Metabolism of bisphenol A in isolated rat hepatocytes and oestrogenic activity of a hydroxylated metabolite in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells

Application of the Key Characteristics of Carcinogens to Bisphenol A

The ten key characteristics (KCs) of carcinogens are based on characteristics of known human carcinogens and encompass many types of endpoints. We propose that an objective review of the large amount of cancer mechanistic evidence for the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) can be achieved through use of these KCs. A search on metabolic and mechanistic data relevant to the carcinogenicity of BPA was conducted and web-based software tools were used to screen and organize the results. We applied the KCs to systematically identify, organize, and summarize mechanistic information for BPA, and to bring relevant carcinogenic mechanisms into focus. For some KCs with very large data sets, we utilized reviews focused on specific endpoints. Over 3000 studies for BPA from various data streams (exposed humans, animals, in vitro and cell-free systems) were identified. Mechanistic data relevant to each of the ten KCs were identified, with receptor-mediated effects, epigenetic alterations, oxidative stress, and cell proliferation being especially data rich. Reactive and bioactive metabolites are also associated with a number of KCs. This review demonstrates how the KCs can be applied to evaluate mechanistic data, especially for data-rich chemicals. While individual entities may have different approaches for the incorporation of mechanistic data in cancer hazard identification, the KCs provide a practical framework for conducting an objective examination of the available mechanistic data without a priori assumptions on mode of action. This analysis of the mechanistic data available for BPA suggests multiple and inter-connected mechanisms through which this chemical can act.

Hydroxyl radical and UV-induced reactions of bisphenol analogues in water: Kinetics, transformation products and estrogenic activity estimation

There is currently a concern about the endocrine-disrupting capacity of many bisphenol A substitutes, such as BPAF, BPAP, BPB, BPC, BPC-Cl, BPE, BPF, BPS and BPZ in natural waters. However, fundamental data (i.e., kinetics and mechanisms) about the performance of advanced oxidation processes and UV radiation for water decontamination are scarce. In this study, the removal of bisphenol A substitutes was evaluated by UV/H2O2 and UV treatments under neutral pH conditions. Reactivity of hydroxyl radical (·OH) with bisphenol analogues was studied by competition kinetics and their quantum yield was determined at 254 nm. Results revealed similar values of the second-order rate constants of ·OH with all bisphenols (5.89-14.1 × 109 M-1 s-1), as well as comparable values of the quantum yields (4.8-28.7 × 10-3 mol E-1), except for BPC-Cl. This compound showed a remarkably high quantum yield (4.7 × 10-1 mol E-1), which resulted in a removal higher than 60 % at typical UV disinfection doses (ca. 40 mJ cm-2). The transformation products formed by ·OH and UV-induced reactions were also assessed. Catechol and ortho-quinone derivatives were suggested as the main intermediates from the reaction of bisphenols with ·OH. Excluding BPC-Cl, the resulting photolysis products of bisphenols coincided with those from the ·OH reaction. A distinguished mechanism was proposed for the formation of the photolysis products of BPC-Cl, based on the favoured cleavage of the C-Cl bonds under UV irradiation. Phenanthrene-3,6-diol was suggested as main initial photolysis byproduct of BPC-Cl. Estrogenicity of bisphenols and detected intermediates was predicted using a Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) approach. Certain byproducts produced during bisphenols reaction with ·OH, such as catechol derivatives, may exhibit estrogenic activity, as they were predicted as very strong binders. Similarly, all photolysis intermediates of BPC-Cl were predicted as very strong binders as well, suggesting that estrogenicity could persist after the treatment.

