parabens were quantified using online SPE-HPLC-MS/MS, while IgE, CRP, and eosinophil levels were analyzed using fluorescent-enzyme immunoassay, the ImmunoCAP 1000 system, latex-enhanced nephelometry, and the Beckman Coulter method, respectively. Following data extraction, we obtained 159 individuals with a history of eczema and categorized them by age for analysis. Our findings showed positive correlations between bisphenol A, triclosan, butyl paraben, methyl paraben, and propyl paraben and allergic biomarkers in children with eczema aged 6 to 8 years. Notably, a significant positive correlation was observed between methyl paraben exposure and IgE levels. In adults with eczema, 4-tert-octylphenol demonstrated a significant positive association with both IgE levels and eosinophil counts. These findings suggest that exposure to these chemicals may exacerbate eczema symptoms.

Hierarchically Porous Anatase Nanoparticles Derived from One-Dimensional Lepidocrocite Titanate for Bisphenol-A Photodegradation

Herein, we discuss the conversion of one-dimensional lepidocrocite (1DL) titanate nanofilaments to anatase. Upon heating at temperatures >400 °C, the hierarchical 1DLs porous mesostructured particles transform to anatase, while retaining their morphology. These assemblies are characterized via X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and solid-state ultraviolet absorbance. The assemblies were tested in the photodegradation of a water-soluble, endocrine-disrupting organic compound, bisphenol A (BPA). Using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, we show that 95% of BPA is degraded in 1 h under 1 sun of the simulated solar spectrum. Under the same conditions, the total organic carbon of the solution was reduced by 70%.

Damage mechanisms of bisphenols on the quality of mammalian oocytes

The extensive use of bisphenols in the plastics industry globally is a major growing concern for human health. Bisphenol compounds are easily leached out from plastic containers to food, beverages, and drinking water and contaminate the natural environment. Daily exposure of bisphenol compounds increases their load and impairs various organs, including the reproductive system. Bisphenol compounds directly or indirectly affect ovarian functions, such as folliculogenesis, steroidogenesis, oogenesis, and thereby oocyte quality. Bisphenol A (BPA) and its structural analogues act as endocrine disruptors and induce generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the ovary. Excess levels of ROS induce death pathways in follicular steroidogenic cells and affect ovarian steroidogenesis. The reduced level of estradiol-17β impairs follicular growth and development that reduces the number and quality of oocytes. In addition, excess levels of ROS in follicular fluid trigger meiotic instability, which further deteriorates oocyte quality. The high level of ROS generates oxidative stress that triggers various death pathways in germ cells as well as in oocytes, induces follicular atresia, and depletes ovarian reserve. Although growing evidence indicates the destructive effects of bisphenol compounds at the level of ovary, potential effects and underlying mechanisms that deteriorate oocyte quality remain poorly understood. Therefore, this review summarizes the mechanisms by which bisphenols cause damage to the ovary, impair oocyte quality, and affect women's fertility.

Transcriptome analysis reveals effects of ethynylestradiol and bisphenol A on multiple endocrine and metabolic pathways in the pituitary and liver of female Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua)

Introduction

The pituitary and liver are among the main sites of action of estrogens in fish. Years of research has shown that xenoestrogens can interfere with functions of estrogens. There is however incomplete understanding of xenoestrogen targets genes, their molecular mechanisms and potential effects in some of the target organs, particularly the pituitary.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive analysis of pituitary and liver transcriptome 72 h after injection of ethynylestradiol (EE2: 10, 50 or 250 nmol/kg body weight/bw) and bisphenol A (BPA: 8, 40 or 200 μmol/kg bw) in juvenile female Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua).

Results

A broad range of reproductive and metabolic pathways were affected in both organs by BPA and EE2. In the pituitary, effects on the expression of many genes associated with reproduction-related hormonal pathways including the gonadotropin system, as well as genes in processes such as cell differentiation and metabolic homeostasis were observed. In the liver, in addition to upregulation of well-known estrogen marker genes, effects on metabolic pathways, in particular, a coordinated downregulation of genes in the triglyceride synthesis pathways were observed.

Discussion

The results suggest that estrogenic compounds affect a broad range of reproductive and metabolic processes in the pituitary. The alterations in the liver unravel the transcriptional changes underlying metabolic remodeling during estrogen induced vitellogenesis. This study provides new insights into mechanisms of endocrine and metabolic interactions that can be potential targets of environmental estrogens in fish. The study also identifies potential gene expression biomarkers for pituitary and liver effects of xenoestrogens.

