Bisphenol A and its analogues in outdoor and indoor air: Properties, sources and global levels

Occurrence and dissipation mechanisms of organic contaminants during sewage sludge anaerobic digestion: A critical review

Sewage sludge, a complex mixture of contaminants and pathogenic agents, necessitates treatment or stabilization like anaerobic digestion (AD) before safe disposal. AD-derived products (solid digestate and liquid fraction) can be used as fertilizers. During AD, biogas is also produced, and used for energy purposes. All these fractions can be contaminated with various compounds, whose amount depends on the feedstocks used in AD (and their mutual proportions). This paper reviews studies on the distribution of organic contaminants across AD fractions (solid digestate, liquid fraction, and biogas), delving into the mechanisms behind contaminant dissipation and proposing future research directions. AD proves to be a relatively effective method for removing polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pharmaceuticals, antibiotic resistance genes and hydrocarbons. Contaminants are predominantly removed through biodegradation, but many compounds, especially hydrophobic (e.g. per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), are also sorbed onto digestate particles. The process of sorption is suggested to reduce the bioavailability of contaminants. As a result of sorption, contaminants accumulate in the largest amount in the solid digestate, whereas in smaller amounts in the other AD products. Polar pharmaceuticals (e.g. metformin) are particularly leached, while volatile methylsiloxanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, characterized by a high Henry's law constant, are volatilized into the biogas. The removal of compounds can be affected by AD operational parameters, the type of sludge, physicochemical properties of contaminants, and the sludge pretreatment used.

Conjugated metabolites of bisphenol A and bisphenol S in indoor dust, outdoor dust, and human urine

Bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS) have been widely spread in the global environment. However, for conjugated BPA and BPS metabolites, limited studies have investigated their occurrence in environmental matrices. We collected paired indoor and outdoor dust (n = 97), as well as human urine (n = 153) samples, from residential houses in Quzhou, China, and measured these samples for 8 conjugated BPA and BPS metabolites. Three BPA metabolites were found in collected indoor and outdoor dust, with BPA sulfate (mean 0.75 and 1.3 ng/g, respectively) and BPA glucuronide (0.13 and 0.26 ng/g) being more abundant. BPA conjugates accounted for a mean of 42 and 56% of total BPA (sum of conjugated BPA and BPA metabolites) in indoor and outdoor dust, respectively. BPS sulfate (mean 0.29 and 0.82 ng/g, respectively) had consistently higher concentrations than BPS glucuronide (0.13 and 0.27 ng/g) in indoor and outdoor samples. BPS conjugates contributed a mean 32% and 45% of total BPS (sum of BPS and BPS metabolites) in indoor and outdoor dust, respectively. Moreover, conjugated BPA and BPS metabolites in indoor or outdoor dust were not significantly correlated with those in urine from residents. Overall, this study first demonstrates the wide presence of conjugated BPA and BPS metabolites, besides BPA and BPS, in indoor and outdoor dust. These data are important for elucidating the sources of conjugated BPA and BPS metabolites in the human body.

Fine particulate matter disrupts bile acid homeostasis in hepatocytes via binding to and activating farnesoid X receptor

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5)-induced metabolic disorders have attracted increasing attention, however, the underlying molecular mechanism of PM2.5-induced hepatic bile acid disorder remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of PM2.5 components on the disruption of bile acid in hepatocytes through farnesoid X receptor (FXR) pathway. The receptor binding assays showed that PM2.5 extracts bound to FXR directly, with half inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 21.7 μg/mL. PM2.5 extracts significantly promoted FXR-mediated transcriptional activity at 12.5 μg/mL. In mouse primary hepatocytes, we found PM2.5 extracts (100 μg/mL) significantly decreased the total bile acid levels, inhibited the expression of bile acid synthesis gene (Cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase, Cyp7a1), and increased the expression of bile acid transport genes (Multidrug resistance associated protein 2, Abcc2; and Bile salt export pump, Abcb11). Moreover, these alterations were significantly attenuated by knocking down FXR in hepatocytes. We further divided the organic components and water-soluble components from PM2.5, and found that two components bound to and activated FXR, and decreased the bile acid levels in hepatocytes. In addition, benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and cadmium (Cd) were identified as two bioactive components in PM2.5-induced bile acid disorders through FXR signaling pathway. Overall, we found PM2.5 components could bind to and activate FXR, thereby disrupting bile acid synthesis and transport in hepatocytes. These new findings also provide new insights into PM2.5-induced toxicity through nuclear receptor pathways.

Determination of the urinary concentrations of six bisphenols in public servants by online solid-phase extraction-liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

Bisphenols are widely used as monomers and additives in plastic production. Thus, bisphenol A (BPA) and its most prominent substitutes have been detected in many environmental and human samples. This study proposes an online solid-phase extraction analytical methodology coupled to liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry for the determination of six bisphenols (BPA and bisphenols F (BPF), S (BPS), AF (BPAF), B (BPB), and E (BPE)) in urine samples as an efficient and automated methodology. The method was developed and validated for all bisphenols with good recoveries (92-112%) and repeatability (RSD ≤ 10%) despite the variable matrix effects, except BPAF (which would require a dedicated internal standard), achieving method quantification limits in the 0.05-2.2 ng mL-1 range. The methodology was subsequently applied to 435 urine samples from a non-occupational exposure population (civil servants for the regional government) from Santiago de Compostela (Galicia, Spain). Only BPA, BPF, and BPS were positively detected; the last two presented higher detection frequencies than BPA. When the urinary concentrations are extrapolated to human intake and compared to the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 2 × 10-4 µg kg-1 day-1 (TDI), all BPA positively identified samples would surpass this threshold. Although no TDI exists currently for the other two identified bisphenols, it is evident that human exposure to bisphenols should be limited. Finally, the results stratification by gender revealed higher levels of exposure to BPF in the women group.

Bisphenol a accelerates the glucolipotoxicity-induced dysfunction of rat insulinoma cell lines: An implication for a potential risk of environmental bisphenol a exposure for individuals susceptible to type 2 diabetes

Epidemiological studies have suggested a correlation between bisphenol A (BPA) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The effects of BPA on β-cell dysfunction may reveal the risks from an in vitro perspective. We used the rat insulinoma (INS-1) cell lines (a type of β-cells) to set up normal or damaged models (DM), which were exposed to various concentrations of BPA (0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 μM). An increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis, and a decrease in cell viability were observed in INS-1 cells exposed to high doses of BPA for 48 h. Interestingly, exposure to lower doses of BPA for 24 h resulted in increased ROS levels and apoptosis rates in INS-1 in the DM group, along with decreased cell viability, suggesting that BPA exerts toxicity to INS-1 cells, particularly to the DM group. Insulin levels and Glut2 expression, glucose consumption, intracellular Ca2+ and insulin secretion were increased in INS-1 cells after 48 h exposure to high dose of BPA. Stronger effects were observed in the DM group, even those exposed to low doses of BPA for 24 h. Moreover, BPA inhibited high glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in these cells. Our research suggests that low doses of BPA exacerbate the dysfunction caused by glucolipotoxicity, implying environmental BPA exposure poses a risk for individuals with prediabetes or T2DM.

Medaka liver developed Human NAFLD-NASH transcriptional signatures in response to ancestral bisphenol A exposure

The progression of fatty liver disease to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a leading cause of death in humans. Lifestyles and environmental chemical exposures can increase the susceptibility of humans to NASH. In humans, the presence of bisphenol A (BPA) in urine is associated with fatty liver disease, but whether ancestral BPA exposure leads to the activation of human NAFLD-NASH-associated genes in the unexposed descendants is unclear. In this study, using medaka fish as an animal model for human NAFLD, we investigated the transcriptional signatures of human NAFLD-NASH and their associated roles in the pathogenesis of the liver of fish that were not directly exposed, but their ancestors were exposed to BPA during embryonic and perinatal development three generations prior. Comparison of bulk RNA-Seq data of the liver in BPA lineage male and female medaka with publicly available human NAFLD-NASH patient data revealed transgenerational alterations in the transcriptional signature of human NAFLD-NASH in medaka liver. Twenty percent of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were upregulated in both human NAFLD patients and medaka. Specifically in females, among the total shared DEGs in the liver of BPA lineage fish and NAFLD patient groups, 27.69% were downregulated, and 20% were upregulated. Of all DEGs, 52.31% of DEGs were found in ancestral BPA-lineage females, suggesting that NAFLD in females shared the majority of human NAFLD gene networks. Pathway analysis revealed beta-oxidation, lipoprotein metabolism, and HDL/LDL-mediated transport processes linked to downregulated DEGs in BPA lineage males and females. In contrast, the expression of genes encoding lipogenesis-related proteins was significantly elevated in the liver of BPA lineage females only. BPA lineage females exhibiting activation of myc, atf4, xbp1, stat4, and cancerous pathways, as well as inactivation of igf1, suggest their possible association with an advanced NAFLD phenotype. The present results suggest that gene networks involved in the progression of human NAFLD and the transgenerational NAFLD in medaka are conserved and that medaka can be an excellent animal model to understand the development and progression of liver disease and environmental influences in the liver.