UV aged epoxy coatings - Ecotoxicological effects and released compounds

Organic coatings can guarantee long-term protection of steel structures due to causing a physical barrier against water and oxygen. Because of their mechanical properties and resistances to heat and chemicals, epoxy resin-based coatings are widely used for corrosion protection. Despite of the aromatic backbone and the resulting susceptibility to UV degradation, epoxy resins are frequently used as binding agent in top layers of anti-corrosion coating systems. Consequently, these organic polymers are directly exposed to sunlight and thus UV radiation. The present study was designed to investigate if toxic effects of epoxy resin-based-coatings are changed by UV-A irradiation. For this purpose, two epoxide-based top coatings were examined with and without UV aging for their bacterial toxicity and estrogenicity. In addition, chemical analyses were performed to identify released compounds as well as photolytic degradation products and to assign toxic effects to individual substances. UV-A irradiation of epoxy resin based top coatings resulted in an overall decrease of acute and specific ecotoxicological effects but as well to the formation of toxic transformation products. Both, in leachates of untreated and UV-A irradiated coatings, 4tBP was identified as the main driver of estrogenicity and toxicity to luminescent bacteria. BPA and structural analogs contributing to estrogenic effects in leachates were formed by UV-A irradiation. The combination of HPTLC coupled bioassays and LC-MS analyses supported the identification of bioactive compounds in terms of an effect-directed analysis. The present findings indicate that epoxide-based coatings are less suitable for the application as top coatings and more UV stable coatings like aliphatic polyurethanes should be preferred.

The effects of fluorene-9-bisphenol on female zebrafish (Danio rerio) reproductive and exploratory behaviors

Endocrine disruptor chemicals induce adverse effects to animals' development, reproduction and behavior in environment. We investigated the effects of fluorene-9-bisphenol (BHPF), one substitute of bisphenol A, on courtship behavior and exploratory behavior of adult zebrafish. Customized apparatus was used to evaluate courtship behavior. The result showed that the male spent less time with BHPF and anti-oestrogenic fulvestrant (FULV) treated female in region of approaching (ROA). Courtship index between BHPF-exposed female and male decreased. The body orientation of BHPF- and FULV-exposed female to male decreased. Furthermore, BHPF exposure downregulated the expression of genes related to estrogen receptor, steroidogenesis and upregulated oxidative stress related genes. It indicated that BHPF exposure interfered the preference of male and female in courtship, and induced detrimental effects on reproduction. BHPF treatment decreased locomotor activity and time spent in top, increased freezing bouts, and induced anxiety/depression-like behavior. The tyrosine hydroxylase in brain decreased under BHPF exposure. Here we showed the potential adverse effects of BHPF on reproduction and exploratory behaviors.

Occurrence, endocrine-related bioeffects and fate of bisphenol A chemical degradation intermediates and impurities: A review

In recent decades, increasing attention has been directed toward the effects of bisphenol A (BPA) as an environmental pollutant, primarily due to its demonstrated endocrine-disruptive effects. A growing body of evidence indicates that many BPA derivatives also exhibit endocrine activity and other adverse biological properties. A review of the published literature was performed to identify BPA degradation intermediates resulting from chemical degradation processes of BPA, as well as BPA's associated co-pollutants. Products of biological metabolism were not included in this study. Seventy-nine chemicals were identified. Of these chemicals, a subset - those containing two 6-membered aromatic rings connected by a central ring-linking carbon - was identified, and a further literature review was conducted to identify demonstrated biological effects associated with the chemicals in this subset. The objectives of this review were to assess the potential risks to human and environmental health associated with BPA derivatives, characterize our current understanding of BPA's degradation intermediates and co-pollutants, and aid in the identification of compounds of interest that have received insufficient scrutiny.