Taurine protection attenuates bisphenol-A-induced behavioral, neurochemical, and histopathological alterations in male rats

Due to the continuous exposure to bisphenol-A (BPA), the current study was conducted to evaluate taurine's neuroprotective action against BPA's adverse effect on the brain. Rats were grouped into control, BPA-treated rats, and taurine + BPA-treated rats. At the end of the 35-day treatment period, the memory of the rats was evaluated using the novel object test and the Y-maze test. An open-field test was used to measure motor activity. The changes in monoamines, monoamine oxidase (MAO), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), Na+,K+,ATPase, oxidative stress, caspase-3, and histopathology were evaluated in the cortical and hippocampal tissues of all groups. Data analysis by ANOVA revealed that BPA treatment induced motor hyperactivity and short- and long-term memory impairment. In the cortex, BPA decreased serotonin (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), MAO, Na+,K+,ATPase, and nitric oxide (NO) and increased dopamine (DA), AChE, lipid peroxidation (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and caspase-3. In the hippocampus, BPA increased 5-HT, DA, NE, MAO, AChE, MDA, NO, GSH, and caspase-3 and decreased Na+,K+,ATPase. These neurochemical changes were accompanied by significant histopathological alterations. Taurine treatment prevented memory impairment and motor hyperactivity induced by BPA. Taurine attenuated the neurochemical changes, oxidative stress, and caspase-3 level. Taurine improved the histopathological change induced by BPA. In conclusion, taurine significantly prevented BPA-induced cognitive deficits, motor coordination impairments, neurotransmitter imbalances, histopathological alterations, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.

Endocrine Disrupting Toxicity of Bisphenol A and Its Analogs: Implications in the Neuro-Immune Milieu

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are natural or synthetic substances that are able to interfere with hormonal systems and alter their physiological signaling. EDCs have been recognized as a public health issue due to their widespread use, environmental persistence and the potential levels of long-term exposure with implications in multiple pathological conditions. Their reported adverse effects pose critical concerns about their use, warranting their strict regulation. This is the case of bisphenol A (BPA), a well-known EDC whose tolerable daily intake (TDI) was re-evaluated in 2023 by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and the immune system has been identified as the most sensitive to BPA exposure. Increasing scientific evidence indicates that EDCs can interfere with several hormone receptors, pathways and interacting proteins, resulting in a complex, cell context-dependent response that may differ among tissues. In this regard, the neuronal and immune systems are important targets of hormonal signaling and are now emerging as critical players in endocrine disruption. Here, we use BPA and its analogs as proof-of-concept EDCs to address their detrimental effects on the immune and nervous systems and to highlight complex interrelationships within the immune-neuroendocrine network (INEN). Finally, we propose that Receptor for Activated C Kinase 1 (RACK1), an important target for EDCs and a valuable screening tool, could serve as a central hub in our toxicology model to explain bisphenol-mediated adverse effects on the INEN.

The negative impacts of bisphenols on thyroid function in adults with bisphenol A exposure level exceeding the tolerable daily intake

In 2023, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published a re-evaluation of the safety of bisphenol A (BPA), establishing the new tolerable daily intake (TDI) as 0.2 ng/kg·bw/day with a 20,000-fold reduction compared to 2015, which regained public concern about the impact of bisphenols (BPs) on human health. In order to explore the health risk to thyroid function of BPs, in this study, we assessed the internal exposure levels of BPs and the relationships between urinary BPs and thyroid function in general adults. We carried out a cross-sectional study in Chengdu, China, recruiting 1486 adults without special indentities and diseases (aged 18-68), and measured 6 BPs in urine. We found BPA was the predominant compound in urinary samples of this population, and the estimated daily intake (EDI) of BPA was 0.027 μg/kg·bw/day (geometric mean), exceeding the TDI value by two orders of magnitude. Using multivariable regression model, we observed a negative association between BPA and T3 and T3/T4 in males. Trend tests indicated that higher BPA levels were correlated with higher rates of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) in males (OR=1.383, 95 % CI [1.024, 1.867]). We also observed that bisphenol F (BPF) contributed to the occurrence of thyroid globulin antibody positivity (TGAb.P) in both males and females. Although the use of BPs has been restricted, the adverse health effects still deserve public attention.

Gold Nanoparticle-Modified Molecularly Imprinted Polymer-Coated Pencil Graphite Electrodes for Electrochemical Detection of Bisphenol A

The sensitive Bisphenol A (BPA) detection by an electrochemical sensor based on gold nanoparticle-doped molecularly imprinted polymer was successfully improved. This study describes the development of a method for BPA detection in both aqueous solution and real water samples using N-methacroyl-(L)-cysteine methyl ester and N-methacryloyl-(L)-phenylalanine methyl ester coated pencil graphite electrodes modified with AuNPs by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Importantly, AuNPs, which increase the electroactivity, were used to increase the surface area of a BPA-imprinted pencil graphite electrode (MIP PGE) sensor. Scanning electron microscopy and spectrophotometry analysis were used for the characterization. The DPV response of the synthesized electrode showed distinguished electrical conductivity. The MIP PGE and nonimprinted pencil graphite electrode (NIP PGE) sensor were evaluated for selective and sensitive detection of BPA in aqueous solutions. Five different BPA concentrations (1.5, 3.0, 4.5, 6.0, and 7.5 μM) were applied to the MIP PGE, and the DPV recognized signal responses with a correlation coefficient value of 0.9965. The modified electrode demonstrated good electrocatalytic activity toward BPA for the linear concentration range of 1.5-7.5 μM, and a low limit of detection was found as 0.1610 μM. The results show that the MIP PGE sensor has excellent potential for selective and sensitive detection of BPA in real water samples.