Concentrations of potentially endocrine disrupting chemicals in car cabin air and dust - Effect of temperature and ventilation

Materials in car cabins contain performance-enhancing semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs). As these SVOCs are not chemically bound to the materials, they can emit from the materials at slow rates to the surrounding, causing human exposure. This study aimed at increasing the understanding on abundance of SVOCs in car cabins by studying 18 potential endocrine disrupting chemicals in car cabin air (gas phase and airborne particles) and dust. We also studied how levels of these chemicals varied by temperature inside the car cabin along with ventilation settings, relevant to human exposure. A positive correlation was observed between temperature and SVOC concentration in both the gas and the particle phase, where average gas phase levels at 80 °C were a factor of 18-16,000 higher than average levels at 25 °C, while average particle phase levels were a factor of 4.6-40,000 higher for the studied substances. This study also showed that levels were below the limit of detection for several SVOCs during realistic driving conditions, i.e., with the ventilation activated. To limit human exposure to SVOCs in car cabins, it is recommended to ventilate a warm car before entering and have the ventilation on during driving, as both temperature and ventilation have a significant impact on SVOC levels.

Acetylcholinesterase and dopamine inhibition suppress the filtration rate, burrowing behaviours, and immunological responses induced by bisphenol A in the hemocytes and gills of date mussels, Lithophaga lithophaga

Bisphenol A (BPA), a common industrial chemical with estrogenic activity, has recently gained attention due to its well-documented negative effects on humans and other organisms in the environment. The potential immunotoxicity and neurotoxicity of BPA remain poorly understood in marine invertebrate species. Therefore, the impacts of exposure to BPA on a series of behaviours, immune responses, oxidative stress, neural biomarkers, histology, and the ultrastructure of gills were investigated in the date mussel, Lithophaga lithophaga. After 28 days of exposure to 0.25, 1, 2, and 5 µg/L BPA, hemolymphs from controls and exposed date mussels were collected, and the effects of BPA on immunological parameters were evaluated. Moreover, oxidative stress and neurochemical levels were measured in the gills of L. lithophaga. BPA reduced filtration rates and burrowing behaviour, whereas a 2 µg/L BPA resulted in an insignificant increase after 24 h. The exposure of date mussels to BPA significantly increased total hemocyte counts, a significant reduction in the diameter and phagocytosis of hemocytes, as well as gill lysozyme level. BPA increased lipid peroxidation levels and SOD activity in gills exposed to 2 and 5 µg/L BPA, but decreased GSH levels and SOD activity in 0.25 and 1 µg/L BPA-treated date mussels. Dose-dependent dynamics were observed in the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity and dopamine levels. Histological and scanning electron microscope examination revealed cilia erosion, necrosis, inflammation, and hyperplasia formation in the gills. Overall, our findings suggest a relationship between BPA exposure and changes in the measured immune parameters, oxidative stress, and neurochemical disturbances, which may be factored into the mechanisms underlying BPA toxicity in marine molluscs, providing a scientific foundation for marine BPA risk assessment and indicating immunosuppression in BPA-exposed date mussels.

Update of the scientific opinion on tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and its derivatives in food

The European Commission asked EFSA to update its 2011 risk assessment on tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and five derivatives in food. Neurotoxicity and carcinogenicity were considered as the critical effects of TBBPA in rodent studies. The available evidence indicates that the carcinogenicity of TBBPA occurs via non-genotoxic mechanisms. Taking into account the new data, the CONTAM Panel considered it appropriate to set a tolerable daily intake (TDI). Based on decreased interest in social interaction in male mice, a lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) of 0.2 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day was identified and selected as the reference point for the risk characterisation. Applying the default uncertainty factor of 100 for inter- and intraspecies variability, and a factor of 3 to extrapolate from the LOAEL to NOAEL, a TDI for TBBPA of 0.7 μg/kg bw per day was established. Around 2100 analytical results for TBBPA in food were used to estimate dietary exposure for the European population. The most important contributors to the chronic dietary LB exposure to TBBPA were fish and seafood, meat and meat products and milk and dairy products. The exposure estimates to TBBPA were all below the TDI, including those estimated for breastfed and formula-fed infants. Accounting for the uncertainties affecting the assessment, the CONTAM Panel concluded with 90%-95% certainty that the current dietary exposure to TBBPA does not raise a health concern for any of the population groups considered. There were insufficient data on the toxicity of any of the TBBPA derivatives to derive reference points, or to allow a comparison with TBBPA that would support assignment to an assessment group for the purposes of combined risk assessment.

Impacts associated with the plastic polymers polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and polybutadiene across their life cycle: A review

Polymers are the main building blocks of plastic, with the annual global production volume of fossil carbon-based polymers reaching over 457 million metric tons in 2019 and this figure is anticipated to triple by 2060. There is potential for environmental harm and adverse human health impacts associated with plastic, its constituent polymers and the chemicals therein, at all stages of the plastic life cycle, from extraction of raw materials, production and manufacturing, consumption, through to ultimate disposal and waste management. While there have been considerable research and policy efforts in identifying and mitigating the impacts associated with problematic plastic products such as single-use plastics and hazardous chemicals in plastics, with national and/or international regulations to phase out their use, plastic polymers are often overlooked. In this review, the polymer dimension of the current knowledge on environmental release, human exposure and health impacts of plastic is discussed across the plastic life cycle, including chemicals used in production and additives commonly used to achieve the properties needed for applications for which the polymers are generally used. This review focuses on polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and polybutadiene, four common plastic polymers made from the hazardous monomers, bisphenol, styrene, vinyl chloride and 1,3-butadiene, respectively. Potential alternative polymers, chemicals, and products are considered. Our findings emphasise the need for a whole system approach to be undertaken for effective regulation of plastics whereby the impacts of plastics are assessed with respect to their constituent polymers, chemicals, and applications and across their entire life cycle.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Innovative Sorbents in Restoring Enzymatic Activity of Soil Contaminated with Bisphenol A (BPA)

As part of the multifaceted strategies developed to shape the common environmental policy, considerable attention is now being paid to assessing the degree of environmental degradation in soil under xenobiotic pressure. Bisphenol A (BPA) has only been marginally investigated in this ecosystem context. Therefore, research was carried out to determine the biochemical properties of soils contaminated with BPA at two levels of contamination: 500 mg and 1000 mg BPA kg-1 d.m. of soil. Reliable biochemical indicators of soil changes, whose activity was determined in the pot experiment conducted, were used: dehydrogenases, catalase, urease, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, arylsulfatase, and β-glucosidase. Using the definition of soil health as the ability to promote plant growth, the influence of BPA on the growth and development of Zea mays, a plant used for energy production, was also tested. As well as the biomass of aerial parts and roots, the leaf greenness index (SPAD) of Zea mays was also assessed. A key aspect of the research was to identify those of the six remediating substances-molecular sieve, zeolite, sepiolite, starch, grass compost, and fermented bark-whose use could become common practice in both environmental protection and agriculture. Exposure to BPA revealed the highest sensitivity of dehydrogenases, urease, and acid phosphatase and the lowest sensitivity of alkaline phosphatase and catalase to this phenolic compound. The enzyme response generated a reduction in the biochemical fertility index (BA21) of 64% (500 mg BPA) and 70% (1000 mg BPA kg-1 d.m. of soil). The toxicity of BPA led to a drastic reduction in root biomass and consequently in the aerial parts of Zea mays. Compost and molecular sieve proved to be the most effective in mitigating the negative effect of the xenobiotic on the parameters discussed. The results obtained are the first research step in the search for further substances with bioremediation potential against both soil and plants under BPA pressure.

