The adverse health effects of bisphenol A and related toxicity mechanisms

Bisphenol A regulates cytochrome P450 1B1 through miR-27b-3p and induces carp lymphocyte oxidative stress leading to apoptosis

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial raw material widely used in water bottles, medical devices and food packaging, and is now ubiquitous in the environment. However, the effects of BPA on the toxicity of fish lymphocytes and the roles of microRNA (miRNA) in this process remain poorly understood. To explore the mechanism, we exposed carp spleen lymphocytes to BPA of 1, 5 and 10 nM for 24 h. The results showed that BPA induced carp lymphocyte apoptosis. BPA inhibited the expression of miR-27b-3p mRNA, thereby increasing the expression of cytochrome P450 1B1, increasing ROS levels, inhibiting SOD, CAT, GSH-PX activity, GSH content, promoting the accumulation of NOS and MDA. At the same time, BPA activated the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, inhibited the expression of BCL-2, and promoted the expression of CytC, BAX, Caspase-9 and Caspase-3. Dual luciferase reporter system showed CYP1B1 is the target genes of miR-27b-3p and negatively regulated by it. Overexpression of miR-27b-3p partially reversed oxidative stress and apoptosis of carp spleen lymphocytes induced by BPA stimulation. Taken together, BPA exposure can target up regulate CYP1B1 expression by down regulating miR-27b-3p expression, thus causing oxidative stress and inducing apoptosis of carp spleen lymphocytes through mitochondrial pathway. Our study will provide theoretical basis for immunotoxicology mechanism research and environmental protection of BPA in fish.

Immobilization of horseradish peroxidase on Fe3O4 nanoparticles for enzymatic removal of endocrine disrupting chemicals

The modified Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were used as a support for the immobilization of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). The immobilized enzyme (HRP@Fe₃O₄) was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), and vibration sample magnetometer (VSM). According to the results, the optimum concentration of glutaraldehyde (GA) and agitation time were 300 μL and 7 h. HRP was well loaded on the surface of the Fe₃O₄. There was no change in the crystal structure of HRP@Fe₃O₄ compared with Fe₃O₄. The removals of bisphenol A (BPA) and 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) using HRP@Fe₃O₄ had been investigated. The degradation efficiencies of BPA and EE2 catalyzed by HRP@Fe₃O₄ were higher than that of soluble HRP. In addition, HRP@Fe₃O₄ can be reused through magnetic separation. After the fifth repeated use, the removal efficiencies of BPA and EE2 were up to 56% and 48%, respectively. Batch studies of catalyzed oxidation and coagulation on the degradation of BPA and EE2 in the presence of humic acid (HA) were also investigated. The order of the removal efficiencies was HRP+PACl (polyaluminum chloride)+SDS (lauryl sodium sulfate)>HRP+PACl>HRP>HRP+PAM (Polyacrylamide)>HRP+PAM+SDS. The coagulation effect of HRP@Fe₃O₄ and PACl was better than that of HRP@Fe₃O₄ and PAM. The removals of BPA and EE2 were 90.3% and 64.5% by use HRP@Fe₃O₄ and PACl as coagulant, while the removals were 78.7% and 57.6% by use HRP@Fe₃O₄ and PAM as coagulant. SDS had a positive effect on PACl, while a negative effect on PAM. Moreover, the products generated by enzymatic oxidation reaction can be effectively removed after coagulation.

Resveratrol diminishes bisphenol A-induced oxidative stress through TRPM2 channel in the mouse kidney cortical collecting duct cells