Comprehensive Analysis of the Proteome of S. cerevisiae Wild-Type and pdr5Δ Cells in Response to Bisphenol A (BPA) Exposure

Bisphenol A, an endocrine-disrupting compound, is widely used in the industrial production of plastic products. Despite increasing concerns about its harmful effects on human health, animals, and the environment, the use of BPA has been banned only in infant products, and its effects on cellular processes are not fully understood. To investigate the impact of BPA on eukaryotic cells, we analyzed the proteome changes of wild-type and PDR5-deleted S. cerevisiae strains exposed to different doses of BPA using sample multiplexing-based proteomics. We found that the ABC multidrug transporter Pdr5 plays an important role in protecting yeast cells from BPA toxicity, with its absence significantly sensitizing cells to BPA. BPA inhibited yeast growth in a dose-dependent manner, with a more pronounced effect in PDR5-deleted cells. Proteomic analysis revealed that BPA induces widespread dose-dependent changes in protein abundance, including the upregulation of metabolic pathways such as arginine biosynthesis and the downregulation of mitochondrial proteins. Additionally, we observed markers of cellular stress induced by BPA by identifying multiple stress-induced proteins that were upregulated by this compound. As cellular processes affected by BPA have been shown to be evolutionarily conserved, these insights can advance our understanding of BPA's cellular impact and its broader effects on human health.

Impact of bisphenol A and analogues eluted from resin-based dental materials on cellular and molecular processes: An insight on underlying toxicity mechanisms

Dental resin systems, used for artificial replacement of teeth and their surrounding structures, have gained popularity due to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) recommendation to reduce dental amalgam use in high-risk populations and medical circumstances. Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine-disrupting chemical, is an essential monomer within dental resin in the form of various analogues and derivatives. Leaching of monomers from resins results in toxicity, affecting hormone metabolism and causing long-term health risks. Understanding cellular-level toxicity profiles of bisphenol derivatives is crucial for conducting toxicity studies in in vivo models. This review provides insights into the unique expression patterns of BPA and its analogues among different cell types and their underlying toxicity mechanisms. Lack of a consistent cell line for toxic effects necessitates exploring various cell lines. Among the individual monomers, BisGMA was found to be the most toxic; however, BisDMA and BADGE generates BPA endogenously and found to elicit severe adverse reactions. In correlating in vitro data with in vivo findings, further research is necessary to classify the elutes as human carcinogens or xenoestrogens. Though the basic mechanisms underlying toxicity were believed to be the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species and a corresponding decline in glutathione levels, several underlying mechanisms were identified to stimulate cellular responses at low concentrations. The review calls for further research to assess the synergistic interactions of co-monomers and other components in dental resins. The review emphasizes the clinical relevance of these findings, highlighting the necessity for safer dental materials and underscoring the potential health risks associated with current dental resin systems.

Sensitive and rapid detection of bisphenol A using signal amplification nanoparticles loaded with anti-bisphenol A monoclonal antibody

Bisphenol A has been reported to be a ubiquitous contaminant, and exposure to this compound can lead to adverse effects in human health. In the study, monoclonal antibody against BPA (anti-BPA mAb) with high affinity (3.74 × 109 L/mol) secreted by cell line 2E3 was successfully screened. Inspired by the signal amplification of nanoparticles, anti-BPA mAbs were labeled with nano-materials including colloidal gold (AuNP) and gold nanoflowers (AuNF) for preparation of immunoprobes and AuNP-/AuNF-based test strips. The developed AuNP- and AuNF-based test strips achieved the rapid and sensitive detection of BPA within 10 min, with the limit of detection (LOD) of 25 μg/mL and 3.125 μg/mL, respectively. The detection result in BPA spiked samples measured by the proposed methods was consistent with that detected by LC-MS method. The preparation process of as-prepared test strip is time-saving and considered as ideal candidates method for rapid screening BPA in real samples.

Natural Eutectic Solvent-Based Temperature-Controlled Liquid-Liquid Microextraction and Nano-Liquid Chromatography for the Analysis of Herbal Aqueous Samples

In this work, two novel (-)-menthol-based hydrophobic natural eutectic solvents with vanillin and cinnamic acid were prepared and applied as extraction solvents. In this regard, 12 endocrine disruptors, including phenol, 2,4-dimethylphenol, 2,3,6-trimethylphenol, 4-tert-butylphenol, 4-sec-butylphenol, 4-tert-amylphenol, 4-n-hexylphenol, 4-tert-octylphenol, 4-n-heptylphenol, 4-n-octylphenol, and 4-n-nonylphenol and bisphenol A, were studied in a green tea drink. A temperature-controlled liquid-liquid microextraction was used as the extraction method, and nano-liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detection was used as the separation and determination system. Different parameters affecting the compatibility of the non-ionic eutectic solvents with water-polar organic solvent mixtures and chromatographic and detection systems were optimized, including injection/dilution solvent, injection mode, mobile phase composition, and step gradient. With the same purpose, two stationary phases were tested, including XBridge® C18 and a mixed-phase Cogent C30-XBridge® C18. Finally, the greenness and blueness of the methodology were assessed to evaluate the environmental profile and usability of the procedure.