Bisphenol S and Its Chlorinated Derivatives in Indoor Dust and Human Exposure

Bisphenol S (BPS), an environmental endocrine disruptor, has been identified in global environmental matrices. Nevertheless, limited studies have investigated the presence of chlorinated analogues of BPS (Clx-BPSs) with potential estrogenic activities in environmental matrices. In this study, the occurrence of BPS and five types of Clx-BPSs was characterized in indoor dust (n = 178) from Hangzhou City. BPS was measurable in 94% of indoor dust samples, with an average level of 0.63 μg/g ( Collapse

Key Words

• BPS
• chlorinated BPS
• human intake
• indoor dust
• inhalation exposure

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MESH Headings Collapse

Grants

• LY21B070006 Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province
• LR23D030001 Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province

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Affiliation(s)

Yi Qian Department of Environmental Engineering, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, China
Jianqiang Zhu Department of Environmental Engineering, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, China
Ruyue Guo Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
Hangbiao Jin Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China

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Health risks of Bisphenol-A exposure: From Wnt signaling perspective

Human beings are routinely exposed to chronic and low dose of Bisphenols (BPs) due to their widely pervasiveness in the environment. BPs hold similar chemical structures to 17β-estradiol (E2) and thyroid hormone, thus posing threats to human health by rendering the endocrine system dysfunctional. Among BPs, Bisphenol-A (BPA) is the best-known and extensively studied endocrine disrupting compound (EDC). BPA possesses multisystem toxicity, including reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, hepatoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Particularly, the central nervous system (CNS), especially the developing one, is vulnerable to BPA exposure. This review describes our current knowledge of BPA toxicity and the related molecular mechanisms, with an emphasis on the role of Wnt signaling in the related processes. We also discuss the role of oxidative stress, endocrine signaling and epigenetics in the regulation of Wnt signaling by BPA exposure. In summary, dysfunction of Wnt signaling plays a key role in BPA toxicity and thus can be a potential target to alleviate EDCs induced damage to organisms.

Self-powered molecularly imprinted photoelectrochemical sensor based on Ppy/QD/HOF heterojunction for the detection of bisphenol A

As an emerging porous material, hydrogen-bonded organic framework materials (HOFs) still pose application challenges. In this work, the designed type "I + II" heterojunction extracted hot electrons from HOFs using quantum dots (QDs) and polypyrrole (Ppy), improving the stability and photoelectrochemical performance of materials. In addition to serving as a potential well, electropolymerized Ppy was used as a recognition element for bisphenol A (BPA), and a novel self-powered molecularly imprinted photoelectrochemical (MIP-PEC) sensor was designed. The sensing platform showed a linear relationship from 1 × 10-10 to 1 × 10-7 mol∙L-1 and from 1 × 10-7 to 1 mol∙L-1 with an acceptable detection limit of 4.2 × 10-11 mol∙L-1. This is the first application of HOFs in constructing MIP-PEC sensors and a new attempt to improve the stability of HOFs for the application of porous crystal materials in the sensing field.

Bisphenol-A in Drinking Water Accelerates Mammary Cancerogenesis and Favors an Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment in BALB-neuT Mice

Bisphenol-A (BPA), a synthetic compound ubiquitously present in the environment, can act as an endocrine disruptor by binding to both canonical and non-canonical estrogen receptors (ERs). Exposure to BPA has been linked to various cancers, in particular, those arising in hormone-targeted tissues such as the breast. In this study, we evaluated the effect of BPA intake through drinking water on ErbB2/neu-driven cancerogenesis in BALB-neuT mice, transgenic for a mutated ErbB2/neu receptor gene, which reproducibly develop carcinomas in all mammary glands. In this model, BPA accelerated mammary cancerogenesis with an increase in the number of tumors per mouse and a concurrent decrease in tumor-free and overall survival. As assessed by immunohistochemistry, BALB-neuT tumors were ER-negative but expressed high levels of the alternative estrogen receptor GPR30, regardless of BPA exposure. On the other hand, BPA exposure resulted in a marked upregulation of progesterone receptors in preinvasive tumors and of Ki67, CD31, and phosphorylated Akt in invasive tumors. Moreover, based on several infiltration markers of immune cells, BPA favored an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Finally, in vitro cell survival studies performed on a cell line established from a BALB-neuT breast carcinoma confirmed that BPA's impact on cancer progression can be particularly relevant after chronic, low-dose exposure.

Analysis and removal of bisphenols in recycled plastics using polyethylene glycol

This study examines the presence of bisphenol A (BPA), S (BPS), F (BPF), and M (BPM) in various recycled plastics readily available on the market (LDPE, HDPE, PET, and PP), in light of European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) limits. Twenty samples of different origin are analyzed, cleaning treatments are applied, and the migration potential of these bisphenols into food is studied. BPM is absent in all samples, but a post-consumer recycled LDPE sample reveals high bisphenol concentrations, raising concerns, reaching 8540 ng/g, 370 ng/g, and 29 ng/g of BPA, BPS, and BPF, respectively. Migration tests show substantial migration of these contaminants into food simulants. Using a cleaning treatment with polyethylene glycol (PEG 400) reduces BPA in LDPE, HDPE, PP, and PET samples by 95%, 99%, 97% and 28%, respectively, highlighting the importance of cleaning treatments across various polymers in plastic recycling. These findings not only protect food safety but addressing environmental challenges associated with plastic recycling.

Exploring novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying Bisphenol A-induced toxicity: A persistent threat to human health

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a ubiquitous industrial chemical used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, found in numerous consumer products. Despite its widespread use, its potential adverse health effects have raised significant concerns. This review explores the molecular mechanisms and evidence-based literature underlying BPA-induced toxicities and its implications for human health. BPA is an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) which exhibits carcinogenic properties by influencing various receptors, such as ER, AhR, PPARs, LXRs, and RARs. It induces oxidative stress and contributes to cellular dysfunction, inflammation, and DNA damage, ultimately leading to various toxicities including but not limited to reproductive, cardiotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and endocrine toxicity. Moreover, BPA can modify DNA methylation patterns, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA expression, leading to epigenetic changes and contribute to carcinogenesis. Overall, understanding molecular mechanisms of BPA-induced toxicity is crucial for developing effective strategies and policies to mitigate its adverse effects on human health.

Tetrabromobisphenol A reduces male rats reproductive organ coefficients and disrupting sexual hormone by causing oxidative stress

Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) has become a topic of public attention due to its pervasive detection in the environment and organisms in recent decades. However, limited information is available regarding the toxicity of TBBPA on reproductive ability of male mammals. Herein, the reproductive toxicity of TBBPA was investigated in male rats to fill the knowledge gap. In this study, male rats were exposed to TBBPA (0, 10, 100, and 1000 mg/kg) for 6 weeks. Subsequently, body and organ indexes, histopathological evaluation of testis and epididymis, ultrastructural observation of sperm, testosterone and progesterone levels, and oxidative stress indicators were conducted to reveal corresponding mechanisms. Results obtained showed that compare to the control group, the body weight, testes weight, epididymis weight, seminal vesicle and coagulation glands weight of rats in the 1000 mg/kg group lost 8.30%, 16.84%, 20.16%, 19.72% and 26.42%, respectively. Intriguingly, exposure to TBBPA (10, 100, 100 mg/kg) resulted in substantial pathological damage in testis, epididymis and sperm. TBBPA exposure also increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contents, as well as superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in testicular tissue. What's more, the testosterone and progesterone levels in male rat serum were significantly decreased after exposure to TBBPA for 6 weeks. Meanwhile, results of molecular docking showed that TBBPA has a strong affinity with estrogen receptors (ERs). These findings demonstrated that TBBPA exposure negatively impacts the reproductive ability of male rats, thus providing new insights for risk assessment for reproductive health under TBBPA exposure.

Reproductive toxic effects of chronic exposure to bisphenol A and its analogues in marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma)

As awareness of BPA's health risks has increased, many countries and regions have implemented strict controls on its use. Consequently, bisphenol analogues like BPF and BPAF are being increasingly used as substitutes. However, these compounds are also becoming increasingly prevalent in the environment due to production, use and disposal processes. The oceans act as a repository for various pollutants, and recent studies have revealed the extensive presence of bisphenols (BPs, including BPA, BPF, BPAF, etc.) in the marine environment, posing numerous health hazards to marine wildlife. Nevertheless, the reproductive toxicity of these chemicals on marine fish is not comprehensively comprehended yet. Thus, the histological features of the gonads and the gene expression profiles of HPG (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal) axis-related genes in marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) were studied after exposure to single and combined BPs for 70 days. The effects of each exposure group on spawning, embryo fertilization, and hatching in marine medaka were also assessed. Furthermore, the impacts of each exposure group on the genes related to methylation in the F2 and F3 generations were consistently investigated. BPs exposure was found to cause follicular atresia, irregular oocytes, and empty follicles in the ovary; but no significant lesions in the testis were observed. The expression of several HPG axis genes, including cyp19b, 17βhsd, 3βhsd, and fshr, resulted in significant changes compared to the control group. The quantity of eggs laid and fertilization rate decreased in all groups treated with BPs, with the BPAF-treated group showing a notable reduction in the number of eggs laid. Additionally, the hatching rate showed a more significant decline in the BPF-treated group. The analysis of methylated genes in the offspring of bisphenol-treated groups revealed significant changes in the expression of genes including amh, dnmt1, dnmt3ab, mbd2, and mecp2, indicating a potential transgenerational impact of bisphenols on phenotype through epigenetic modifications. Overall, the potential detrimental impact of bisphenol on the reproduction of marine medaka emphasizes the need for caution in considering the use of BPAF and BPF as substitutes.