Mass spectrometry investigation of DNA adduct formation from bisphenol A quinone metabolite and MCF-7 cell DNA

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely used additive in the plastic industry and has been reported to have genotoxicity. A hypothesis that BPA may enhance breast cancer risk through the formation of its metabolic intermediate or DNA adduct has been proposed. In this study, breast cancer cell MCF-7 was cultured and the cellular DNA was extracted from the cells. The adducts of bisphenol A 3,4-quinone (BPAQ) with 2'-deoxyguanosine (dG), calf thymus DNA and MCF-7 cell DNA were investigated. DNA adducts were characterized by using electrospray ionization Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry. The BPA-DNA adducts of BPAQ with dG, calf thymus and MCF-7 cell DNA were identified as 3-hydroxy-bisphenol A-N7-guanine (3-OH-BPA-N7Gua). The MS/MS fragmentation pathway of 3-OH-BPA-N7Gua was proposed based on obtained accurate mass data. BPA quinone metabolites can react with MCF-7 cell DNA in vitro. The findings provide evidence that BPA might covalently bind to DNA in MCF-7 cells mediated by quinone metabolites, which may increase our understanding of health risk associated with BPA exposure.

Recent advances in simultaneous analysis of bisphenol A and its conjugates in human matrices: Exposure biomarker perspectives

Human exposures to bisphenol A (BPA) has attained considerable global health attention and represents one of the leading environmental contaminants with potential adverse health effects including endocrine disruption. Current practice of measuring of exposure to BPA includes the measurement of unconjugated BPA (aglycone) and total (both conjugated and unconjugated) BPA; the difference between the two measurements leads to estimation of conjugated forms. However, the measurement of BPA as the end analyte leads to inaccurate estimates from potential interferences from background sources during sample collection and analysis. BPA glucuronides (BPAG) and sulfates (BPAS) represent better candidates for biomarkers of BPA exposure, since they require in vivo metabolism and are not prone to external contamination. In this work, the primary focus was to review the current state of the art in analytical methods available to quantitate BPA conjugates. The entire analytical procedure for the simultaneous extraction and detection of aglycone BPA and conjugates is covered, from sample pre-treatment, extraction, separation, ionization, and detection. Solid phase extraction coupled with liquid chromatograph and tandem mass spectrometer analysis provides the most sensitive detection and quantification of BPA conjugates. Discussed herein are the applications of BPA conjugates analysis in human exposure assessment studies. Measuring these potential biomarkers of BPA exposure has only recently become analytically feasible and there are limitations and challenges to overcome in biomonitoring studies.

Bisphenol A and its analogs: Do their metabolites have endocrine activity?

Structural analogs of bisphenol A are commonly used as its alternatives in industrial and commercial applications. Nevertheless, the question arises whether the use of other bisphenols is justified as replacements for bisphenol A in mass production of plastic materials. To evaluate the influence of metabolic reactions on endocrine activities of bisphenols, we conducted a systematic review of the literature. Knowledge about the metabolic pathways and enzymes involved in metabolic biotransformations is essential for understanding and predicting mechanisms of toxicity. Bisphenols are metabolized predominantly by the glucuronidation reaction, which is considered their most important detoxification pathway, as based on current knowledge, glucuronides do not have activity on endocrine receptors. In contrast, several oxidative metabolites of bisphenols with enhanced endocrine activities are presented, and these findings indicate that oxidative metabolites of bisphenols can still have endocrine activities in humans.

Widespread occurrence and distribution of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) and its derivatives in human urine from the United States and China

Despite reports of the occurrence of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) and its derivatives in canned foods and consumer products, biomonitoring studies of human exposure to these compounds are lacking. In this study, 127 urine samples collected from the U.S. and China were analyzed for free and total (free plus conjugated) concentrations of BADGE and its three derivatives, bisphenol A (2,3-dihydroxypropyl) glycidyl ether [BADGE·H(2)O], bisphenol A (3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl) (2,3-dihydroxypropyl) ether [BADGE·HCl·H(2)O], and bisphenol A bis (2,3-dihydroxypropyl) ether [BADGE·2H(2)O], using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). BADGE and its three derivatives (collectively referred to as BADGEs) were found in 100% of the urine samples analyzed. Total urinary concentrations of BADGEs in the U.S. ranged from 1.24 to 9.03 ng/mL, with a GM concentration of 3 ng/mL. Concentrations of BADGEs in urine from adults (GM: 1.36 ng/mL) and children (1.02 ng/mL) in China were 3-fold lower than the concentrations found in the U.S. Both free and conjugated forms of BADGEs were present in urine, and the proportion of free form was inversely related to the total concentration of BADGEs. Among the four BADGEs measured in urine, BADGE·2H(2)O was the predominant compound, accounting for 45-60% of the total BADGEs concentration, followed by BADGE (17-24%). The distribution of the four BADGEs varied, depending on age, gender, and ethnicity of the adults and children. Daily intake (DI) and effective daily intake (DI(E)) of BADGEs were estimated based on urinary concentrations, and their respective values were 69.4 and 9.16 ng/kg-bw/day for the U.S. population and 28.4 and 5.69 ng/kg-bw/day for the Chinese population. The concentrations of BADGEs in U.S. urine were 3- to 4-fold higher than the corresponding concentrations of bisphenol A.