An electrochemical aptasensor for the detection of bisphenol A based on triple signal amplification assisted by gold nanoparticles, hemin/G-quadruplex DNAzyme, and exonuclease I

A triple signal amplified electrochemical aptasensor for the detection of bisphenol A (BPA) was developed for the first time based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), hemin/G-quadruplex DNAzyme, and exonuclease I (Exo I) assisted amplification strategies. The BPA aptamer (Apt) hybridized with the capture probe (CP) was fixed on the gold electrode (GE) to form the double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) structure. When BPA was present, the Apt was detached from the GE surface by specific recognition between the BPA and Apt, forming BPA-Apt complexes in solution. The complexes could be selectively digested by Exo I, releasing BPA to participate in the cycle for binding to other Apt in dsDNA. The hybridization of the CP and auxiliary DNA (aDNA) within the detect probe DNA (dpDNA)-AuNP-aDNA nanocomplex allowed the nanocomplex to connect to the GE surface. The dpDNA interacted with K+ and hemin to produce hemin/G-quadruplex DNAzyme, which catalyzed H2O2 reduction, accelerated methylene blue (MB) oxidization, and further amplified the electrochemical signal. The integration of triple signal amplification strategies with aptamer-specific recognition enabled sensitive and specific detection of BPA. Under optimized conditions, the aptasensor exhibited a linear range of 0.1 pM-10 nM, with a low detection limit of 76 fM. Moreover, the designed aptasensor was successfully applied to detect BPA in lake water, fruit juice, and honey samples.

A comprehensive review on advanced trends in treatment technologies for removal of Bisphenol A from aquatic media

Toxic environmental pollutants are considered to be posed a major threat to human and aquatic systems. The fast advancement of the petrochemical and chemical industries has woken up rising worries concerning the pollution of water by contaminants including phenolic Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC). The intermediate BPA used in synthesis of certain plastics, polycarbonate polymers, polysulfone, and epoxy resins of various polyesters. Due to potential health risks, severe toxicity, and widespread distribution, there is an urgent need to develop efficient techniques for the removal of BPA. Therefore, advance management for the active elimination of BPA prior to its release into the water sources is of serious concern. Degradation, membrane separation, adsorption, and biological treatments have been extensively examined as they are easy to operate and cost-effective for effective BPA removal. In this review, we summarized the mechanism and performance for removal of BPA by several sorbents, including natural polymers, natural inorganic minerals, porous and carbon-based materials. Comparative results revealed that composite materials and modified adsorbents have good performances for removal of BPA. Furthermore, kinetic study investigating adsorption mechanisms was also discussed. Hazardous quantities of such types of chemicals in various samples have thus been the subject of increasing concern of investigation. This review clarified the extensive literature regarding the major health effects of BPA and its advanced treatment technologies including biological treatment by natural and synthetic materials have been discussed briefly. It delivers regulation for future development and research from the aspects of materials functionalization, development of methods, and mechanism investigation that directing to stimulate developments for removal of emerging contaminants.

Toxic effects of chronic exposure to BPAF and perturbation of gut microbiota homeostasis in marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma)

Bisphenol AF (BPAF), a substitute for bisphenol A (BPA), exhibits potent endocrine-disrupting properties that pose a serious health hazard to organisms. This study employed marine medaka as a model, subjecting them to different concentrations of BPAF (0.61, 6.65, and 91.88 μg/L) from the embryonic stage for a period of 160 days. Findings showed that 91.88 μg/L BPAF reduced survival rates and altered sex ratios. Furthermore, exposure to BPAF at all concentrations led to a significant increase in body length and weight. Behavioral analysis revealed that BPAF exposure impaired the swimming ability of the medaka. Histological changes included disrupted ovarian development, reduced sperm count, liver inflammation, and intestinal damage. Gene expression analysis revealed impacts on nervous system (e.g., gap43, itr, elavl3), HPG axis (e.g., gthα, erα, 3βhsd), and liver genes (e.g., chgl, vtg2). Additionally, BPAF altered the diversity and richness of gut microbes in marine medaka, leading to significant changes in specific bacterial species and intestinal functions. In conclusion, long-term BPAF exposure induced neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, and impaired digestive and immune systems in marine medaka, with sex-specific effects. These results provide further evidence of the potential hazards of BPAF as an environmental pollutant.