Bisphenol Chemicals in Surface Soil from E-Waste Dismantling Facilities and the Surrounding Areas: Spatial Distribution and Health Risk

Electronic waste (e-waste) dismantling facilities are well-known bisphenol chemical (BP) sources. In this study, non-targeted screening combined with targeted analysis of BPs in surface soil from e-waste dismantling facilities and their surroundings revealed their presence, distribution, and exposure risk. A total of 14 BPs were identified including bisphenol A (BPA) and its novel structural analogs and halogenated BPs. The total concentrations of BPs ranged from 963 to 47,160 ng/g (median: 6970 ng/g) in e-waste soil, higher than those measured in surface soil from surrounding areas, i.e., 10-7750 ng/g (median 197 ng/g). BPA, tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), and bisphenol F (BPF) were the dominant ones from the two areas. Concentrations of TBBPA and its debromination product from the surrounding area significantly decreased with increasing distances from the e-waste dismantling facilities. Estimation of daily intake via oral ingestion of soil suggests that current contamination scenarios are unlikely to pose health risks for e-waste dismantling workers and adults and toddlers living in the surrounding areas, with their intakes generally well below the tolerable daily intakes proposed for several BPs. However, the BPA intakes of workers exceeded the more strict tolerable daily intake for BPA established recently, which merits continuous environmental surveillance.

Sex-specific expression of the human NAFLD-NASH transcriptional signatures in the liver of medaka with a history of ancestral bisphenol A exposure

The progression of fatty liver disease to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a leading cause of death in humans. Lifestyles and environmental chemical exposures can increase the susceptibility of humans to NASH. In humans, the presence of bisphenol A (BPA) in urine is associated with fatty liver disease, but whether ancestral BPA exposure leads to the activation of human NAFLD-NASH-associated genes in the unexposed descendants is unclear. In this study, using medaka fish as an animal model for human NAFLD, we investigated the transcriptional signatures of human NAFLD-NASH and their associated roles in the pathogenesis of the liver of fish who were not directly exposed but their ancestors were exposed to BPA during embryonic and perinatal development three generations prior. Comparison of bulk RNA-Seq data of the liver in BPA lineage male and female medaka with publicly available human NAFLD-NASH patient data revealed transgenerational alterations in the transcriptional signature of human NAFLD-NASH in medaka liver. Twenty percent of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were upregulated in both human NAFLD patients and medaka. Specifically in females, among the total shared DEGs in the liver of BPA lineage fish and NAFLD patient groups, 27.69% DEGs were downregulated and 20% DEGs were upregulated. Off all DEGs, 52.31% DEGs were found in ancestral BPA-lineage females, suggesting that NAFLD in females shared majority of human NAFLD gene networks. Pathway analysis revealed beta-oxidation, lipoprotein metabolism, and HDL/LDL-mediated transport processes linked to downregulated DEGs in BPA lineage males and females. In contrast, the expression of genes encoding lipogenesis-related proteins was significantly elevated in the liver of BPA lineage females only. BPA lineage females exhibiting activation of myc, atf4, xbp1, stat4, and cancerous pathways, as well as inactivation of igf1, suggest their possible association with an advanced NAFLD phenotype. The present results suggest that gene networks involved in the progression of human NAFLD and the transgenerational NAFLD in medaka are conserved and that medaka can be an excellent animal model to understand the development and progression of liver disease and environmental influences in the liver.

Spatiotemporal distribution, source apportionment, and ecological risk of bisphenol analogues in a highly urbanized river basin

Bisphenol analogues (BPs), as one of the endocrine disruptors, have received wide attention due to their adverse impacts on ecosystems. However, the seasonal spatiotemporal distribution, source apportionment, and ecological risk of BPs in natural basins are poorly understood. Especially in highly urbanized river basins with the extensive economic development and anthropogenic activities threaten these critical but ecologically fragile regions. In this study, field investigations of BPs in the waters of the entire Qinhuai River Basin (QRB) were conducted in June (before the annual flood period) and August (after the annual flood period) 2023. The Qinhuai River, an important primary tributary of the lower Yangtze River, is located in eastern China and the QRB is characterized by a high population density and dense urbanization. Thirty-two sites were sampled for six types of BPs known to be ubiquitous in the surface water of the QRB. Significant differences in the concentrations of those BPs were found. Specifically, the concentration of total BPs (ΣBPs) was significantly higher before than after the flood period: 20.3-472 ng/L (mean = 146 ng/L) and 14.1-105 ng/L (mean = 35.9 ng/L), respectively. BPA was the main contributor to ΣBPs before the flood, and BPB followed by BPA after the flood. ΣBP concentrations were 12-241 % higher downstream than upstream of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The results of a principal component analysis followed by multiple linear regression (PCA-MLR) suggested that untreated wastewater discharge from the WWTPs is an important source of BPs in the basin, with urban rainfall runoff as another potential source after the flood period. An assessment of the ecological risk of BPs, based on a calculation of the risk quotient, showed that BPA and BPS should be given due attention, and overall ecological risk of BPs pose a low risk to local algae but high and medium risks to invertebrates and fish, respectively.

Effects and mechanisms of bisphenols exposure on neurodegenerative diseases risk: A systemic review

Environmental bisphenols (BPs) pose a global threat to human health because of their extensive use as additives in plastic products. BP residues are increasing in various environmental media (i.e., water, soil, and indoor dust) and biological and human samples (i.e., serum and brain). Both epidemiological and animal studies have determined an association between exposure to BPs and an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), including cognitive abnormalities and behavioral disturbances. Hence, understanding the biological responses to different BPs is essential for prevention, and treatment. This study provides an overview of the underlying pathogenic molecular mechanisms as a valuable basis for understanding neurodegenerative disease responses to BPs, including accumulation of misfolded proteins, reduction of tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine, abnormal hormone signaling, neuronal death, oxidative stress, calcium homeostasis, and inflammation. These findings provide new insights into the neurotoxic potential of BPs and ultimately contribute to a comprehensive health risk evaluation.

Degradation mechanisms and toxicity determination of bisphenol A by FeOx-activated peroxydisulfate under ultraviolet light

Ultraviolet light (UV)-assisted advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are commonly used to degrade organic contaminants. However, this reaction system's extensive comprehension of the degradation mechanisms and toxicity assessment remains inadequate. This study focuses on investigating the degradation mechanisms and pathways of bisphenol A (BPA), generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and toxicity of degradation intermediates in UV/PDS/ferrous composites (FeOx) systems. The degradation rate of BPA gradually increased from the initial 11.92% to 100% within 120 min. Sulfate radicals (SO 4 . - ), hydroxyl radicals (.OH), superoxide anions (O 2 . - ), and singlet oxygen (1O2) were the primary factors in the photocatalytic degradation of BPA in the UV/PDS/FeOx systems. The main reactions of BPA in this system were deduced to be β-bond cleavage, hydroxyl substitution reaction, hydrogen bond cleavage, and oxidation reaction. A trend of decreasing toxicity for the degradation intermediates of BPA was observed according to the toxicity investigations. The efficient degradation of BPA in UV/PDS/FeOx systems provided theoretical data for AOPs, which will improve the understanding of organic contaminants by FeOx in natural industry wastewater.

Adverse effects of bisphenol A and its analogues on male fertility: An epigenetic perspective

In recent years, there has been growing concern about the adverse effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on male fertility. Epigenetic modification is critical for male germline development, and has been suggested as a potential mechanism for impaired fertility induced by EDCs. Bisphenol A (BPA) has been recognized as a typical EDC. BPA and its analogues, which are still widely used in various consumer products, have garnered increasing attention due to their reproductive toxicity and the potential to induce epigenetic alteration. This literature review provides an overview of studies investigating the adverse effects of bisphenol exposures on epigenetic modifications and male fertility. Existing studies provide evidence that exposure to bisphenols can lead to adverse effects on male fertility, including declined semen quality, altered reproductive hormone levels, and adverse reproductive outcomes. Epigenetic patterns, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA expression, can be altered by bisphenol exposures. Transgenerational effects, which influence the fertility and epigenetic patterns of unexposed generations, have also been identified. However, the magnitude and direction of certain outcomes varied across different studies. Investigations into the dynamics of histopathological and epigenetic alterations associated with bisphenol exposures during developmental stages can enhance the understanding of the epigenetic effects of bisphenols, the implication of epigenetic alteration on male fertility, and the health of successive generation.

