Bisphenol A, Bisphenol F, and Bisphenol S: The Bad and the Ugly. Where Is the Good?

Sophie Fouyet,Pascale Leproux,Elodie Olivier,Mélody Dutot,Patrice Rat

doi:10.3390/life11040314

Sophie Fouyet, Pascale Leproux + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/life11040314

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Abstract

Background: Bisphenol A (BPA), a reprotoxic and endocrine-disrupting chemical, has been substituted by alternative bisphenols such as bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol S (BPS) in the plastic industry. Despite their detection in placenta and amniotic fluids, the effects of bisphenols on human placental cells have not been characterized. Our objective was to explore in vitro and to compare the toxicity of BPA to its substitutes BPF and BPS to highlight their potential risks for placenta and then pregnancy. Methods: Human placenta cells (JEG-Tox cells) were incubated with BPA, BPF, and BPS for 72 h. Cell viability, cell death, and degenerative P2X7 receptor and caspases activation, and chromatin condensation were assessed using microplate cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Results: Incubation with BPA, BPF, or BPS was associated with P2X7 receptor activation and chromatin condensation. BPA and BPF induced more caspase-1, caspase-9, and caspase-3 activation than BPS. Only BPF enhanced caspase-8 activity. Conclusions: BPA, BPF, and BPS are all toxic to human placental cells, with the P2X7 receptor being a common key element. BPA substitution by BPF and BPS does not appear to be a safe alternative for human health, particularly for pregnant women and their fetuses.

Highlights

Bisphenol A (BPA; 4,40 -(propane-2,2-diyl)diphenol) is a phenolic compound discovered in the late nineteenth century, used in the manufacturing of polycarbonates, epoxyresins, and other polymers
BPA is detected in the blood and urine, but it is found in the placenta and amniotic fluid [1,2,3]
Our aim was to compare bisphenol A toxicity to its substitutes, bisphenol F and bisphenol S, on their ability to induce in vitro cell death in human placental cells, at concentrations that can be found in the placenta, in order to highlight the potential risks for the placenta and pregnancy

Summary

Introduction

Bisphenol A (BPA; 4,40 -(propane-2,2-diyl)diphenol) is a phenolic compound discovered in the late nineteenth century, used in the manufacturing of polycarbonates, epoxyresins, and other polymers. In France, since January 2015, BPA has been forbidden in food and beverage packaging These restrictions led manufacturers to use alternative bisphenols such as bisphenol F (BPF; bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)methane); Figure 1b) and bisphenol S (BPS; bis[4-hydroxyphenyl]sulfone; Figure 1c). Bisphenol A (BPA), a reprotoxic and endocrine-disrupting chemical, has been substituted by alternative bisphenols such as bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol S (BPS) in the plastic industry. Despite their detection in placenta and amniotic fluids, the effects of bisphenols on human placental cells have not been characterized. Results: Incubation with BPA, BPF, or BPS was associated with P2X7 receptor activation and chromatin condensation. BPA substitution by BPF and BPS does not appear to be a safe alternative for human health, for pregnant women and their fetuses

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