Determination of free and conjugated forms of bisphenol A in human urine and serum by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Exposure of humans to bisphenol A (BPA), a widely used industrial chemical, is well-known. In humans and animals, conjugation of BPA molecule with glucuronide or sulfate is considered as a mechanism for detoxification. Nevertheless, very few studies have directly measured free, conjugated (e.g., glucuronidated), and substituted (e.g., chlorinated) forms of BPA in human specimens. In this study, free, conjugated (BPA glucuronide or BPAG and BPA disulfate or BPADS), and substituted (chlorinated BPA; mono- [BPAMC], di-[BPADC], and trichloride [BPATrC]) forms of BPA were determined in human urine and serum samples, using solid-phase extraction (SPE) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) techniques. The instrumental calibration for each of the target compounds ranged from 0.01 to 100 ng/mL and showed excellent linearity (r > 0.99). The limits of quantification (LOQs) were 0.01 ng/mL for free BPA and 0.05 ng/mL for the conjugated and substituted BPA. Respective recoveries of the six target compounds spiked into water blanks and sample matrices (urine and serum), and passed through the entire analytical procedure, were 96 ± 14% and 105 ± 18% (mean ± SD) for urine samples and 87 ± 8% and 80 ± 13% for serum samples. The optimal recoveries of BPAG and BPADS in the analytical procedure indicted that no deconjugation occurred during the SPE procedure. The method was applied to measure six target chemicals in urine and serum samples collected from volunteers in Albany, New York. BPA and its derivatives were found in urine samples at concentrations ranging from < LOQ to a few tens of ng/mL. In serum, free and conjugated BPA were detected at sub ng/mL concentrations, whereas BPA chlorides were not detected. The urine and serum samples were also analyzed by enzymatic deconjugation and liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) for the determination of total BPA, and the results were compared with those measured by the SPE method. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the occurrence of BPAG and BPADS in human serum.

Bisphenol A exposure is associated with in vivo estrogenic gene expression in adults

BACKGROUND

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic estrogen commonly used in polycarbonate plastic and resin-lined food and beverage containers. Exposure of animal and cell models to doses of BPA below the recommended tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 50 μg/kg/day have been shown to alter specific estrogen-responsive gene expression, but this has not previously been shown in humans.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated associations between BPA exposure and in vivo estrogenic gene expression in humans.

METHODS

We studied 96 adult men from the InCHIANTI population study and examined in vivo expression of six estrogen receptor, estrogen-related receptor, and androgen receptor genes in peripheral blood leukocytes.

RESULTS

The geometric mean urinary BPA concentration was 3.65 ng/mL [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.13, 4.28], giving an estimated mean excretion of 5.84 μg/day (95% CI: 5.00, 6.85), significantly below the current TDI. In age-adjusted models, there were positive associations between higher BPA concentrations and higher ESR2 [estrogen receptor 2 (ER beta)] expression (unstandardized linear regression coefficient = 0.1804; 95% CI: 0.0388, 0.3221; p = 0.013) and ESRRA (estrogen related receptor alpha) expression (coefficient = 0.1718; 95% CI: 0.0213, 0.3223; p = 0.026): These associations were little changed after adjusting for potential confounders, including obesity, serum lipid concentrations, and white cell subtype percentages. Upper-tertile BPA excretors (urinary BPA > 4.6 ng/mL) had 65% higher mean ESR2 expression than did lower-tertile BPA excretors (0-2.4 ng/mL).