Futuristic advancements in phytoremediation of endocrine disruptor Bisphenol A: A step towards sustainable pollutant degradation for rehabilitated environment

Bisphenol A (BPA) accumulates in the environment at lethal concentrations because of its high production rate and utilization. BPA, originating from industrial effluent, plastic production, and consumer products, poses serious risks to both the environment and human health. The widespread aggregation of BPA leads to endocrine disruption, reactive oxygen species-mediated DNA damage, epigenetic modifications and carcinogenicity, which can disturb the normal homeostasis of the body. The living being in a population is subjected to BPA exposure via air, water and food. Globally, urinary analysis reports have shown higher BPA concentrations in all age groups, with children being particularly susceptible due to its occurrence in items such as milk bottles. The conventional methods are costly with a low removal rate. Since there is no proper eco-friendly and cost-effective degradation of BPA reported so far. The phytoremediation, green-biotechnology based method which is a cost-effective and renewable resource can be used to sequestrate BPA. Phytoremediation is observed in numerous plant species with different mechanisms to remove harmful contaminants. Plants normally undergo several improvements in genetic and molecular levels to withstand stress and lower levels of toxicants. But such natural adaptation requires more time and also higher concentration of contaminants may disrupt the normal growth, survival and yield of the plants. Therefore, natural or synthetic amendments and genetic modifications can improve the xenobiotics removal rate by the plants. Also, constructed wetlands technique utilizes the plant's phytoremediation mechanisms to remove industrial effluents and medical residues. In this review, we have discussed the limitations and futuristic advancement strategies for degrading BPA using phytoremediation-associated mechanisms.

Bisphenol A affects microbial interactions and metabolic responses in sludge anaerobic digestion

The widespread use of bisphenol A (BPA) has resulted in the emergence of new pollutants in various environments, particularly concentrated in sewage sludge. This study investigated the effects of BPA on sludge anaerobic digestion, focusing specifically on the interaction of microbial communities and their metabolic responses. While the influence of BPA on methane accumulation is not significant, BPA still enhanced the conversion of soluble COD, protein, and polysaccharides. BPA also positively influenced the hydrolysis-acidogenesis process, leading to 17% higher concentrations of volatile fatty acids (VFAs). Lower BPA levels (0.2-0.5 mg/kg dw) led to decreased hydrolysis and acidogenesis gene abundance, indicating metabolic inhibition; conversely, higher concentrations (1-5 mg/kg dw) increased gene abundance, signifying metabolic enhancement. Diverse methane metabolism was observed and exhibited alterations under BPA exposure. The presence of BPA impacted both the diversity and composition of microbial populations. Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Chloroflexi dominated in BPA-treated groups and varied in abundance among different treatments. Changes of specific genera Sedimentibacter, Fervikobacterium, Blvii28, and Coprothermobacter in response to BPA, affecting hydrolysis and acetogenesis. Archaeal diversity declined while the hydrogenotrophic methanogen Methanospirillum thrived under BPA exposure. BPA exposure enabled microorganisms to form structured community interaction networks and boost their metabolic activities during anaerobic digestion. The study also observed the enrichment of BPA biodegradation pathways at high BPA concentrations, which could interact and overlap to ensure efficient BPA degradation. The study provides insights into the digestion performance and interactions of microbial communities to BPA stress and sheds light on the potential effect of BPA during anaerobic digestion.

Multiphase Ozonolysis of Bisphenol A: Chemical Transformations on Surfaces in the Environment

High global plastic production volumes have led to the widespread presence of bisphenol compounds in human living and working environments. The most common bisphenol, bisphenol A (BPA), despite being endocrine disruptive and estrogenic, is still not fully banned worldwide, leading to continued human exposure via particles in air, dust, and surfaces in both outdoor and indoor environments. While its abundance is well documented, few studies have addressed the chemical transformations of BPA, the properties of its reactive products, and their toxicity. Here, the first gas-surface multiphase ozonolysis experiment of BPA thin films, at a constant ozone mixing ratio of 100 ppb, was performed in a flow tube for periods up to 24 h. Three transformation products involving the addition of 1, 2, and 3 oxygen atoms to the molecule were identified by LC-ESI-HRMS analyses. Exposure of indoor air to thin BPA surface films and BPA-containing thermal paper over periods of days validated the flow tube experiments, demonstrating the rapid nature of this multiphase ozonolysis reaction at atmospherically relevant ozone levels. Multiple transformation pathways are proposed that are likely applicable to not only BPA but also emerging commercial bisphenol products.

Perinatal exposure to bisphenol A or S: Effects on anxiety-related behaviors and serotonergic system

Bisphenols, synthetic organic compounds used in the production of plastics, are an extremely abundant class of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals, i.e., exogenous chemicals or mixtures of chemicals that can interfere with any aspect of hormone action. Exposure to BPs can lead to a wide range of effects, and it is especially dangerous if it occurs during specific critical periods of life. Focusing on the perinatal exposure to BPA or its largely used substitute BPS, we investigated the effects on anxiety-related behaviors and the serotonergic system, which is highly involved in controlling these behaviors, in adult mice. We treated C57BL/6J dams orally with a dose of 4 μg/kg body weight/day (i.e., EFSA TDI) of BPA or BPS dissolved in corn oil or with vehicle alone, at the onset of mating and continued treatment until the offspring were weaned. Adult offspring of both sexes performed the elevated plus maze and the open field tests. Then, we analyzed the serotonergic system in dorsal (DR) and median (MnR) raphe nuclei by immunohistochemical techniques. Behavioral tests highlighted alterations in BPA- and BPS-treated mice, suggesting different effects of the bisphenols exposure on anxiety-related behavior in males (anxiolytic) and females (anxiogenic). The analysis of the serotonergic system highlighted a sex dimorphism in the DR only, with control females showing higher values of serotonin immunoreactivity (5-HT-ir) than control males. BPA-treated males displayed a significant increase of 5-HT-ir in all analyzed nuclei, whereas BPS-treated males showed an increase in ventral DR only. In females, both bisphenols-treated groups showed a significant increase of 5-HT-ir in dorsal DR compared to the controls, and BPA-treated females also showed a significant increase in MnR.These results provide evidence that exposure during the early phases of life to BPA or BPS alters anxiety and the raphe serotonergic neurons in a sex-dependent manner.

An integrated in vitro approach to identifying chemically induced oxidative stress and toxicity in mitochondria

Growing concerns exist about increasing chemical usage and the potential health risks. Developing an efficient strategy to evaluate or predict the toxicity of chemicals is necessary. The mitochondria are essential organelles for cell maintenance and survival but also serve as one of the main targets of toxic chemicals. Mitochondria play an important role in the pathology of respiratory disease, and many environmental chemicals may induce impairment of the respiratory system through mitochondrial damage. This study aimed to develop integrated in vitro approaches to identify chemicals that could induce adverse health effects by increasing mitochondria-mediated oxidative stress using the H441 cells, which have a club-cell-like phenotype. Twenty-six environmental toxicants (biocides, phthalates, bisphenols, and particles) were tested, and each parameter was compared with eleven reference compounds. The inhibitory concentrations (IC20 and IC50) and benchmark doses (BMD) of the tested compounds were estimated from three in vitro assays, and the toxic concentration was determined. At the lowest IC20, the effects of compounds on mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were compared. Principal component analysis and k-mean clustering were performed to cluster the chemicals that had comparable effects on the cells. Chemicals that induce mitochondrial damage at different concentrations were used for an in-depth high-tier assessment and classification as electron transport system (ETS) uncoupling or inhibiting agents. Additionally, using in vitro to in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) tools, equivalent administration doses and maximum plasma concentrations of tested compounds in human were estimated. This study suggests an in vitro approach to identifying mitochondrial damage by integrating several in vitro toxicity tests and calculation modeling.

Bisphenol analogues in infant foods in south China and implications for infant exposure

Bisphenol analogues (BPs) are commonly used as modifiers, stabilizers and photo-initiators in polymer materials, including those used in food packaging. Compared to adults, infants are more sensitive to chemicals because their bodies are growing and not fully developed. Therefore, it is essential to determine the concentrations of BPs in common infant foods to assess infant exposure and prevent hazards. We collected 54 infant formula (IF) samples, 90 complementary food (CMF) samples and 62 breastmilk samples from breastfeeding women in south China. Tandem mass spectrometry coupled to liquid chromatography separation (HPLC-MS/MS) was used to detect the concentrations of 8 BPs in the three types of food samples. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of infants was also assessed. The results showed that the detection frequency of bisphenol F (BPF), bisphenol S (BPS), bisphenol AF (BPAF) and bisphenol AP (BPAP) were relatively high among the different infant foods. BPF, BPP and BPS were predominant among the detected BPs. The lowest 95th EDI for BPA was 0.67 ng kg-bw-1 day-1, exceeding the tolerable daily intake (TDI) limit for BPA set by the European Food Safety Authority in 2023. Thus, BP exposure is a significant risk to infants. More attention should be paid to the presence of BPs in daily use products and food, and intake limits should be set for BPs other than BPA.

