Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) and its analogs, bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF), might impact fertility by altering oxidative stress pathways. Here, we hypothesize that bisphenols-induced oxidative stress is responsible for decreased gamete quality. In both female (cumulus-oocyte-complexes—COCs) and male (spermatozoa), oxidative stress was measured by CM-H2DCFDA assay and key ROS scavengers (SOD1, SOD2, GPX1, GPX4, CAT) were quantified at the mRNA and protein levels using qPCR and Western blot (COCs)/immunofluorescence (sperm). Either gamete was treated in five groups: control, vehicle, and 0.05 mg/mL of BPA, BPS, or BPF. Our results show elevated ROS in BPA-treated COCs but decreased production in BPS- and BPF-treated spermatozoa. Additionally, both mRNA and protein expression of SOD2, GPX1, and GPX4 were decreased in BPA-treated COCs (p < 0.05). In sperm, motility (p < 0.03), but not morphology, was significantly altered by bisphenols. SOD1 mRNA expression was significantly increased, while GPX4 was significantly reduced. These results support BPA’s ability to alter oxidative stress in oocytes and, to a lesser extent, in sperm. However, BPS and BPF likely act through different mechanisms.
Highlights
A growing body of evidence suggests that environmental contaminants have the potential to negatively impact animal and human health
These results indicate a dose-dependent effect of bisphenol F (BPF) on embryonic development
The dose equivalent to the bisphenol A (BPA) LOAEL dose was chosen for future BPF experiments, as the highest dose used in this dose–response curve is lethal to blastocyst formation
Summary
A growing body of evidence suggests that environmental contaminants have the potential to negatively impact animal and human health. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are known to interfere and mimic endogenous endocrine function [1]. Among EDCs, bisphenol A (BPA) has been used for decades in the plastics industry. BPA is found ubiquitously in food packaging, personal care items, cash register receipts, and medical equipment, just to name a few. Its widespread use makes avoiding exposure nearly impossible; to date, BPA has been detected in aquatic environments, sewage, tap water, soil, dust, and air, posing a danger to humans and wildlife alike [2]. BPA’s primary route of exposure is through the diet as it leaches from plastics to food [3]. BPA has been repeatedly detected in several biological samples, such as placental tissue, serum, follicular fluid, amniotic fluid, and urine [4]
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