Bisphenol A exposure and symptoms of anxiety and depression among inner city children at 10–12 years of age

Abstract

Background Experimental and epidemiological studies suggest that gestational exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA), an ubiquitous endocrine disrupting chemical, may lead to neurobehavioral problems in childhood; however, not all results have been consistent. We previously reported a positive association between prenatal BPA exposure and symptoms of anxiety/depression reported by the mother at child age 7–9 years in boys, but not girls. Objectives Here, in the same birth cohort, we investigated the association of prenatal BPA exposure with symptoms of depression and anxiety self-reported by the 10–12 year olds, hypothesizing that we would observe sex-specific differences in anxiety and depressive symptoms. Methods African-American and Dominican women living in Northern Manhattan and their children were followed from mother’s pregnancy through children’s age 10–12 years. BPA was quantified in maternal urine collected during the third trimester of pregnancy and in child urine collected at ages 3 and 5 years. Children were evaluated using the Revised Children’s Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS) and Children’s Depression Rating Scale (CDRS). We compared the children in the highest tertile of BPA concentration to those in the lower two tertiles. Associations between behavior and prenatal (maternal) BPA concentration or postnatal (child) BPA concentration were assessed in regression models stratified by sex. Results Significant positive associations between prenatal BPA and symptoms of depression and anxiety were observed among boys. Postnatal BPA exposure was not significantly associated with outcomes. There was substantial co-occurrence of anxiety and depressive symptoms in this sample. Conclusion These results provide evidence that prenatal BPA exposure is associated with more symptoms of anxiety and depression in boys but not in girls at age 10–12 years.

Prenatal Exposure to Nonpersistent Endocrine Disruptors and Behavior in Boys at 3 and 5 Years

“…Some of these chemicals can indeed disrupt hormonal pathways and calcium signaling [reviewed by Miodovnik et al ( 2014 ) for phthalates and Mustieles et al ( 2015 ) for BPA]. Most epidemiological studies that evaluated potential associations between early life exposure to phenols and behavioral outcomes in children focused on BPA and reported effects that were sex-specific ( Braun et al 2011 ; Casas et al 2015 ; Evans et al 2014 ; Harley et al 2013 ; F Perera et al 2012 ; Perera et al 2016 ; Roen et al 2015 ). In vitro studies suggested endocrine-disrupting properties for other phenols, such as parabens and triclosan.…”

Hormonal Imprinting: The First Cellular-level Evidence of Epigenetic Inheritance and its Present State

“…Memory, cognition, and social behavior are affected first of all [85]. Aggressive behavior, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, and anxiety impairments are provoked in adolescent girls [86]. Bisphenol A and phthalate prenatal exposures are in connection with neurobehavioral disorders [87].…”

Inhibitor of DNA-Binding/Differentiation Proteins and Environmental Toxicants: Genomic Impact on the Onset of Depressive Dysfunction

“…Paternal exposure led to higher anxiety behaviors in F1 females and aggravated depression behaviors in both sexes of F1 rats. This data suggests preconception paternal exposure to low dose BPA may stimulate transgenerational sex-focused deficiencies in adult rats [51].…”