Distribution and potential risk factors of bisphenol a in serum and urine among Chinese from 2004 to 2019

Background

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an oil-derived, large-market volume chemical with endocrine disrupting properties and reproductive toxicity. Moreover, BPA is frequently used in food contact materials, has been extensively researched recently, and widespread exposure in the general population has been reported worldwide. However, national information on BPA levels in general Chinese people is lacking.

Methods

This study collected and analyzed 145 (104 in urine and 41 in serum) research articles published between 2004 and 2021 to reflect the BPA internal exposure levels in Chinese populations. The Monte Carlo simulation method is employed to analyze and estimate the data in order to rectify the deviation caused by a skewed distribution.

Results

Data on BPA concentrations in urine and serum were collected from 2006 to 2019 and 2004 to 2019, respectively. Urinary BPA concentrations did not vary significantly until 2017, with the highest concentration occurring from 2018 to 2019 (2.90 ng/mL). The serum BPA concentration decreased to the nadir of 1.07 ng/mL in 2011 and gradually increased to 2.54 ng/mL. Nationally, 18 provinces were studied, with Guangdong (3.50 ng/mL), Zhejiang (2.57 ng/mL), and Fujian (2.15 ng/mL) having the highest urine BPA levels. Serum BPA was investigated in 15 provinces; Jiangsu (9.14 ng/mL) and Shandong (5.80 ng/mL) were relatively high. The results also indicated that males' urine and serum BPA levels were higher than females, while the BPA levels in children were also higher than in adults (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the volume of garbage disposal (r = 0.39, p < 0.05), household sewage (r = 0.34, p < 0.05), and waste incineration content (r = 0.35, p < 0.05) exhibited a strong positive connection with urine BPA levels in Chinese individuals.

Conclusion

Despite using a data consolidation approach, our study found that the Chinese population was exposed to significant amounts of BPA, and males having a higher level than females. Besides, the levels of BPA exposure are influenced by the volume of garbage disposal, household sewage, and waste incineration content.

Chemicals of Emerging Arctic Concern in north-western Spitsbergen snow: Distribution and sources

Personal care products contain chemicals that are considered of emerging concern in the Arctic. In this study, a selected group of personal care products was investigated in the snowpack on north-western Spitsbergen. We report a preliminary study on the spatial and seasonal distribution of 13 ingredients commonly found in personal care products, including fragrance materials, UV filters, BHT and BPA. Possible sources and deposition processes are discussed. Experimental analyses utilizing GC-MS/MS, were complemented with outputs from the HYSPLIT transport and dispersion model. The results reveal the presence of all selected compounds in the snow, both in proximity to and distant from the research village of Ny-Ålesund. For some of these chemicals this is the first time their presence is reported in snow in Svalbard. These chemicals show different partitioning behaviours between the particulate and dissolved phases, affecting their transport and deposition processes. Additionally, concentrations of certain compounds vary across different altitudes. It is observed the relevance of long-range atmospheric transport during winter at most sites, and, regardless of the proximity to human settlements, snow concentrations can be influenced by long-distance sources. This study highlights the need for detailed information on CEACs' physical-chemical properties, considering their potential impact on fresh and marine waters during the snowmelt under climate change.

BPA and low-Se exacerbate apoptosis and autophagy in the chicken bursa of Fabricius by regulating the ROS/AKT/FOXO1 pathway

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant that can have harmful effects on human and animal immune systems by inducing oxidative stress. Selenium (Se) deficiency damages immune organ tissues and exhibits synergistic effects on the toxicity of environmental pollutants. However, oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, and autophagy caused by the combination of BPA and low-Se, have not been studied in the bursa of Fabricius of the immune organ of poultry. Therefore, in this study, BPA and/or low-Se broiler models and chicken lymphoma cells (MDCC-MSB-1 cells) models were established to investigate the effects of BPA and/or low-Se on the bursa of Fabricius of poultry. The data showed that BPA and/or low-Se disrupted the normal structure of the bursa of Fabricius, BPA (60 μM) significantly reduced the activity of MDCC-MSB-1 cells and disrupted normal morphology (IC50 = 192.5 ± 1.026 μM). Compared with the Control group, apoptosis and autophagy were increased in the BPA or low-Se groups, and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was increased. This inhibited the AKT/FOXO1 pathway, leading to mitochondrial fusion/division imbalance (Mfn1, Mfn2, OPA1 were increased, DRP1 was decreased) and dysfunction (CI-NDUFB8, CII-SDHB, CIII-UQCRC2, CIV-MTCO1, CV-ATP5A1, ATP). Furthermore, combined exposure of BPA and low-Se aggravated the above-mentioned changes. Treatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) reduced ROS levels and activated the AKT/FOXO1 pathway to further alleviate BPA and low-Se-induced apoptosis and autophagy. Apoptosis induced by low-Se + BPA was exacerbated after 3-Methyladenine (3-MA, autophagy inhibitor) treatment. Together, these results indicated that BPA and low-Se aggravated apoptosis and autophagy of the bursa of Fabricius in chickens by regulating the ROS/AKT/FOXO1 pathway.

Chemicals Used in Plastic Materials: An Estimate of the Attributable Disease Burden and Costs in the United States

Context

Chemicals used in plastics have been described to contribute to disease and disability, but attributable fractions have not been quantified to assess specific contributions. Without this information, interventions proposed as part of the Global Plastics Treaty cannot be evaluated for potential benefits.

Objective

To accurately inform the tradeoffs involved in the ongoing reliance on plastic production as a source of economic productivity in the United States, we calculated the attributable disease burden and cost due to chemicals used in plastic materials in 2018.

Methods

We first analyzed the existing literature to identify plastic-related fractions (PRF) of disease and disability for specific polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDE), phthalates, bisphenols, and polyfluoroalkyl substances and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). We then updated previously published disease burden and cost estimates for these chemicals in the United States to 2018. By uniting these data, we computed estimates of attributable disease burden and costs due to plastics in the United States.

Results

We identified PRFs of 97.5% for bisphenol A (96.25-98.75% for sensitivity analysis), 98% (96%-99%) for di-2-ethylhexylphthalate, 100% (71%-100%) for butyl phthalates and benzyl phthalates, 98% (97%-99%) for PBDE-47, and 93% (16%-96%) for PFAS. In total, we estimate $249 billion (sensitivity analysis: $226 billion-$289 billion) in plastic-attributable disease burden in 2018. The majority of these costs arose as a result of PBDE exposure, though $66.7 billion ($64.7 billion-67.3 billion) was due to phthalate exposure and $22.4 billion was due to PFAS exposure (sensitivity analysis: $3.85-$60.1 billion).

Conclusion

Plastics contribute substantially to disease and associated social costs in the United States, accounting for 1.22% of the gross domestic product. The costs of plastic pollution will continue to accumulate as long as exposures continue at current levels. Actions through the Global Plastics Treaty and other policy initiatives will reduce these costs in proportion to the actual reductions in chemical exposures achieved.

Plasma bisphenol a and phthalate levels in children with cerebral palsy: a case-control study

The case-control study aimed to evaluate potential sources of exposure and the plasma concentrations of bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates in prepubertal children having cerebral palsy (CP) and healthy control. Blood samples of 68 CP and 70 controls were analyzed for BPA, di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP), mono-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (MEHP), and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). BPA and DBP levels were similar in groups. The median DEHP and MEHP levels of the children with CP were significantly lower than those of the controls (p = 0.035, p < 0.001, respectively). Exposure to plastic food containers/bags, personal care hygiene products, household cleaners, wood/coal stove heating, and city water supplies were associated with increased odds of higher BPA and phthalate levels in children with CP. In conclusion, potential exposure sources for BPA and phthalates differ in children with CP and healthy controls, and children with CP are not exposed to higher levels of BPA and phthalates.

