The Effects of Combined Exposure to Bisphenols and Perfluoroalkyls on Human Perinatal Stem Cells and the Potential Implications for Health Outcomes

Abstract

The present study investigates the impact of two endocrine disruptors, namely Bisphenols (BPs) and Perfluoroalkyls (PFs), on human stem cells. These chemicals leach from plastic, and when ingested through contaminated food and water, they interfere with endogenous hormone signaling, causing various diseases. While the ability of BPs and PFs to cross the placental barrier and accumulate in fetal serum has been documented, the exact consequences for human development require further elucidation. The present research work explored the effects of combined exposure to BPs (BPA or BPS) and PFs (PFOS and PFOA) on human placenta (fetal membrane mesenchymal stromal cells, hFM-MSCs) and amniotic fluid (hAFSCs)-derived stem cells. The effects of the xenobiotics were assessed by analyzing cell proliferation, mitochondrial functionality, and the expression of genes involved in pluripotency and epigenetic regulation, which are crucial for early human development. Our findings demonstrate that antenatal exposure to BPs and/or PFs may alter the biological characteristics of perinatal stem cells and fetal epigenome, with potential implications for health outcomes at birth and in adulthood. Further research is necessary to comprehend the full extent of these effects and their long-term consequences.

The Role of Endocrine Disruptors Bisphenols and Phthalates in Obesity: Current Evidence, Perspectives and Controversies

“…Human exposure to nanomolar concentrations of environmental BPA is continuous and widespread via oral, skin and respiratory absorption from atmospheric exposure, and dust particles from commercial and residential environments [ 48 ]. Exposure to BPA in utero and through lactation is also important for the developing fetus and the neonate, respectively [ 49 , 50 ]. However, the main route of exposure originates from water and diet, as BPA may migrate from beverage and food packaging, as well as from dental sealants [ 46 , 51 ].…”

Unraveling the Epigenetic Landscape: Insights into Parkinson’s Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Multiple Sclerosis

“…Epigenetics refers to the investigation of inheritable alterations in gene expression or cellular phenotype that occur without changes to the underlying DNA sequence. These alterations can be influenced by diverse factors such as environmental cues, chemical endocrine disruptors, lifestyle choices, developmental stages, and disease conditions [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]. Epigenetic mechanisms encompass DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and regulation by non-coding RNA, all of which can regulate gene activation or repression without altering the DNA sequence itself [ 13 ].…”

Editorial: Endocrine disruptors: mechanism of action and implications for human health

“…Endocrine disruptors (EDs) represent a heterogeneous group of natural and chemical compounds capable of interfering with the delicate balance of the endocrine system ( Gaggi et al, 2023a ), which regulates various physiological processes through the secretion of hormones. The disarrangement of hormonal pathways through exposure to EDs can have profound consequences on human health following early embryo development ( Di Credico et al, 2023a ; Gaggi et al, 2023b ). Accordingly, the ubiquitous presence of EDs in everyday products such as pesticides, plastics, and personal care items mimic or block the action of natural hormones and is associated with reproductive problems, developmental abnormalities, and an increased risk of certain diseases ( Di Credico et al, 2023b ; Ullah et al, 2023 ).…”