Zinc Attenuates Bisphenol A-Induced Reproductive Toxicity in Male Mice by Inhibiting Ferroptosis and Apoptosis Through Improving Zinc Homeostasis

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a contaminant widely found in food packaging that can reduce sperm quality and impair male fertility. Zinc (Zn) is an important antioxidant involved in many important biological functions. The aim of this study was to explore the protective effect and mechanism of Zn on reproductive toxicity induced by BPA. Male ICR mice were divided into a control group, a BPA group and a BPA + Zn group. The results showed that the body weight, sperm count and sperm motility of the animals in the BPA group were significantly reduced, and testicular structure was damaged. BPA decreased the levels of serum total Zn, testis-free zinc, ADH and ALP, upregulated the expression of ZnT4 protein, and down-regulated the expression levels of ZIP8, ZIP14, ZnT1, MT and MTF1 protein, resulting in the imbalance of testicular Zn homeostasis. BPA down-regulates the antioxidant enzymes SOD and GSH-Px, and increases MDA, leading to oxidative stress. BPA up-regulates TF, TFR and STEAP3 and down-regulates SLC7A11, GPX4, FPN1 and FTH protein levels, resulting in abnormal iron metabolism and ferroptosis. BPA down-regulated anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, up-regulated pro-apoptotic markers Bax, caspase-9, caspase-8 and caspase-3, and induced apoptosis. BPA also increased the phosphorylation of JNK and ERK1/2, but did not increase the phosphorylation of P38. Zn significantly increased body weight and sperm quality, improved testicular morphology, down-regulated p-JNK/JNK and p-ERK/ERK levels, improved oxidative stress, and reduced ferroptosis and apoptosis. In conclusion, Zn regulates Zn homeostasis and down-regulates the MAPK signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting ferroptosis and apoptosis, alleviating BPA-induced oxidative stress and ultimately improving male reproductive damage.

Distribution characteristics and relationship of microplastics, phthalate esters, and bisphenol A in the Beiyun River basin of Beijing

Urban rivers are closely related to human life, and due to the widespread use of plastic products, rivers have become important carriers of pollutants such as microplastics (MP), phthalate esters (PAEs), and bisphenol A (BPA). However, our understanding of the distribution characteristics and relationships of MP, PAEs, and BPA in rivers is limited. In this study, MP, six PAEs and BPA were detected in the water and sediments of the Beiyun River basin. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) was the most abundant type of microplastic, while di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) were the most abundant PAEs. MP, PAEs, and BPA in both water and sediment showed positive correlations, with stronger correlations and higher pollution levels in sediment than in water. The tendency for PAE congeners to partition into sediments increased with a higher octanol-water partition coefficient (Kow). There was a significant positive correlation between the distribution tendency of ∑6PAEs and TOC in sediments with a pearson correlation coefficient of 0.717. Rivers with more frequent human activities and higher levels of urbanization in the vicinity had a higher abundance of various pollutants and a greater diversity of MP types.

Nanoplastics and bisphenol A exposure alone or in combination induce hepatopancreatic damage and disturbances in carbohydrate metabolism in the Portunus trituberculatus

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely found endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC). Nanoplastics (NPs) represent a novel environmental pollutant, and the combined toxicity of these pollutants on the hepatopancreas of marine arthropods is understudied. To investigate the potential risks associated with co-exposure to BPA and NPs on the hepatopancreas, Portunus trituberculatus was treated with 100 μg/L BPA, 104 particles/L NPs, and a combination of 100 μg/L BPA + 104 particles/L NPs for 21 days, respectively. Histological observation demonstrated that co-exposure severely damaged both hepatopancreas tissue and mitochondrial structure. Transcriptome analysis revealed that 1498 transcripts were differentially expressed under different exposure conditions, and these transcripts are involved in biological processes such as cellular processes and carbohydrate metabolism. BPA and NPs co-exposure modulate pyruvic acid (PA) levels by increasing the activity of pyruvate kinase (PK), leading to changes in glycogen and glucose (GLU) content within tissues, thus affecting glycolysis. The dysregulation of the CHI3L1, ACSS2 and ACYP2 genes induced by BPA and NPs co-exposure may collectively regulate the process of carbohydrate metabolism. Notably, the downregulation of the VPS4 gene and the upregulation of the GBA1, Pin1 and CCND2 gene may affect the cell cycle, potentially impacting cell proliferation after BPA and NPs co-exposure. These data indicate that co-exposure to BPA and NPs is more significantly cytotoxic and leads to changes in carbohydrate metabolism, cell proliferation, and histological damage in the hepatopancreas of P. trituberculatus. This knowledge emphasizes the need for proactive measures to mitigate the adverse effects of these environmental pollutants on human and ecological health while also providing valuable insights into the relevant molecular mechanisms.

