Effect of bisphenol A on the neurological system: a review update

Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) and one of the most produced synthetic compounds worldwide. BPA can be found in epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics, which are frequently used in food storage and baby bottles. However, BPA can bind mainly to estrogen receptors, interfering with various neurologic functions, its use is a topic of significant concern. Nonetheless, the neurotoxicity of BPA has not been fully understood despite numerous investigations on its disruptive effects. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the most recent studies on the implications of BPA on the neurologic system. Our findings suggest that BPA exposure impairs various structural and molecular brain changes, promoting oxidative stress, changing expression levels of several crucial genes and proteins, destructive effects on neurotransmitters, excitotoxicity and neuroinflammation, damaged blood–brain barrier function, neuronal damage, apoptosis effects, disruption of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis, increase in reactive oxygen species, promoted apoptosis and intracellular lactate dehydrogenase release, a decrease of axon length, microglial DNA damage, astrogliosis, and significantly reduced myelination. Moreover, BPA exposure increases the risk of developing neurologic diseases, including neurovascular (e.g. stroke) and neurodegenerative (e.g. Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s) diseases. Furthermore, epidemiological studies showed that the adverse effects of BPA on neurodevelopment in children contributed to the emergence of serious neurological diseases like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), depression, emotional problems, anxiety, and cognitive disorders. In summary, BPA exposure compromises human health, promoting the development and progression of neurologic disorders. More research is required to fully understand how BPA-induced neurotoxicity affects human health.

No Differences in Urine Bisphenol A Concentrations between Subjects Categorized with Normal Cognitive Function and Mild Cognitive Impairment Based on Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scores

“…Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the potential negative impact of BPA on cognitive functions [52,53]. Both in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated the effect of BPA on apoptosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and endoplasmic reticulum stress [54][55][56][57][58].…”

The Role of the Vascular System in Degenerative Diseases: Mechanisms and Implications

“…In addition to their impact on vascular health, endocrine disruptors have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of degenerative diseases. Epidemiological and experimental studies have revealed associations between exposure to these compounds and the development of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and certain types of cancer [90][91][92][93]. Disruption of hormone signaling pathways and insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, alterations in lipid metabolism, and mitochondrial dysfunction are among the proposed mechanisms by which endocrine disruptors contribute to degenerative conditions [94][95][96].…”

Mixture Effects of Bisphenol A and Its Structural Analogs on Estrogen Receptor Transcriptional Activation

“…BPA interacts with several biological receptors such as estrogen receptor (ER), androgen receptor (AR), and thyroid hormone receptor (THR), resulting in endocrine-disrupting effects. These effects lead to adverse outcomes such as reproductive and developmental issues in the offspring, reproductive dysfunction, neurotoxicity, mutagenesis, and even cancer development [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ].…”