Potential Mechanisms of Bisphenol A (BPA) Contributing to Human Disease

Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an organic synthetic compound serving as a monomer to produce polycarbonate plastic, widely used in the packaging for food and drinks, medical devices, thermal paper, and dental materials. BPA can contaminate food, beverage, air, and soil. It accumulates in several human tissues and organs and is potentially harmful to human health through different molecular mechanisms. Due to its hormone-like properties, BPA may bind to estrogen receptors, thereby affecting both body weight and tumorigenesis. BPA may also affect metabolism and cancer progression, by interacting with GPR30, and may impair male reproductive function, by binding to androgen receptors. Several transcription factors, including PPARγ, C/EBP, Nrf2, HOX, and HAND2, are involved in BPA action on fat and liver homeostasis, the cardiovascular system, and cancer. Finally, epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, histones modification, and changes in microRNAs expression contribute to BPA pathological effects. This review aims to provide an extensive and comprehensive analysis of the most recent evidence about the potential mechanisms by which BPA affects human health.

Bisphenol A and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Review of Epidemiologic, Functional, and Early Life Factors

“…An additional mechanism of BPA action involves the modulation of epigenetic mechanisms through changes in DNA methylation, histone modification and changes in microRNA expression. Reviews of BPA-induced epigenetic changes have been provided by several authors [ 152 , 153 ]. The transgenerational epigenetic inheritance of changes in glucose homeostasis in animal studies induced by BPA through histone modifications affecting PDX1 and insulin-like growth factor 2 ( IGF2 ) expression have been documented [ 154 , 155 ].…”

Review: The Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods and Non-communicable Diseases in Latin America

“…The packaging of ultra-processed and processed foods adds an additional layer of concern. Synthetic compounds like bisphenol A (BPA) are omnipresent in food packaging, and BPA in particular has been shown to act as a xenohormone with the potential to impair reproductive function in men and increase cancer risk ( 19 ). While some manufacturers have responded to the public's concerns about BPA exposure by switching to bisphenol S (BPS), research indicates that this alternative may actually be more readily absorbed into the body ( 27 ).…”

“…UPF deliver a poor nutrient profile (15) and their additives disrupt gut function (16)(17)(18). The packaging, while attractive, may be adding additional health risks (19,20). To date, only one randomized controlled trial assessing the impact of UPF on cardio-metabolic health has been published, and the findings suggest that UPF consumption can lead to passive overeating and subsequent weight gain (21).…”

Antioxidative Molecules in Human Milk and Environmental Contaminants

“…Amongst the toxic compounds, the best studied candidate is BPA, which has been shown to stimulate the development of metabolic dysfunction in animal models by epigenetic mechanisms (see [ 233 , 234 ] for review). Several of the factors identified in animal studies have subsequently been also found in human samples.…”