CONCLUSIONS

Because activation of nuclear-receptor-mediated pathways by BPA is consistently found in laboratory studies, such activation in humans provides evidence that BPA is likely to function as a xenoestrogen in this sample of adults.

Recent trends in biomonitoring of bisphenol A, 4-t-octylphenol, and 4-nonylphenol

Bisphenol A (BPA), 4-t-octylphenol (4-t-OP), and 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) are man-made alkylphenolic environmental contaminants possessing controversial endocrine disruption properties. Nowadays, an increased interest is raised for their accurate determination in biological media in order to estimate the exposure to these compounds and the associated health risk. The aim of this review is to present the available analytical methodologies for biomonitoring these three EDCs in human population. In non-occupational human exposure, they are detected in human matrices in trace level concentrations, commonly lower than 1ng/mL. The use of mass spectrometry based methods is particularly emphasized due to their well known superiority over sensitivity, selectivity and precision, even in difficult matrices, such as blood plasma and serum. Recent and most applicable sample preparation techniques are thoroughly presented. The benefits of solid phase extraction (SPE) and expected developments are demonstrated. Recent results from exposure assessment and epidemiologic studies for BPA, 4-t-OP and 4-NP are summarized and future trends are discussed.

How safe is bisphenol A? Fundamentals of toxicity: metabolism, electron transfer and oxidative stress

The FDA recently announced concern about the safety of bisphenol A (BPA) and the need for more research. In the current controversy, scant attention is being paid to toxicity at the fundamental, molecular level, which is the topic of this report. Important information is provided by extensive studies on metabolism. The principal pathway is detoxification, mainly by conjugation leading to a glucuronide. A minor route entails oxidation by hydroxylation to a catechol followed by further transformation to an o-quinone. The catechol-o-quinone couple is capable of redox cycling with generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress (OS). o-Quinones are highly electron affinic with very favorable reduction potentials that permit electron transfer (ET) under physiological conditions. Only small amounts are sufficient to generate large quantities of ROS catalytically. There is extensive evidence for production of ROS, which buttresses ET by o-quinone as a plausible source. In addition, there are numerous reports on toxicity to body constituents by BPA. Those adversely affected include the liver, DNA, genes, CNS, reproductive system and kidney. Since a plethora of prior studies links ROS-OS with toxicity, it is reasonable to propose a similar connection for BPA. Cell signaling also plays a role. There are various other factors involved with toxic responses, including age, with the fetus and infants being the most vulnerable. A report concludes that human exposure to BPA is not negligible. The present overview represents a novel, integrated approach to BPA toxicity. A similar article was recently published in this journal which deals with toxicity of prevalent phthalate plasticizers.

Laccase treatment impairs bisphenol A-induced cancer cell proliferation affecting estrogen receptor alpha-dependent rapid signals

A wide variety of environmental contaminants exert estrogenic actions in wildlife, laboratory animals, and in human beings through binding to nuclear estrogen receptors (ERs). Here, the mechanism(s) of bisphenol A (BPA) to induce cell proliferation and the occurrence of its bioremediation by treatment with laccase are reported. BPA, highly present in natural world and considered as a model of environmental estrogen action complexity, promotes human cancer cell proliferation via ERalpha-dependent signal transduction pathways. Similar to 17beta-estradiol, BPA increases the phosphorylation of both extracellular regulated kinase and AKT. Specific inhibitors of these kinase completely block the BPA effect on cancer cell proliferation. Notably, high BPA concentrations (i.e., 0.1 and 1 mM) are cytotoxic even in ERalpha-devoid cancer cells, indicating that an ERalpha-independent mechanism participates to BPA-induced cytotoxicity. On the other hand, BPA oxidation by laccase impairs the binding of this environmental estrogen to ERalpha loosing at all ERalpha-dependent effect on cancer cell proliferation. Moreover, the laccase-catalyzed oxidation of BPA reduces the BPA cytotoxic effect. Thus, laccase appears to impair BPA action(s), representing an invaluable bioremediation enzyme.