Bisphenol A (BisPH-A) is a latent danger that threatens our health, which we frequently exposure in our modern life (e.g. the widespread use of drinking water in plastic pet bottles). But the BisPH-A induced transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2)-mediated oxidative stress and apoptosis in these cells has not been studied yet. Calcium (Ca²⁺) plays an important role in a versatile intracellular signal transduction that works over a wide range to regulate oxidative stress processes. TRPM2 is activated by oxidative stress and it has emerged as an important Ca²⁺ signaling mechanism in a variety of cells, contributing many cellular functions including cell death. Resveratrol (RESV), which belongs to the polyphenol group, acts as an antioxidant, eliminating cellular oxidative stress and increasing the body's resistance to diseases. The current study aimed to elucidate the effect of antioxidant resveratrol on TRPM2-mediated oxidative stress induced by BisPH-A exposure in the mouse kidney cortical collecting duct cells (mpkCCD_cl4). The cells were divided into four groups as control, resveratrol (50 µM for 24 h), BisPH-A (100 µM for 24 h) and BisPH-A + RESV. Intracellular free Ca²⁺ concentrations and TRPM2 channel currents were high in BisPH-A treated cells, but decreased with resveratrol treatment. In addition, BisPH-A induced mitochondrial membrane depolarization, reactive oxygen species (ROS), caspase 3, caspase 9 and apoptosis values were decreased by the resveratrol treatment. In conclusion, resveratrol protected cells from BisPH-A induced oxidative damage. In this study, we showed that TRPM2 channel mediates this protective effect of resveratrol.

Diethylstilbestrol exposure disrupts mouse oocyte meiotic maturation in vitro through affecting spindle assembly and chromosome alignment

An adverse tendency induced by the environmental estrogens in female reproductive health is one serious problem worldwide. Diethylstilbestrol (DES), as a synthetic estrogen, is still used as an animal growth stimulant in terrestrial livestock and aquaculture illegally. It has been reported to negatively affect ovarian function and oogenesis. Nevertheless, the mechanism and toxicity of DES on oocyte meiotic maturation are largely unknown. Herein, we found that DES (40 μM) intervened in mouse oocyte maturation and first polar body extrusion (PBE) was decreased in vitro. Cell cycle analysis showed meiotic process was disturbed with oocytes arrested at metaphase I (MI) stage after DES exposure. Further study showed that DES exposure disrupted the spindle assembly and chromosome alignment, which then continuously provoke the spindle assemble checkpoint (SAC). We also observed that the acetylation levels of α-tubulin were dramatically increased in DES-treated oocytes. In addition, the dynamics of actin were also affected. Moreover, the distribution patterns of estrogen receptor α (ERα) were altered in DES-treated oocyte, as indicated by the significant signals accumulation in the spindle area. However, ERα inhibitor failed to rescue the defects of oocyte maturation caused by DES. Of note, the same phenomenon was observed in estrogen-treated oocytes. Collectively, we showed that DES exposure lead to the oocyte meiotic failure via impairing the spindle assembly and chromosome alignment. Our research is helpful to understand how environmental estrogen affects female germ cells and contribute to design the potential therapies to preserve fertility especially for occupational exposure.

Subchronic toxicity of bisphenol A on the architecture of spleen and hepatic trace metals and protein profile of adult male Wistar rats

Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the widely used chemical as a plasticizer and regarded as endocrine disruptor because of its ability to derail body metabolic functions and adverse effect on the vital organs. The present work outlined the subchronic effect of low-dose BPA (10 mg/kg) on histology of spleen, level of hepatic trace metals, and hepatic protein profile of Wistar rats. To conduct the research work, animals were grouped into two categories (n = 5). Group 1 was labelled as the control group and group 2 was taken as an experimental group. Experimental group was exposed to low-dose BPA for 12 weeks. Histopathology of spleen highlighted dilation in splenic sinuses, follicle activation, followed by depopulation in the area of white pulp and red pulp in the experimental group. Iron staining revealed significant hemosiderosis in the experimental group when compared with the control group. Statistically significant decrease was noted in zinc and copper concentrations, while nonsignificant change was observed for magnesium concentration through atomic absorption spectroscopy. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was run for hepatic protein profiling, and as compared to control, elevated levels of different proteins were observed in the experimental group. It can be concluded from the above results that even low dose of BPA causes changes in the major organs of the body. Hence, it is suggested that BPA alternative should be used, so that public health status can be secured.

Potential adverse health effects of ingested micro- and nanoplastics on humans. Lessons learned from in vivo and in vitro mammalian models

In recent years, increasing global attention has focused on "microplastics" (MPs) and "nanoplastics" (NPs) resulting in many studies on the effects of these compounds on ecological and environmental aspects. These tiny particles (<5000 µm), predominantly derived from the degradation of plastics, pollute the marine and terrestrial ecosystems with the ability to enter into the food chain. In this manner, human consumption of food contaminated with MPs or NPs is unavoidable, but the related consequences remain to be determined. The aim of this review is to complement previous reviews on this topic by providing new studies related to exposure, absorption, and toxicity in mammalian in vivo and in vitro systems. With respect to novel information, gaps and limitations hindering attainment of firm conclusions as well as preparation of a reliable risk assessment are identified. Subsequently, recommendations for in vivo and in vitro testing methods are presented in order to perform further relevant and targeted research studies.