Estimating personal exposures to household air pollution and plastic garbage burning among adolescent girls in Jalapa, Guatemala

Waste collection services are uncommon in rural areas of low-resource countries, causing waste accumulation and subsequent dumping and burning of garbage. Air pollution from household garbage burning, including plastics, has been observed in Jalapa, Guatemala in addition to household air pollution (HAP) from cooking. Adolescent girls often help with these cooking and household tasks, but little is known about their exposures. We characterized 24-h exposures to HAP and household garbage burning in adolescent girls by measuring fine particulate matter (PM2.5), black carbon (BC), urinary biomarkers of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), bisphenol A (BPA), and phthalates. We recruited 60 girls between 13 and 17 years of age who helped with cooking activities and lived with participants of the Household Air Pollution Intervention Network (HAPIN) trial. We recruited n = 30 girls each from the control (wood-burning stove) and intervention (liquefied petroleum gas stove) arms. We also measured real-time kitchen concentrations of BC in 20 homes (33%). PM2.5 and BC were measured in n = 21 control and n = 20 intervention participants. Median concentrations of personal PM2.5 and BC and kitchen BC were lower (p < 0.05) in the intervention arm by 87%, 80%, and 85%, respectively. PAH metabolite concentrations were lower (p < 0.001) for all nine metabolites in intervention (n = 26) compared to control participants (n = 29). Urinary BPA concentrations were 66% higher in participants who reported using cosmetics (p = 0.02), and phthalate concentrations were 63% higher in participants who had reported using hair products during the sample period (p = 0.05). Our results suggest that gas stoves can reduce HAP exposures among adolescents who are not primary cooks at home. Biomarkers of plastic exposure were not associated with intervention status, but some were elevated compared to age- and sex-matched participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Estimating the temporal and spatial distribution and threats of bisphenol A in temperate lakes using machine learning models

Bisphenol A (BPA) is easily enriched in many human-disturbed watersheds, particularly lakes with poor water mobility, which is posing a threat to aquatic biota. While previous studies have focused on the concentration of BPA in water and its toxicity to aquatic organisms, a small amount of measured data is not enough to reveal the temporal and spatial distribution and threats of BPA, and estimate the ecological risk in watersheds. Therefore, we collected 164 measured BPA data points from Taihu Lake to develop machine learning models using random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM) and least square regression (LSR) and created month-by-month watershed prediction maps in temperate lakes to estimate the spatiotemporal distribution and threats of BPA. Due to RF's superior robustness to noisy data, the RF model exhibits the best performance among the three algorithms. The RF model showed acceptable predictive performance on the modeling dataset (coefficients of determination and root-mean-square error for the training set were 0.927 and 17.499, respectively, and 0.607, 39.645 for the validation set, respectively). The maps indicated that areas susceptible to anthropogenic activities were more severely polluted by BPA, and rainy climate may favor the migration of BPA to aquatic ecosystems. The model was also applied to predict 42 data points of BPA collected from Dianchi Lake, and the results showed that most predicted data were within a factor of 10 of the measured data, but the prediction accuracy of the model has declined. The ecological risks in the two lakes were evaluated and attention should be paid to the regions with higher risks. Our study provided a novel idea for comprehensive monitoring of an unconventional trace pollutant with endocrine disrupting effects in aquatic ecosystems and analyzing their spatiotemporal distribution, which will contribute to the scientific assessment of the ecological risk of BPA.

Toxicity of bisphenol A and p-nitrophenol on tomato plants: Morpho-physiological, ionomic profile, and antioxidants/defense-related gene expression studies

Bisphenol A (BPA) and p-nitrophenol (PNP) are emerging contaminants of soils due to their wide presence in agricultural and industrial products. Thus, the present study aimed to integrate morpho-physiological, ionic homeostasis, and defense- and antioxidant-related genes in the response of tomato plants to BPA or PNP stress, an area of research that has been scarcely studied. In this work, increasing the levels of BPA and PNP in the soil intensified their drastic effects on the biomass and photosynthetic pigments of tomato plants. Moreover, BPA and PNP induced osmotic stress on tomato plants by reducing soluble sugars and soluble proteins relative to control. The soil contamination with BPA and PNP treatments caused a decline in the levels of macro- and micro-elements in the foliar tissues of tomatoes while simultaneously increasing the contents of non-essential micronutrients. The Fourier transform infrared analysis of the active components in tomato leaves revealed that BPA influenced the presence of certain functional groups, resulting in the absence of some functional groups, while on PNP treatment, there was a shift observed in certain functional groups compared to the control. At the molecular level, BPA and PNP induced an increase in the gene expression of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase, with the exception of POD gene expression under BPA stress. The expression of the thaumatin-like protein gene increased at the highest level of PNP and a moderate level of BPA without any significant effect of both pollutants on the expression of the tubulin (TUB) gene. The comprehensive analysis of biochemical responses in tomato plants subjected to BPA and PNP stress illustrates valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying tolerance to these pollutants.

Eco-friendly approach developed for the microextraction of xenobiotic contaminants from tropical beverages using a camphor-based natural hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent

In this work, an innovative green strategy has been developed for the analysis of twenty-seven endocrine disruptors, including bisphenols, alkylphenols and alkylphenol ethoxylates, phthalic acid esters and one adipate in tropical beverages. For this purpose, nine natural hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents based on the terpenoids camphor, thymol and menthol at different molar ratios were investigated for the first time as extractants for the liquid-liquid microextraction of the target analytes from coconut waters and Aloe Vera drinks. A mixture of camphor:thymol at molar ratio 1:2 (n/n) was selected as extraction solvent. Determination of the target analytes was carried out by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. After optimisation of the determination and extraction conditions, the methodology was validated achieving good results in terms of linearity, as well as recovery values in the range 75-111% and limits of quantification from 0.137 to 10.08 μg/L. Finally, the developed methodology was applied to the analysis of commercially available samples, finding the presence of diethyl phthalate.

Developmental Programming: Impact of Prenatal Exposure to Bisphenol A on Senescence and Circadian Mediators in the Liver of Sheep

Prenatal exposure to endocrine disruptors such as bisphenol A (BPA) plays a critical role in the developmental programming of liver dysfunction that is characteristic of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Circadian and aging processes have been implicated in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. We hypothesized that the prenatal BPA-induced fatty-liver phenotype of female sheep is associated with premature hepatic senescence and disruption in circadian clock genes. The expression of circadian rhythm and aging-associated genes, along with other markers of senescence such as telomere length, mitochondrial DNA copy number, and lipofuscin accumulation, were evaluated in the liver tissue of control and prenatal BPA groups. Prenatal BPA exposure significantly elevated the expression of aging-associated genes GLB1 and CISD2 and induced large magnitude differences in the expression of other aging genes-APOE, HGF, KLOTHO, and the clock genes PER2 and CLOCK-in the liver; the other senescence markers remained unaffected. Prenatal BPA-programmed aging-related transcriptional changes in the liver may contribute to pathological changes in liver function, elucidating the involvement of aging genes in the pathogenesis of liver steatosis.

Research Progress of Methods for Degradation of Bisphenol A

Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor widely used in industrial production, is found in various environmental sources. Despite numerous reports on BPA degradation and removal, the details remain unclear. This paper aims to address this gap by providing a comprehensive review of BPA degradation methods, focusing on biological, physical, and chemical treatments and the factors that affect the degradation of BPA. Firstly, the paper uses VOSviewer software (version 1.6.15) to map out the literature on BPA degradation published in the past 20 years, which reveals the trends and research focus in this field. Next, the advantages and limitations of different BPA degradation methods are discussed. Overall, this review highlights the importance of BPA degradation to protect the environment and human health. The paper provides significant insights for researchers and policymakers to develop better approaches for BPA degradation and removal.

Transcriptomic Integration Analyses Uncover Common Bisphenol A Effects Across Species and Tissues Primarily Mediated by Disruption of JUN/FOS, EGFR, ER, PPARG, and P53 Pathways

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a common endocrine disruptor widely used in the production of electronic, sports, and medical equipment, as well as consumer products like milk bottles, dental sealants, and thermal paper. Despite its widespread use, current assessments of BPA exposure risks remain limited due to the lack of comprehensive cross-species comparative analyses. To address this gap, we conducted a study aimed at identifying genes and fundamental molecular processes consistently affected by BPA in various species and tissues, employing an effective data integration method and bioinformatic analyses. Our findings revealed that exposure to BPA led to significant changes in processes like lipid metabolism, proliferation, and apoptosis in the tissues/cells of mammals, fish, and nematodes. These processes were found to be commonly affected in adipose, liver, mammary, uterus, testes, and ovary tissues. Additionally, through an in-depth analysis of signaling pathways influenced by BPA in different species and tissues, we observed that the JUN/FOS, EGFR, ER, PPARG, and P53 pathways, along with their downstream key transcription factors and kinases, were all impacted by BPA. Our study provides compelling evidence that BPA indeed induces similar toxic effects across different species and tissues. Furthermore, our investigation sheds light on the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for these toxic effects. By uncovering these mechanisms, we gain valuable insights into the potential health implications associated with BPA exposure, highlighting the importance of comprehensive assessments and awareness of this widespread endocrine disruptor.