Induction of apoptosis by UV-irradiated chlorinated bisphenol A in Jurkat cells

Chlorinated derivatives of bisphenol A (ClBPAs) have been detected in wastewater from waste paper recycling plants. We previously reported that bisphenol A (BPA) and ClBPAs [3-chlorobisphenol A, 3,3'-dichlorobisphenol A, and 3,3',5-trichlorobisphenol A] irradiated with ultraviolet (UV) B or UVC (not with UVA) induced inhibition of cell growth, and that 3-hydroxybisphenol A (3-OHBPA) was detected in the photoproducts [Mutou, Y., Ibuki, Y., Terao, Y., Kojima, S., Goto, R., 2006b. Chemical change of chlorinated bisphenol A by ultraviolet irradiation and cytotoxicity of their products on Jurkat cells. Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, 21, 283-289]. The formation of hydroxylated BPAs by UV irradiation might contribute to the inhibition of cell growth, but the mechanism of the growth inhibition is not clarified. In this study, we investigated whether BPA and ClBPAs exposed to UVA, UVB, or UVC, and 3-OHBPA could induce the death of Jurkat cells and whether the pattern of cell death was apoptosis. ClBPAs exposed to UVB and UVC induced significant cell death, but those exposed to UVA and BPA did not. The cell death was apoptosis because chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation were detected. Activation of caspase-3, -8, and -9 and cytochrome c release indicated that ClBPAs exposed to UVB or UVC induced apoptosis via typical apoptotic pathways. In addition, 3-OHBPA induced apoptosis similar to UVB- or UVC-irradiated ClBPA. These results suggested that the photoproducts of ClBPAs generated by UV irradiation, containing 3-OHBPA, contributed to the induction of apoptosis.

Biotransformation and cytotoxicity of a brominated flame retardant, tetrabromobisphenol A, and its analogues in rat hepatocytes

The metabolism and cytotoxic effects of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), a phenolic flame retardant, and its analogues were studied in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes and isolated hepatic mitochondria, respectively. The exposure of hepatocytes to TBBPA caused not only concentration (0.25-1.0 mM)- and time- (0-3 h) dependent cell death accompanied by the loss of cellular ATP, adenine nucleotide pools, reduced glutathione, and protein thiols, but also the accumulation of oxidized glutathione and malondialdehyde, indicating lipid peroxidation. TBBPA at a weakly toxic level (0.25 mM) was metabolized to monoglucuronide and monosulfate conjugates: the amounts of glucuronide rather than sulfate conjugate predominantly increased, accompanied by a loss of the parent compound, with time. In comparative effects based on cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential and some toxic parameters, bisphenol A (BPA) was less toxic than TBBPA and tetrachlorobisphenol A (TCBPA), which are not significant differences in these parameters. In mitochondria isolated from rat liver, TBBPA and TCBPA caused an increase in the rate of State 4 oxygen consumption in the presence of succinate, indicating an uncoupling effect and a decrease in the rate of State 3 oxygen consumption in a concentration-dependent manner (5-25 microM). Taken collectively, our results indicate that (i) mitochondria are target organelles for TBBPA, which elicits cytotoxicity through mitochondrial dysfunction related to oxidative phosphorylation at an early stage and subsequently lipid peroxidation at a later stage; and (ii) the toxicity of TBBPA and TCBPA is greater than that of BPA, suggesting the participation of halogen atoms such as bromine and chlorine in the toxicity.

