Sex-specific associations of prenatal exposure to bisphenol A and its alternatives with fetal growth parameters and gestational age

Abstract

BackgroundBisphenol A (BPA) can cause detrimental effects on fetal growth. However, the effects of BPA alternatives, such as bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol S (BPS), on fetal growth are less known. ObjectiveTo investigate the relationships of prenatal BPA, BPF, and BPS exposures with fetal growth parameters and gestational age. MethodsUrinary BPA, BPF, and BPS were measured in 1,197 pregnant women before delivery in a Chinese cohort. The associations of prenatal exposure to BPA, BPF, and BPS with fetal growth parameters and gestational age were examined, and associations stratified by fetal sex were also conducted. We used a restricted cubic splines (RCS) model to examine the dose–response associations between exposures and outcomes. ResultsMaternal urinary BPA and BPF were negatively related to birth length (-0.30 cm, 95% CI: −0.44, −0.15 and −0.21 cm, 95% CI: −0.36, −0.07 comparing the extreme exposure groups, respectively, both p for trends < 0.01). These associations were more pronounced in girls with inverted U-shaped dose–response relationships. Maternal urinary BPA and BPF were positively related to ponderal index (0.05 g/cm3 × 100, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.09 and 0.04 g/cm3 × 100, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.08 comparing the extreme exposure groups, respectively, both p for trends = 0.02), and maternal urinary BPS was associated with shorter gestational age (-0.20 weeks, 95% CI: −0.37, −0.03 comparing the extreme exposure groups, p for trend = 0.02). These associations were only observed in girls and exhibited a linear dose–response relationship. ConclusionsPrenatal BPA, BPF, and BPS exposures were associated with detrimental effects on fetal growth parameters, and stronger effects were noted in female infants.