Effects of bisphenol analogues on steroidogenic gene expression and hormone synthesis in H295R cells

Bisphenol A substitutes and obesity in US adults: analysis of a population-based, cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol S (BPS) are increasingly used to substitute bisphenol A (BPA), a widespread environmental endocrine disruptor and putative obesogen. However, studies on effects of BPF and BPS on obesity in humans are lacking. We examined the associations of BPA, BPF, and BPS exposure with obesity in U.S. adults.

METHODS

We included 1,521 participants aged 20 years or older from a cross-sectional study, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2014. Urinary BPA, BPF, and BPS concentrations were measured using on-line solid phase extraction coupled to high performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. We used body mass index and waist circumference to define general obesity and abdominal obesity, respectively. We used logistic regression with sample weights to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) of obesity and 95% confidence intervals.

FINDINGS

Higher BPA, BPF, and BPS concentrations were observed in obese adults than non-obese adults. After adjustment for demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle factors, and urinary creatinine concentrations, BPA, but not BPF or BPS, was significantly associated with obesity. The OR of general obesity was 1.78 (1.10-2.89) comparing the highest with lowest quartile of BPA, 1.02 (0.70-1.47) for BPF, and 1.22 (0.81-1.83) for BPS. The corresponding OR for abdominal obesity was 1.55 (1.04-2.32) for BPA, 1.05 (0.68-1.63) for BPF, and 1.16 (0.72-1.88) for BPS.

INTERPRETATION

Whereas there were significant associations of BPA exposure with general and abdominal obesity, BPF or BPS, at current exposure level, was not significantly associated with obesity in U.S. adults. Continued biomonitoring of these bisphenols in populations and further investigations on their health effects in humans are warranted.

Bisphenol A interferes with swine vascular endothelial cell functions

Several studies have demonstrated that the endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA) negatively affects animal and human health. An angiogenic process has been suggested among the events disrupted by this molecule, but the underlying mechanisms have not yet been clarified. The effect of BPA on angiogenesis was investigated by means of a bioassay previously validated in our laboratory. Using immortalized swine aortic endothelial cell line (AOC), the development of new blood vessels through a three-dimensional in vitro angiogenesis assay was evaluated. Subsequently, since vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nitric oxide (NO) are key players in the regulation of the angiogenic process, the effect of BPA on the production of these molecules by AOC was examined. BPA (10 μmol/L) stimulated AOC growth (p < 0.05) and VEGF production (p < 0.05), but did not modify NO levels. Our data suggest that the endocrine-disrupting effects of BPA could also be associated with the promotion of vascular growth, thus interfering with a physiologically finely tuned process resulting from a delicate balance of numerous molecular processes. The stimulatory effects of BPA on VEGF production may have negative implications, potentially switching the balance toward uncontrolled neovascularization. Moreover, since angiogenesis is involved in several pathologies, including cancer growth and progression, potential health risks of BPA exposure should be carefully monitored.

Effect of bisphenol S exposure on male reproductive system of rats: A histological and biochemical study

Bisphenol S (BPS) has been introduced into the industry as a safer alternative to Bisphenol A. BPS has been detected in human urine sample and induces oxidative stress in vitro and exhibit endocrine disrupting potential in vivo. However, data regarding effect of BPS in mammals is very limited and only a few studies have been carried out. In the present study, direct effect of BPS exposure on oxidative stress and testosterone concentration in rat testis was evaluated in vitro. BPS exposure not only induced oxidative stress but also enhanced antioxidant enzymes activity in the tissue. Based on in vitro results, in vivo study was carried out. In the in vivo sub-chronic study, adult male rats were exposed to different doses of BPS (1-50 μg/kg day). Significant increase in the testicular reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation were observed in the higher doses tested while antioxidant enzymes activity and protein content were significantly reduced. Plasma and intra-testicular testosterone concentrations were reduced in groups treated with higher doses of BPS. Testicular morphology revealed thin seminiferous epithelium in the treated groups as compared to the control. In the epididymis, area of the tubular epithelium showed significant reduction and empty lumen were observed in the groups treated with higher concentrations of BPS. The present data suggest that BPS has the potential to induce oxidative stress in the testis and might have effect on spermatogenesis in rats.