Bisphenol A-Induced Epigenetic Changes and Its Effects on the Male Reproductive System

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widespread chemical agent which can exert detrimental effects on the male reproductive system. Exposure to BPA has been shown to induce several epigenetic modifications in both animal and human cells. Specifically, BPA could not only modify the methylation pattern of multiple genes encoding proteins related to reproductive physiology but also directly influence the genes responsible for DNA methylation. BPA effects include hormonal alterations, microscopic and macroscopic alteration of male reproductive organs, and inheritable epigenetic changes involving human reproduction. BPA exposure was also linked to prostate cancer. This review aims to show the current scenario of BPA-induced epigenetic changes and its effects on the male reproductive system. Possible strategies to counter the toxic effect of BPA were also addressed.

Determination of bisphenol A in canned food by microwave assisted extraction, molecularly imprinted polymer-solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

Bisphenol A (BPA), a known potential endocrine disrupting compound (EDC) is expected to be present in low quantities in canned food due to its migration from the inner surface coating of cans made of epoxy resins. A selective and confirmatory analytical method, based on microwave assisted extraction (MAE), molecularly imprinted solid phase extraction (MISPE) using a polymer prepared by a non-covalent molecular imprinting technique and liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/MS) was developed for the determination of BPA in canned pineapple, tuna and mushrooms. First, the effect of the loading medium of hydro- organic solutions on the binding of BPA and its deuterated analogue on the MISPE sorbent was investigated. Subsequently, the effects of the experimental conditions of the microwave assisted extraction (solvent, sample mass/solvent volume, time and temperature) on the obtained recovery of BPA from canned food were assessed and the parameters were optimized to provide maximum recovery and selectivity. It was demonstrated that the combination of MAE with MISPE permits the use of a selective extraction solvent (methanol/water, 4/6, v/v), simplifying the sample preparation steps and enhancing sample clean-up of complex food matrices. The method was validated in different food matrices, using BPA-d16 as internal standard and quantitative relative recoveries were determined. The precision (RSD %) of the method ranged from 7% to 10% and the limit of detection was at low ng/g level for all food matrices. The determined concentration of BPA in commercial canned samples ranged between 7.3 and 42.3 ng/g.

Oral exposure to low dose bisphenol A aggravates allergic airway inflammation in mice

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Oral exposure to BPA relevant to human exposure aggravated allergic asthma.

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Low dose BPA with allergen reduced lung mRNA levels of hormone receptors.

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Low dose BPA with allergen altered lymph node and bone marrow microenvironments.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is widely used in many consumer products and has adverse effects on human health including allergic diseases. We investigated the effects of low dose BPA, comparable to actual human oral exposure, on allergic asthma in mice. C3H/HeJ male mice were fed a chow diet containing BPA (equivalent to 0.09, 0.90, or 9.01 μg/kg/day) and were intratracheally administered ovalbumin (OVA, 1 μg/animal) every two weeks from 5–11 weeks of age. All doses of BPA plus OVA enhanced pulmonary inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness, and increased lung mRNA levels of Th2 cytokine/chemokine, and serum OVA-specific IgE and IgG₁ compared to OVA alone, with greater effects observed in the middle- and high-dose BPA plus OVA groups. Furthermore, high-dose BPA with OVA decreased lung mRNA levels of ERβ and AR compared with OVA. Furthermore, BPA enhanced OVA-restimulated cell proliferation and protein levels of IL-4 and IL-5 in mediastinal lymph node (MLN) cells in OVA-sensitized mice. In bone marrow (BM) cells, middle-dose BPA with OVA increased Gr-1 expression. In conclusion, oral exposure to low-dose BPA at levels equivalent to human exposure can aggravate allergic asthmatic responses through enhancement of Th2-skewed responses, lung hormone receptor downregulation, and MLN and BM microenvironment change.