Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure is not associated with longitudinal change in ovarian reserve parameters

Abstract

BPA is a ubiquitous chemical found in consumer products that has been associated with impaired follicular dynamics, altered in vitro oocyte developmental competence, and compromised fertility. We sought to identify the contribution of BPA exposure to ovarian aging. prospective longitudinal cohort study. Subjects in the Ovarian Aging (OVA) study, a community-based cohort of 1,100 multi-ethnic, ovulatory women not seeking treatment for fertility, were eligible for inclusion. Of the 1,100 subjects, 250 were recruited between 2006-2010 and had antral follicle count (AFC) performed and anti-mullerian hormone level (AMH) tested at baseline and follow-up at 3-5 years. Free BPA, BPA sulfate and BPA glucuronide were assessed in stored serum from baseline and follow-up using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) direct method validated by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). Statistical testing included multivariate linear regression analyses to assess the relationship between change in AFC and AMH per year of follow-up with average BPA exposure, while controlling for age. Geometric means for total BPA at baseline and follow-up were 1.21 [95% CI: 0.58, 2.54] and 1.27 [95% CI: 0.58, 2.80] ng/mL, respectively. The average time to follow-up was 4.04 + 0.57 years. AFC declined, on average, 1.31+ 1.26/year, while AMH declined 0.26+0.31 ng/mL/year. In multivariate linear regression models controlling for age, mean total BPA exposure was not predictive of change in AFC or AMH/year. Similarly, in an age-adjusted analysis limited to those subjects in the 75%ile of mean total BPA exposure there was no relationship between BPA exposure and rate of change of AFC or AMH/year. In this longitudinal analysis, BPA exposure was not associated with rate of change of AFC or AMH.