Bisphenol A and Reproductive Health: Update of Experimental and Human Evidence, 2007–2013

Abstract

Background: In 2007, an expert panel reviewed associations between bisphenol A (BPA) exposure and reproductive health outcomes. Since then, new studies have been conducted on the impact of BPA on reproduction.Objective: In this review, we summarize data obtained since 2007, focusing on a) findings from human and animal studies, b) the effects of BPA on a variety of reproductive end points, and c) mechanisms of BPA action.Methods: We reviewed the literature published from 2007 to 2013 using a PubMed search based on keywords related to BPA and male and female reproduction.Discussion: Because BPA has been reported to affect the onset of meiosis in both animal and in vitro models, interfere with germ cell nest breakdown in animal models, accelerate follicle transition in several animal species, alter steroidogenesis in multiple animal models and women, and reduce oocyte quality in animal models and women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), we consider it an ovarian toxicant. In addition, strong evidence suggests that BPA is a uterine toxicant because it impaired uterine endometrial proliferation, decreased uterine receptivity, and increased implantation failure in animal models. BPA exposure may be associated with adverse birth outcomes, hyperandrogenism, sexual dysfunction, and impaired implantation in humans, but additional studies are required to confirm these associations. Studies also suggest that BPA may be a testicular toxicant in animal models, but the data in humans are equivocal. Finally, insufficient evidence exists regarding effects of BPA on the oviduct, the placenta, and pubertal development.Conclusion: Based on reports that BPA impacts female reproduction and has the potential to affect male reproductive systems in humans and animals, we conclude that BPA is a reproductive toxicant.Citation: Peretz J, Vrooman L, Ricke WA, Hunt PA, Ehrlich S, Hauser R, Padmanabhan V, Taylor HS, Swan SH, VandeVoort CA, Flaws JA. 2014. Bisphenol A and reproductive health: update of experimental and human evidence, 2007–2013. Environ Health Perspect 122:775–786; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1307728

Preferential epigenetic programming of estrogen response after in utero xenoestrogen (bisphenol‐A) exposure

“…Previous literature has linked prenatal exposure to BPA with a multitude of adverse outcomes, including prostate and breast cancers as well as altered reproductive function (2,8,9,16,(30)(31)(32). In utero exposure to BPA has also been shown to affect the methylation pattern of individual estrogen-responsive genes, such as Hoxa10 (2,33).…”

The developmental origins of the mammalian ovarian reserve

“…BPA, which can be found ubiquitously in plastics, the lining of canned goods and boxed wine, and on printed receipts (Rubin, 2011), is one of the most common environmental factors linked to reproductive disruption (Hunt et al, 2003(Hunt et al, , 2012Peretz et al, 2014;Susiarjo et al, 2007;Zhang et al, 2012). Although BPA has been removed from a number of plastic products, particularly infant health products, its use is still widespread (Rochester, 2013).…”

Bisphenol S instead of bisphenol A: a story of reproductive disruption by regretable substitution - a review

“…Vrooman et al (2015), with the help of transplantation of spermatogonia from the testes of mice exposed to the action of BPA into mice which were not exposed, demonstrated permanent damage to spermatogenesis. The influence of the exposure of adult rodents to BPA on the quality of sperm was also studied (Peretz et al 2014).…”

“…Despite the differences in the experimental designs used, certain findings appear repeatedly, especially reduction in the number of sperm, reduction in the motility of sperm, increased amount of apoptotic cells in the seminiferous tubules, changes in the levels of hormones and steroid enzymes, and damage to the DNA of sperm (Peretz et al 2014).…”