Abstract
Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a lipophilic compound widely used in the manufacture of plastic items and thought to play a role in the growing obesity epidemic. Recent publications suggest that BPA may have a pro-adipogenic effect. Here we explore the effect of low, but environmentally relevant, concentrations of BPA on adipogenesis using a variety of cellular models. Mouse 3T3-L1, C3H10T1/2 and human adipose-derived stromal cells (hADSCs) were cultured with BPA concentrations ranging from 0.1nM to 100μM. We failed to observe positive effects on differentiation at any dose or in any model. 3T3-L1 adipocytes differentiated with high concentrations of BPA showed decreased mRNA expression of several adipocyte markers. Mature adipocytes differentiated in the presence of BPA were insulin resistant, with an approximate 25% reduction in insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. This was accompanied by a significant decrease in insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation, and an increase in mRNA levels of inflammatory markers (i.e. IL-6, TNFα). In conclusion, low, but environmentally relevant, doses of BPA may contribute to the development of a chronic, low-grade inflammatory state in exposed adipocytes, which in turn may affect adipose tissue insulin sensitivity, independent of adipogenesis. These studies suggest an alternative mechanism by which BPA may contribute to the development of obesity.
Highlights
In 1962 Rachel Carson published “Silent Spring” bringing the negative, profound effects that low doses of man-made compounds have on animals, the ecosystem and the environment to public attention [1]
Exposure of differentiating adipocytes stimulated with canonical differentiating conditions (DMI: Dexamethasone, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, insulin) to doses of BPA ranging from 1nM to 100nM failed to show increased accumulation of lipid droplets when compared to vehicle (Fig 1)
BPA has been suggested to contribute to the obesity epidemic via an ability to enhance adipogenesis
Summary
In 1962 Rachel Carson published “Silent Spring” bringing the negative, profound effects that low doses of man-made compounds have on animals, the ecosystem and the environment to public attention [1]. This observation sparked numerous scientific projects investigating how chemicals can affect hormonal physiology and/or homeostasis in both humans and animals. More than 50 years later, the Endocrine Society released the first Scientific Statement summarizing the most significant evidence collected from clinical, epidemiological, and basic research. BPA affects adipocyte insulin sensitivity, but no adipogenesis
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