Altered mitochondrial homeostasis on bisphenol-A exposure and its association in developing polycystic ovary syndrome: A comprehensive review

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrinopathy that is known to be one of the most common reproductive pathologies observed in premenopausal women around the globe and is particularly complex as it affects various endocrine and reproductive metabolic pathways. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are considered to be environmental toxicants as they have hazardous health effects on the functioning of the human endocrine system. Among various classes of EDCs, bisphenol A (BPA) has been under meticulous investigation due to its ability to alter the endocrine processes. As there is emerging evidence suggesting that BPA-induced mitochondrial homeostasis dysfunction in various pathophysiological conditions, this review aims to provide a detailed review of how various pathways associated with ovarian mitochondrial homeostasis are impaired on BPA exposure and its mirroring effects on the PCOS phenotype. BPA exposure might cause significant damage to the mitochondrial morphology and functions through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and simultaneously downregulates the total antioxidant capacity, thereby leading to oxidative stress. BPA disrupts the mitochondrial dynamics in human cells by altering the expressions of mitochondrial fission and fusion genes, increases the senescence marker proteins, along with significant alterations in the mTOR/AMPK pathway, upregulates the expression of autophagy mediating factors, and downregulates the autophagic suppressor. Furthermore, an increase in apoptosis of the ovarian granulosa cells indicates impaired folliculogenesis. As all these key features are associated with the pathogenesis of PCOS, this review can provide a better insight into the possible associations between BPA-induced dysregulation of mitochondrial homeostasis and PCOS.

The impact of Bisphenol-A on human reproductive health

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a recognized endocrine-disrupting chemical used to produce several consumer goods and products. There has been widespread exposure to BPA because of increased industrial production and use of BPA-containing products. As a result of these exposures, BPA is found in several human body fluids and can cause endocrine disruption by interfering with hormone signaling pathways and epigenetic modifications. Therefore, human reproductive health and development have been adversely affected by BPA. This review aimed to consolidate existing knowledge on the impact of BPA on human reproductive health, examining its effects on both males and females. To achieve this, we systematically searched four databases for studies that associated BPA with reproductive health (male and female), after which we retrieved the important information from the selected articles. There was an association of reproductive health diseases with high BPA exposure. In males, BPA was associated with increased sperm alterations, altered reproductive hormone levels, and testicular atrophy. In females, there was an association of BPA exposure with hormonal imbalances, reduced ovarian reserve, and increased likelihood of conditions such as fibroids, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis and infertility. BPA's pervasive presence and its harmful effects on reproductive health underscore the need for global regulation and public awareness. Although substantial evidence from animal and in vitro studies supports the detrimental effects of BPA, there is a need for more human-focused research, particularly in developing countries, to confirm these findings. This review advocates for increased regulatory measures to limit BPA exposure.

Optimized microbial fuel cell-powered electro-Fenton processes to enhance electricity and bisphenol A removal by varying external resistance and electrolyte concentrations

This study is the first to investigate the effects of external resistance and electrolyte concentration on the performance of a bioelectro-Fenton (BEF) system, involving measurements of power density, H2O2 generation, and bisphenol A (BPA) removal efficiency. With optimized operating conditions (external resistance of 1.12 kΩ and cathodic NaCl concentration of 1,657 mg/L), the BEF system achieved a maximum power density of 38.59 mW/m2, which is about 3.5 times higher than with 1 kΩ external resistance and no NaCl. This system featured a 71.7 % reduction in total internal resistance. The optimized BEF also accelerated the oxygen reduction reaction rate, increasing H2O2 generation by 4.4 times compared to the unoptimized system. Moreover, it exhibited superior BPA degradation performance, removing over 99 % of BPA within 14 hs, representing a 1.1 to 3.3-fold improvement over the unoptimized BEF. By the fifth cycle (70 h), the optimized BEF still removed 70 % of BPA. Optimizing the operating conditions significantly increased the abundance of electrochemically active bacteria (Pseudomonadaceae) from 2.2 % to 20 %, facilitating rapid acclimation. The study demonstrates the strong potential of an optimized BEF system for removing persistent pollutants.

Development of the Bisphenol A exposure scale in adults

Objective

This study was conducted to develop a scale for assessing the attitudes of adults regarding the determination of Bisphenol A exposure.

Methods

The study sample comprised of 370 individuals who volunteered to participate. According to the Explanatory Factor Analysis (EFA) results of the investigation, a scale structure consisting of a total of 3 sub-dimensions was obtained. In the Confirmatory Factor Analysis, the scale item factor loading values were acceptable.

Results

The fit indices for the scale were CMIN/df = 1,618, RMSEA = 0.058, NFI = 0.914, CFI = 0.965, and IFI = 0.790, indicating a satisfactory level of agreement. The scale was determined to have a Cronbach value of 0.79 and a high degree of reliability. The item-total score correlation coefficients of the scale ranged from 0.327 to 0.534 and exhibited a high degree of discrimination, as determined.

Conclusion

Based on the analyses conducted, it was determined that the Adult Bisphenol A Exposure Scale is a valid and reliable instrument for determining the attitudes of adults toward contact with and use of Bisphenol A-containing products.