Chemical change of chlorinated bisphenol A by ultraviolet irradiation and cytotoxicity of their products on Jurkat cells

Chlorinated derivatives of bisphenol A (ClBPAs) have been detected in wastewater from waste paper recycling plants. BPA and ClBPAs are always exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the environment and consequently various photoproducts might be produced. Acute cytotoxicity of photoproducts of BPA and ClBPAs are not known. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxicity and chemical structure of photoproducts of BPA and ClBPAs (3-chlorobisphenol A (3-ClBPA), 3,3'-dichlorobisphenol A (3,3'-diClBPA) and 3,3',5-trichlorobisphenol A (3,3',5-triClBPA)) after UV irradiation (UVA, UVB and UVC). The toxicities of photoproducts on Jurkat cells were determined by Alamar Blue assay, and the chemical structures of the photoproducts were identified using GC/MS. The cytotoxicities of 3-ClBPA and 3,3'-diClBPA were higher than that of BPA and 3,3',5-triClBPA. In addition, the toxicities of ClBPAs were increased by the irradiation of UVB and UVC at 100J/cm(2) and decreased at 1000J/cm(2) in comparison with those at 100J/cm(2), indicating that their structures had changed. 3-Hydroxybisphenol A (3-OHBPA) was detected in the photoproducts of 3-ClBPA irradiated with UVB and UVC at 100J/cm(2), and 3-OHBPA and 3-chloro-3'-hydroxybisphenol A (3-Cl-3'-OHBPA) were detected in those of 3,3'-diClBPA. However, these hydroxylated BPAs were not detected in the photoproducts exposed to 1000J/cm(2). The cytotoxicity of 3-OHBPA was the almost same as ClBPAs after UVB and UVC irradiation. These results indicate that the formation of hydroxylated BPAs might contribute to the increase in toxicity caused by UV irradiation.

Characterization of new bisphenol a metabolites produced by CD1 mice liver microsomes and S9 fractions

Bisphenol A [2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane] (BPA) is a widely used industrial chemical resulting in occupational and consumer exposure. BPA possesses weak estrogenomimetic activity and can be cytotoxic, though the underlying mechanisms of its toxicity toward cells are not completely understood. The metabolism of BPA by CD1 mice liver microsomal and S9 fractions was investigated. Nine metabolites were isolated and characterized using HPLC and mass spectrometry. Many of these metabolites were characterized for the first time in mammals, namely isopropyl-hydroxyphenol (produced by the cleavage of BPA), a bisphenol A glutathione conjugate, glutathionyl-phenol, glutathionyl 4-isopropylphenol, and BPA dimers. Most of these metabolites apparently share a common metabolic pathway, for which considerable evidence supports the hypothesis of the production of a reactive intermediate, and also helps explain BPA cytotoxicity.

Bisphenol-A and estradiol exert novel gene regulation in human MCF-7 derived breast cancer cells

Xenoestrogens such as bisphenol-A (BPA) can mimic endogenous 17beta-estradiol (E2) in vitro and in vivo through binding the estrogen receptor (ER), and modulating target gene expression. In the present study, we compared global gene regulation by BPA and E2 in estrogen responsive (ERalpha-HA) human breast cancer cells derived from the MCF-7 cell line. The ERalpha-HA cells (stably over-expressing ERalpha) were exposed to E2 (10(-8)M) or BPA (10(-6)M), for 3h followed by analysis of global gene expression. More than 40 transcripts were significantly changed in ERalpha-HA cells, with many being unique to BPA. At least 15 genes were modulated by BPA in the ER-null C4-12 cell line, indicating ER independent activity. Utilizing quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), we confirmed BPA and E2 mediated regulation of four selected genes. A consensus Alu-type estrogen responsive element (ERE) was found in the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) gene, which conferred responsiveness to BPA and E2 in a reporter gene assay. Significant stimulation was seen only in ERalpha expressing cells, thus indicating a functional ERE. Taken together these data illustrate novel gene regulation by BPA and E2, which has implications for in vivo actions and previous reports of additive and synergistic effects on breast cancer cell growth.

