Prenatal Exposure to Bisphenol A: Is There an Association between Bisphenol A in Second Trimester Amniotic Fluid and Fetal Growth?

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Fetal growth abnormalities increase the risk of negative perinatal and long-term outcomes. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a ubiquitous endocrine-disrupting chemical to which humans may be exposed in a number of ways, such as from the environment, via various consumer products, and through the individual’s diet. Since the compound possesses estrogen-mimicking properties and exerts epigenetic and genotoxic effects, it has been associated with harmful effects impacting the entire spectrum of human life, including, vitally, the intrauterine period. We investigated the role of maternal exposure to BPA in abnormal fetal growth velocity, both impaired and excessive. Materials and Methods: Amniotic fluid samples were collected from 35 women who underwent amniocentesis early in the second trimester due to medical reasons. Pregnancies were followed until delivery, and birth weights were recorded. The amniotic fluid samples were subsequently divided into three groups based on fetal birth weight, as follows: AGA (appropriate for gestational age), SGA (small for gestational age), and LGA (large for gestational age). Amniotic fluid BPA levels were determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Results: BPA was detected in 80% (28/35) of our amniotic fluid samples. Median concentration was 281.495 pg/mL and ranged from 108.82 pg/mL to 1605.36 pg/mL. No significant association was observed between the study groups regarding BPA concentration. A significant positive correlation between amniotic fluid BPA concentration and birth weight centile (r = 0.351, p-value = 0.039) was identified. BPA levels were also inversely associated with gestational age in pregnancies at term (between 37 and 41 weeks) (r = −0.365, p-value = 0.031). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that maternal exposure to BPA during the early second trimester of pregnancy can potentially contribute to increased birthweight percentiles and to decreased gestational age in pregnancies at term.

Advances in understanding the reproductive toxicity of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in women

“…BPA exposure can also directly or indirectly impact the HPO axis, disrupting gonadal and gamete functions, reducing the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), subsequently decreasing ovarian steroid production, inhibiting ovulation, and leading to infertility ( Santoro et al, 2019 ). Additionally, BPA can traverse the placental barrier to enter the amniotic fluid, leading to higher risks of macrosomia and prematurity ( Loukas et al, 2023 ).…”

Deciphering the molecular mechanism of NLRP3 in BPA-mediated toxicity: Implications for targeted therapies

“…Evidence from contemporary research underscores the formidable capacity of BPA to traverse the placental barrier, thereby infiltrating fetal biological matrices, including cord blood and amniotic fluid. This phenomenon has garnered substantial attention within the scientific community due to its discernible implications, including but not limited to delayed fetal development, heightened susceptibility to premature birth, recurrent miscarriages, and perturbations in male anogenital distance [ 5 ].…”