Seasonal variations in microplastics in a coastal wetland in southwest India as well as their risks to Sillago sihama and Gerres filamentosus

Microplastics are minute plastic particles ranging from 1 µm to 5 mm in size. Mangroves are crucial ecosystems with roles in carbon sequestration, shoreline protection, and habitat for diverse species. Despite their significance, the extent of microplastic pollution in mangroves, especially in India, remains inadequately understood. To address this gap, we conducted a seasonal sampling in the Kota mangrove ecosystem at different water column depths. Our analysis revealed average microplastic abundances of 0.93 (monsoon), 3.71 (post-monsoon), and 2.92 MPs/L (pre-monsoon). The average microplastic abundances were 19.88 and 15.86 microplastics/individual for Gerres filamentosus and Sillago sihama, respectively. Fibrous microplastics smaller than 1 mm were dominant. Transparent microplastics dominated the water column (28.57% in monsoon, 77.45% in post-monsoon, and 49.24% in pre-monsoon), and they were also prevalent in S. sihama (49.55%) and G. filamentosus (41.51%). This points towards greater bioavailability and suggests that transparent microplastics are often mistaken for prey. Anthropogenic influence is a major factor that governs microplastic distribution than season in Kota mangroves. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that polypropylene was the dominant polymer in both water column as well as in S. sihama and G. filamentosus. We identified aquaculture, tourism, and local activities as probable sources of microplastic pollution. The monitoring data is crucial as it provides insights into microplastics pollution in two economically important fish species that are largely consumed by the local population. Exposure to microplastics from the consumption of these fish may cause serious health issues for human beings.

Identification of core genes and molecular prediction of drug targets for countering BPA-induced olfactory bulb neurotoxicity in male mice

Bisphenol A (BPA) is ubiquitous in plastics, which can modify and improve the applicability and durability of plastics. Previous laboratory studies have shown that BPA can trigger cognitive impairment and depression. The olfactory bulb (OB) is significantly related to cognition and depression. However, there is a deficiency in information on BPA-induced OB neurotoxicity. Therefore, we analyzed the OB tissues of male mice at the transcriptional level after BPA poisoning at four different levels of concentration (0, 0.01, 0.1, and 1 μg/mL). Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were used to screen critical pathways and core genes. The result demonstrated that the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway might play a crucial role in the effects of BPA on the OB. In addition, two genes of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, the colony stimulating factor-1 receptor (Csf1r) and the toll-like receptor 2 (Tlr2), were screened by the protein-protein interaction networks. Furthermore, molecular docking identified ceftolozane as a potential drug candidate that could counteract BPA-related OB neurotoxicity. Conclusively, our results confirmed that BPA induced OB damage in male mice through the PI3K-AKT pathway and proposed that ceftolozane might reduce BPA-induced OB neurotoxicity.

Effects and risk assessment of halogenated bisphenol A derivatives on human follicle stimulating hormone receptor: An interdisciplinary study

Halogenated bisphenol A (BPA) derivatives are produced during disinfection treatment of drinking water or are synthesized as flame retardants (TCBPA or TBBPA). BPA is considered as an endocrine disruptor especially on human follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR). Using a global experimental approach, we assessed the effect of halogenated BPA derivatives on FSHR activity and estimated the risk of halogenated BPA derivatives to the reproductive health of exposed populations. For the first time, we show that FSHR binds halogenated BPA derivatives, at 10 nM, a concentration lower than those requires to modulate the activity of nuclear receptors and/or steroidogenesis enzymes. Indeed, bioluminescence assays show that FSHR response is lowered up to 42.36 % in the presence of BPA, up to 32.79 % by chlorinated BPA derivatives and up to 27.04 % by brominated BPA derivatives, at non-cytotoxic concentrations and without modification of basal receptor activity. Moreover, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and site-directed mutagenesis experiments demonstrate that the halogenated BPA derivatives bind the FSHR transmembrane domain reducing the signal transduction efficiency which lowers the cellular cAMP production and in fine disrupts the physiological effect of FSH. The potential reproductive health risk of exposed individuals was estimated by comparing urinary concentrations (through a collection of human biomonitoring data) with the lowest effective concentrations derived from in vitro cell assays. Our results suggest a potentially high concern for the risk of inhibition of the FSHR pathway. This global approach based on FSHR activity could enable the rapid characterization of the toxicity of halogenated BPA derivatives (or other compounds) and assess the associated risk of exposure to these halogenated BPA derivatives.

A multibiomarker approach to assess the effects of a BPA analogue-contaminated diet in the crab Carcinus aestuarii

Bisphenol A analogues are largely used plasticisers that are going to replace bisphenol A in many sectors. Due to this replacement, their discharge and presence in the marine coastal areas are increasing, with unknown consequences for organisms and the trophic chain. This study assessed the effects of three different bisphenols (BPAF, BPF and BPS) - alone or as a mixture - provided via food (exposed clams) to the crab Carcinus aestuarii. First, clams were exposed for two weeks to 300 ng/L of each of the three bisphenols and their mixture (100 ng/L of each) to allow the bioaccumulation of the contaminants in bivalves. Then, crabs were fed for two weeks with BPA analogue-exposed clams, while unexposed clams were used to feed control crabs. After 7 and 14 days, haemolymph, gills and hepatopancreas were collected from crabs to measure a battery of biomarkers indicative of cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and damage, neurotoxicity, physiological performance (respiration and excretion rate) and electron transport system activity. Lastly, bioaccumulation of BPA analogues was assessed by UHPLC-HRMS in crabs. Our findings revealed that BPA analogue-exposed clams were able to alter total haemocyte count, haemocyte size and their proliferation. The activity of immune enzymes, such as phosphatases and phenoloxidase was altered. Moreover, we observed an impairment of antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes like SOD, CAT, GST and GPX activities. Alterations of metabolism-involved enzymes and physiological parameters and increased oxidative damage to macromolecules like proteins, lipids, and DNA were also observed in crabs. Among BPA analogues, only bioaccumulation of BPAF, which has the highest Logkow value among the tested bisphenols, was evidenced in crabs. Overall, the obtained results indicated that crabs, under the tested experimental conditions at least, underwent alterations in cellular, biochemical and physiological responses following a diet of bisphenol-exposed clams, suggesting a potential ecotoxicological risk in the marine food chain.