The reaction of bisphenol A 3,4-quinone with DNA

The 3,4-quinone of the estrogen-active compound bisphenol A (BPA), characterized by a single crystal X-ray structure determination, has been shown by (1)H NMR spectroscopy to react with herring testes DNA, and with deoxyguanosine (dG), in aqueous buffer at pH 7, to form a BPA 3,4-quinone-guanine-N7 adduct (BPAQ-N7-Gua). Presumably this adduct resulted from decomposition (by loss of deoxyribose) of an initially formed, but unstable, BPAQ-N7-dG adduct. Chemical synthesis if BPAQ-N7-Gua, in up to 60% yield, was achieved by the reaction of BPAQ and dG in aqueous acetic acid. Characterization of this product, by NMR spectroscopy and high resolution mass spectrometry, allowed the monitoring (by (1)H NMR spectroscopy) of the reaction of BPAQ with DNA and with dG. The relevance of this adduct formation to the potential mutagenicity and carcinogenicity of BPA will depend upon confirmation of the necessary metabolic oxidative transformation of BPA in vivo.

Environmental fate of bisphenol A and its biological metabolites in river water and their xeno-estrogenic activity

Monitoring of bisphenol A [BPA; 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane] and its biological metabolites [4,4'-dihydroxy-alphamethylstilbene (DHMS), 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-propanol (BPA-OH), 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoic acid (BPA-COOH), and 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane (3-OH-BPA)] in river waters was performed by solid-phase extraction and GC/MS determination. The concentrations of BPA, BPA-COOH, BPA-OH, and 3-OH-BPA in the river water ranged from 2 to 230 (8.8 x 10(-12) to 1.0 x 10(-9) M), from 5 to 75 (1.9 x 10(-11) to 2.9 x 10(-10) M), from 3 to 16 (1.2 x 10(-11) to 6.6 x 10(-11) M), and from 3 to 11 (1.2 x 10(-11) to 4.5 x 10(-11) M) ng L(-1), respectively. DHMS, an intermediate in the main degradation pathway of BPA, was not detected in any water sample. Under the aerobic conditions in the river water, BPA disappeared within 8 d of incubation, but BPA-COOH, BPA-OH, and tetraol remained in the supernatant after 14 d of incubation. For the xeno-estrogenic activity of BPA and the metabolites, their ability to bind to recombinant human estrogen receptor alpha in competition with fluorescence-labeled 17beta-estradiol was measured. Fifty percent inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of BPA, DHMS, 3-OH-BPA, and BPA-OH were approximately 1 x 10(-5), 1 x 10(-6), 3 x 10(-5), and 1 x 10(-2) M, respectively. In human cultured MCF-7 breast cancer cells, BPA increased cell numbers in a dose-dependent manner at concentrations from 10(-7) to 10(-5) M. For the BPA metabolites, DOHMS, 3-OH-BPA, and BPA-COOH caused the cells proliferation at concentrations from 10(-9) to 10(-6), from 10(-7) to 10(-6), and from 10(-5) to 10(-4) M, respectively. BPA-OH did not cause MCF-7 cells proliferation. These results indicate that BPA is mainly metabolized through oxidative rearrangement by bacteria in the river water, and intermediate bisphenols via minor metabolic pathways exist in river water. The presence of the bisphenols having the xeno-estrogenic effect suggests the necessity of monitoring those in river water, in the effluent waters from sewage plants, or in landfill leachate.

Microbial metabolism of the environmental estrogen bisphenol A

Preliminary microbial metabolism studies of bisphenol A (BPA) (1) on twenty six microorganisms have shown that Aspergillus fumigatus is capable of metabolizing BPA. Scale-up fermentation of 1 with A. fumigatus gave a metabolite (2) and its structure was established as bisphenol A-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (BPAG) based on spectroscopic analyses.