Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA), a ubiquitous endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC), is increasingly hypothesized to be a factor contributing to changes in fetal growth velocity. BPA exposure may be environmental, occupational, and/or dietary, with canned foods and plastic bottles contributing significantly. Our systematic review aims to evaluate the current literature and to investigate the role of BPA in abnormal fetal growth patterns. A search was conducted in the PubMed and Cochrane databases. A total of 25 articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in this systematic review. Eleven of them failed to show a clear relationship between BPA and abnormal fetal growth. The majority of the remaining studies (9/14) found an inverse association of BPA with indicators of fetal growth, whereas three studies suggested increased fetal growth, and two studies produced contradictory findings. Of note, both of the studies that collected a sample (amniotic fluid) directly reflecting BPA concentration in the fetus during the first half of pregnancy revealed an inverse association with birth weight. In conclusion, there is mounting evidence that combined exposure to BPA from dietary and non-dietary sources during pregnancy may contribute to abnormal fetal growth; a tendency towards fetal growth restriction was shown, especially when exposure occurs during the first half.
Highlights
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical substance possessing endocrine-disrupting properties with the capacity to affect normal hormone homeostasis mainly due to its estrogenmimicking mechanisms and its interaction with thyroid and androgen hormones [1]
Taking into account only studies that took a sample directly reflecting the concentration of BPA in the fetus, i.e., amniotic fluid, cord blood, or placenta, we found that four studies showed an inverse association with birth weight, one a positive relation, and three no significant association
It is recommended that exposure to this endocrine disruptor should be as limited as possible during this time period
Summary
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical substance possessing endocrine-disrupting properties with the capacity to affect normal hormone homeostasis mainly due to its estrogenmimicking mechanisms and its interaction with thyroid and androgen hormones [1]. These effects are mediated through its interference with several nuclear and non-nuclear receptors and enzymatic pathways involved in steroidogenesis. BPA has the ability to bind with estrogen, estrogen-related transcription, androgen, and thyroid hormone receptors, which regulate hormones essential for proper fetal development It can act as a ligand for the pregnane X receptor and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, which are involved in the regulation of xenobiotic metabolism, participating in key detoxification processes. BPA interaction with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors can affect adipogenesis, while altered cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call