A critical review to identify data gaps and improve risk assessment of bisphenol A alternatives for human health

Bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic chemical widely used in the production of polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins, has been associated with a variety of adverse effects in humans including metabolic, immunological, reproductive, and neurodevelopmental effects, raising concern about its health impact. In the EU, it has been classified as toxic to reproduction and as an endocrine disruptor and was thus included in the candidate list of substances of very high concern (SVHC). On this basis, its use has been banned or restricted in some products. As a consequence, industries turned to bisphenol alternatives, such as bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF), which are now found in various consumer products, as well as in human matrices at a global scale. However, due to their toxicity, these two bisphenols are in the process of being regulated. Other BPA alternatives, whose potential toxicity remains largely unknown due to a knowledge gap, have also started to be used in manufacturing processes. The gradual restriction of the use of BPA underscores the importance of understanding the potential risks associated with its alternatives to avoid regrettable substitutions. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the potential hazards related to BPA alternatives prioritized by European Regulatory Agencies based on their regulatory relevance and selected to be studied under the European Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC): BPE, BPAP, BPP, BPZ, BPS-MAE, and TCBPA. The focus is on data related to toxicokinetic, endocrine disruption, immunotoxicity, developmental neurotoxicity, and genotoxicity/carcinogenicity, which were considered the most relevant endpoints to assess the hazard related to those substances. The goal here is to identify the data gaps in BPA alternatives toxicology and hence formulate the future directions that will be taken in the frame of the PARC project, which seeks also to enhance chemical risk assessment methodologies using new approach methodologies (NAMs).

Effects of Bisphenol A analogues and their mixture on the crab Carcinus aestuarii: Cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and damage, neurotoxicity, physiological responses, and bioaccumulation

Bisphenol A (BPA) analogues are emerging contaminants, whose ecotoxicological profile for aquatic species, particularly marine ones, is little known. In this study, the effects of an environmentally realistic concentration (300 ng/L) of three BPA analogues (BPAF, BPF, and BPS) - alone or as a mixture (MIX) - were evaluated for the first time on the crab Carcinus aestuarii. A multibiomarker approach was adopted to assess the effects of 7 and 14 days of exposure on haemolymph parameters, gill and hepatopancreas biochemical parameters, and physiological responses of crabs. Bioaccumulation of the three bisphenols was also investigated in crabs by UHPLC-HRMS. A significant reduction in total haemocyte counts was recorded in crabs exposed for 7 days to BPAF and MIX and for 14 days to the MIX, whereas an increase was found in crabs treated for 14 days with BPAF. Cell proliferation increased significantly in crabs exposed for 14 days to BPS and MIX. An imbalance of the antioxidant system, as well as oxidative damage, was recorded in gills and hepatopancreas. No neurotoxic effects were observed in crabs. At the physiological level, exposure to MIX increased the respiration rate of crabs. As for bioaccumulation, only bisphenol AF was detected in crabs. Overall, the present study demonstrated that BPA analogues can affect some important cellular parameters, induce oxidative stress and alter physiological responses in crabs.

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.

Occurrence of bisphenol A analogues in the aquatic environment and their behaviors and toxicity effects in plants

Continuous technological and economic development has led to the extensive use of bisphenol A analogues (BPs) in products, leading to their release to aquatic environments and posing threats to aquatic plants. However, few papers have systemically reviewed the interactions between BPs and aquatic plants. This review comprehensively summarizes the properties, occurrence, fate, and hazardous influences of BPs on aquatic plants. BPs have been widely detected in the global aquatic environment, with concentrations generally ranging from a lower range of ng/L or ng/g to an upper range of μg/L or μg/g in surface water, groundwater, seawater, and sediments. Aquatic plants effectively uptake and translocate BPs, and metabolize them into new compounds. Meanwhile, BPs exposures have diverse toxic effects on the growth, photosynthesis, antioxidant, phytohormones, and structural integrity of aquatic plants. High-throughput omics assays provide significant evidence showing how BPs disturb gene transcription, proteins, and metabolism in plants. This review highlights the need for increased attention on the effects of emerging BPA alternatives, joint treatment, long-term exposure with environmental relevant doses, and potential hazards posed by ingesting polluted plants.