In Vivo Evaluation of Histopathological Alterations and Trace Metals Estimation of the Small Intestine in Bisphenol A-Intoxicated Rats

Abstract

BPA, a ubiquitously used plasticizer, has become one of the contaminants of emerging concern and causes many serious health implications in humans due to multiple exposure pathways. The current study was aimed at investigating the deformities of structures that arise by exposure of the small intestine to BPA through trace elements estimation of tissues as well as the study of serum profile. Two major groups of Wistar rats were established: one control group and the other experimental group, which was further divided into four groups based on dose (10 mg/kg/bodyweight and 25 mg/kg/bodyweight, respectively) and duration of exposure (6 and 12 weeks, respectively). Histological study of the small intestine showed the distorted structures in the experimental groups. The special staining performed illustrated the accumulation of calcium deposits in the small intestinal tissue in treated groups. Trace metals estimation showed a significant increase in the metallic content of sodium and iron and a decrease in the calcium content in the experimental groups (p=0.05). Serum profiling illustrated an increase in total iron-binding capacity and glucose levels and a decrease in the serum total iron level (p=0.05). An increased expression of a proinflammatory cytokine (IFN-α) was observed in the liver. From all these findings, it was inferred that BPA caused many structural alterations in the small intestinal tissue, which further affected its functioning. The calcium deposits seen through special staining affected the motility of the small intestine and caused its dysfunction. It was also induced from serum profiling that BPA affected the homeostasis of iron and glucose and caused its imbalance. Also, as BPA got absorbed from the small intestine and reached the liver via the blood stream, it caused hepatoxicity in the liver and led to increased inflammatory response by IFN-α against the toxicant.

Bisphenol A (BPA) Affects the Enteric Nervous System in the Porcine Stomach

“…In the case of BPA the reduction of the number of gastrointestinal neurons containing acetylcholine, the most important neuronal factor inducing the smooth muscles contraction in the GI tract [ 23 , 44 ], may be based on the relaxant activity of this substance. Namely, it is acknowledged that BPA may impact the intestinal muscles and lead to their relaxation and the inhibition of gastrointestinal motility [ 45 ]. Moreover, fluctuations in the number of nervous structures positive for other substances studied located in the myenteric ganglia and gastric muscular layer can also arise from the relaxant activity of BPA, because all these substances participate in the regulation of digestive tract motility.…”

Bisphenol A (BPA)-Induced Changes in the Number of Serotonin-Positive Cells in the Mucosal Layer of Porcine Small Intestine—the Preliminary Studies

“…Because the main path of toxic infiltration by BPA is via the digestive tract, the stomach and intestine are especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of this substance. The previous studies have indicated that BPA damages the intestinal barrier function and may change nociception in the gastrointestinal tract [5,6]. Moreover, BPA promotes inflammatory processes in the stomach and intestine [7,8].…”

Subchronic toxicity of bisphenol A on the architecture of spleen and hepatic trace metals and protein profile of adult male Wistar rats

“…BPA known as endocrine-disrupting chemical has worldwide application in different plastic products of domestic use. 1 The extensive use of plastic products produce alarming situations and give scientists and environmental protection agencies a new research attention area by understanding the BPA mechanism and its adverse effects particularly on the mammalian body. 26 Accordingly, keeping in view of previous research perspective, current work was designed by taking the objective that how BPA affects splenic architecture and hepatic trace elements and protein profile in mammals.…”

“…Among the reported endocrine disruptors, bisphenol A (BPA) is one with over six billion pounds production globally each year as a plasticizer. 1 BPA has vast applications in numerous products particularly in the synthesis of polycarbonate, adhesive resins, electrical gadgets, optical glass, paint, thermal papers, food cans, medical equipment, dental sealants, and so on. 2 In the production of vinyl chloride, it is also extensively used as a stabilizer and antioxidant.…”