Exploring aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) as a target for Bisphenol-A (BPA)-induced pancreatic islet toxicity and impaired glucose homeostasis: Protective efficacy of ethanol extract of Centella asiatica

The estrogenic impact of Bisphenol-A (BPA), a widely recognized endocrine disruptor, causes disruption of pancreatic β-cell function through estrogen receptors (ERs). While BPA's binding affinity for ERs is significantly lower than that of its natural counterpart, estrogen, recent observations of BPA's affinity for aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in specific cellular contexts have sparked a specific question: does AhR play a role in BPA's toxicological effects within the endocrine pancreas? To explore this question, we investigated BPA's (10 and 100 μg/ kg body weight/day for 21 days) potential to activate AhR within pancreatic islets and assessed the protective role of ethanol extract of Centella asiatica (CA) (200 and 400 mg/kg body weight/day for 21 days) against BPA-mediated toxicity in mouse model. Our results indicate that BPA effectively triggers the activation of AhR and modulates its target genes within pancreatic islets. In contrast, CA activates AhR but directs downstream pathways differentially and activates Nrf2. Additionally, CA was observed to counteract the disruption caused by BPA in glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, BPA-induced oxidative stress and exaggerated production of proinflammatory cytokines were effectively counteracted by CA supplementation. In summary, our study suggests that CA influenced AhR signaling to mitigate the disrupted pancreatic endocrine function in BPA exposed mice. By shedding light on how BPA interacts with AhR, our research provides valuable insights into the mechanisms involved in the diabetogenic actions of BPA.

Multilevel meta-analysis and dose-response analysis for bisphenol A (BPA) exposure on metabolic and neurobehavioral effects

Evidence suggests that oral exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) may result in adverse metabolic and neurobehavioral effects. The aim of the present meta-analysis is to examine this association based on systematically selected laboratory rodent studies published from 2012 to 2021 and sourced from Scopus, Web of Science, EmBase, and PubMed. Articles satisfying eligibility and inclusion criteria were included for the calculation of the summary standardised mean difference (SMD). Subgroup analysis and subsequent dose-response analysis were conducted if applicable. In total, 32 studies were analysed for 6 metabolic endpoints (cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin, glucose, leptin, and adiponectin) and 6 neurobehavioral endpoints (locomotor activity, exploratory, anxiety, depression, spatial learning and memory, non-spatial learning and memory). Summary SMDs implied that no significant effects were observed in endpoints considered. The dose was not determined as a significant moderator with regards to medium or high heterogeneity; however, there was significant impairment of spatial learning and memory at health-based guidance value ('HBGV') (0.05-9 mg (kg bw)-1 day-1) and 'High' (>9 mg (kg bw)-1 day-1) dose group. As a result, an indicative toxicological reference dose value of 0.034 mg (kg bw)-1 day-1 was proposed due to large variability. Potential harm to spatial learning and memory from BPA exposure requires further investigation. This study has provided some additional information on potential adverse metabolic and neurobehavioral effects of BPA from the perspective of meta-analysis which can inform the public, regulatory authorities, and policymakers.

Bisphenols-A Threat to the Natural Environment

Negative public sentiment built up around bisphenol A (BPA) follows growing awareness of the frequency of this chemical compound in the environment. The increase in air, water, and soil contamination by BPA has also generated the need to replace it with less toxic analogs, such as Bisphenol F (BPF) and Bisphenol S (BPS). However, due to the structural similarity of BPF and BPS to BPA, questions arise about the safety of their usage. The toxicity of BPA, BPF, and BPS towards humans and animals has been fairly well understood. The biodegradability potential of microorganisms towards each of these bisphenols is also widely recognized. However, the scale of their inhibitory pressure on soil microbiomes and soil enzyme activity has not been estimated. These parameters are extremely important in determining soil health, which in turn also influences plant growth and development. Therefore, in this manuscript, knowledge has been expanded and systematized regarding the differences in toxicity between BPA and its two analogs. In the context of the synthetic characterization of the effects of bisphenol permeation into the environment, the toxic impact of BPA, BPF, and BPS on the microbiological and biochemical parameters of soils was traced. The response of cultivated plants to their influence was also analyzed.

Advanced oxidation of bisphenols by peracetic acid activated by light and ultrasound

Light and ultrasound have been tested as physical factors activating peracetic acid (PAA) to oxidize bisphenols (BPs). Based on the chemometric approach of the Taguchi method, UV irradiation with a wavelength of 254 nm was selected as the optimal type of PAA activator. The effectiveness of the UV/PAA system was also compared with other oxidation methods. Under optimal conditions ([BPs]0 = 1 mg/L, 1 mM PAA, pH 9, UV 254 nm) the tested bisphenols are completely degraded within 15-60 min. The influence of the matrix on the process of organic micropollutants removal in the UV/PAA system was also investigated. Toxicity assessment leads to the conclusion that the reaction mixture shows limited toxicity towards living organisms.

An integrated approach to remove endocrine-disrupting chemicals bisphenol and its analogues from the aqueous environment: a review

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a well-known endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) used as a plastic enhancer in producing polycarbonate resins to manufacture hard plastics. Due to strict limitations on the manufacturing and utilization of BPA, several bisphenol substitutes, bisphenol F (BPF), bisphenol S (BPS), and bisphenol AF (BPAF), have been developed to replace it in various applications. Because of their widespread use in food containers, infant bottles, and reusable water bottles, bisphenols (BPs) have been identified in different environmental circumstances, including drinking water, seawater, industrial effluent, and endocrine systems such as human blood, urine, and breast milk. However, locating and analyzing them in different conditions has proven to be challenging. Therefore, there is a need to reduce the prevalence of BPs in the environment. The significance of advanced treatment options for treating and eliminating BPA and its alternatives from water bodies are reviewed. Also, the research gaps and future scopes are discussed in this review article. According to the literature survey, adsorption and photocatalytic degradation provide synergistic benefits for environmental challenges because of their substantial adsorption Q5 capacity, high oxidation capability, and low cost compared to alternative individual treatment options.

Inhalation of polycarbonate emissions generated during 3D printing processes affects neuroendocrine function in male rats

Three-dimensional (3D) printing of manufactured goods has increased in the last 10 years. The increased use of this technology has resulted in questions regarding the influence of inhaling emissions generated during printing. The goal of this study was to determine if inhalation of particulate and/or toxic chemicals generated during printing with polycarbonate (PC) plastic affected the neuroendocrine system. Male rats were exposed to 3D-printer emissions (592 µg particulate/m3 air) or filtered air for 4 h/day (d), 4 days/week and total exposures lengths were 1, 4, 8, 15 or 30 days. The effects of these exposures on hormone concentrations, and markers of function and/or injury in the olfactory bulb, hypothalamus and testes were measured after 1, 8 and 30 days exposure. Thirty days of exposure to 3D printer emissions resulted in reductions in thyroid stimulating hormone, follicle stimulating hormone and prolactin. These changes were accompanied by (1) elevation in markers of cell injury; (2) reductions in active mitochondria in the olfactory bulb, diminished gonadotropin releasing hormone cells and fibers as well as less tyrosine hydroxylase immunolabeled fibers in the arcuate nucleus; and (3) decrease in spermatogonium. Polycarbonate plastics may contain bisphenol A, and the effects of exposure to these 3D printer-generated emissions on neuroendocrine function are similar to those noted following exposure to bisphenol A.

MWCNTs Decorated with TiO2 as Highly Performing Filler in the Preparation of Nanocomposite Membranes for Scalable Photocatalytic Degradation of Bisphenol A in Water

Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine-disrupting compound with estrogenic behavior, is of great concern within the scientific community due to its high production levels and increasing concentration in various surface aquifers. While several materials exhibit excellent capacity for the photocatalytic degradation of BPA, their powdered nature and poor chemical stability render them unsuitable for practical application in large-scale water decontamination. In this study, a new class of nanocomposite membranes based on sulfonated polyethersulfone (sPES) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes decorated with TiO2 nanoparticles (MWCNTs-TiO2) were investigated as efficient and scalable photocatalysts for the photodegradation of BPA in aqueous solutions. The MWCNTs-TiO2 hybrid material was prepared through a facile and inexpensive hydrothermal method and extensively characterized by XRD, Raman, FTIR, BET, and TGA. Meanwhile, nanocomposite membranes at different filler loadings were prepared by a simple casting procedure. Swelling tests and PFG NMR analyses provided insights into the impact of filler introduction on membrane hydrophilicity and water molecular dynamics, whereas the effectiveness of the various photocatalysts in BPA removal was monitored using HPLC. Among the different MWCNTs-TiO2 content nanocomposites, the one at 10 wt% loading (sP-MT10) showed the best photoactivity. Under UV irradiation at 254 nm and 365 nm for 240 min, photocatalytic oxidation of 5 mg/L bisphenol A by sP-MT10 resulted in 91% and 82% degradation, respectively. Both the effect of BPA concentration and the membrane regenerability were evaluated, revealing that the sP-MT10 maintained its maximum BPA removal capability over more than 10 cycles. Our findings indicate that sP-MT nanocomposite membranes are versatile, scalable, efficient, and highly reusable photocatalysts for the degradation of BPA, as well as potentially for other endocrine disruptors.