BPA Levels Research Articles

Perinatal BPA exposure alters body weight and composition in a dose specific and sex specific manner: The addition of peripubertal exposure exacerbates adverse effects in female mice

Body weight (BW) and body composition were examined in CD-1 mice exposed perinatally or perinatally and peripubertally to 0, 0.25, 2.5, 25, or 250μg BPA/kg BW/day. Our goal was to identify the BPA dose (s) and the exposure window(s) that increased BW and adiposity, and to assess potential sex differences in this response. Both perinatal exposure alone and perinatal plus peripubertal exposure to environmentally relevant levels of BPA resulted in lasting effects on body weight and body composition. The effects were dose specific and sex specific and were influenced by the precise window of BPA exposure. The addition of peripubertal BPA exposure following the initial perinatal exposure exacerbated adverse effects in the females but appeared to reduce differences in body weight and body composition between control and BPA exposed males. Some effects of BPA on body weight and body composition showed a non-linear dose response.

Bisphenols: More unnecessary surprises

ABSTRACTA recent biomonitoring study “Bisphenol A, Bisphenol S, and 4-Hydroxyphenyl 4-Isoprooxyphenylsulfone (BPSIP) in Urine and Blood of Cashiers” reported on levels of BPA, BPS, and a novel BPS-derivative (BPSIP) in cashiers compared to non-cashiers. Our study was the first to detect BPSIP in humans. In this commentary we discuss our findings in the context of considering bisphenols as a class in health assessments and how technological advances in exposure assessment could be utilized to more efficiently identify emerging chemicals of interest.

Human biomonitoring of bisphenol A exposure in an Austrian population

AbstractBisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical widely used as a monomer in polycarbonate, epoxy resin and thermal paper production, and as a stabiliser in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) production. Thus, BPA is present in a wide range of common consumer products. Due to contact with BPA-containing products, humans are regularly exposed via different routes. BPA is an endocrine active substance and can potentially lead to different adverse health outcomes. In the present study, total BPA levels were analysed by on-line SPE-HPLC-MS/MS in spontaneous urine samples in order to investigate the exposure to an Austrian population aged 6-15 and 18-81 years. In the total study population (n=594), total BPA were found in 15.7% of all samples, with concentrations up to 17 μg/l (median: n.d., 95th percentile: 3.7 μg/l). These results show generally low BPA levels among the investigated study population. However, children and adolescents exhibited higher exposure levels. Daily BPA intakes were estimated and compared to acceptable exposure levels, whereat no exceedances could be identified. Although BPA exposure was shown to be low in the Austrian population, the wide distribution and the ongoing discussion related to possible negative health effects even at low doses indicate need for further monitoring and investigations.

BPA levels at implantation are associated with elelvated miscarriage risk in IVF cycles

BPA levels at implantation are associated with elelvated miscarriage risk in IVF cycles

Association Of Urinary Bisphenol A Glucoronide Concentration With Asthma

Background: Animal models suggest that exposure to BPA might increase allergic inflammation. Little is known about if BPA may affect the development of allergic diseases. We want to address the effect of BPA exposure on the development of sensitization and asthma. Methods: A total of 453 children from the Childhood Environment and Allergic diseases Study (CEAS) cohort with urine samples were recruited. Urine BPA glucoronide (BPAG) levels at age 3 and 6, as an indicator of exposure, were measured by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). At age 3 and 6, information on serum IgE levels and the development of asthma was collected. The association between BPA levels at different stages and IgE levels and asthma was evaluated by multivariate linear regression and logistic regression. Results: The geometric mean levels of urine BPAG at age 3 were higher than those at age 6 (5.71 vs 4.74µg/g creatinine). BPAG levels at age 3 positively correlated with serum IgE levels (per ln-unit: β=62.80 KU/l, p=0.02). Interestingly, analyses stratified by gender revealed that BPAG levels positively correlated with IgE only in girls (per ln-unit: β=135.52 KU/l, p

Investigation of pharmaceuticals, personal care products and endocrine disrupting chemicals in a tropical urban catchment and the influence of environmental factors

Previous studies showed the presence of multiple emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) in urban surface waters of Singapore even though there are no obvious direct wastewater discharges. In this study, we investigated the occurrence and distribution of 17 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) and endocrine disruptive compounds (EDCs) in a tropical urban catchment of Singapore. Monthly samples were collected from a reservoir and its 5 upstream tributaries during a 16-month period. Analysis of samples showed all sites had measurable PPCP and EDC concentrations, with caffeine (33.9–2980ng/L), salicylic acid (5–838ng/L), acetaminophen (<4–485.5ng/L), BPA (<2–919.5ng/L) and DEET (13–270ng/L) being the most abundant. Marked differences in concentrations of target analytes between the reservoir and upstream tributaries were observed, and were tentatively attributed to the spatial differences in source inputs, water dilution capacity as well as natural attenuation of EOCs. Significant correlations between EOCs and conductivity, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll a, turbidity, nutrients and cumulative precipitation were observed. These factors appeared to affect the distribution and attenuation of EOCs, depending on their physicochemical properties. Rainfall also influenced the temporal distribution of caffeine, BPA, triclosan, fipronil and DEET in the reservoir. Ecological risk assessment showed that caffeine, acetaminophen, estrone, BPA, triclosan and fipronil may warrant further survey. In particular, BPA levels exceeded the literature-based Predicted No-Effect Concentration (PNEC) value, highlighting the need for source control and/or water remediation in this urban catchment.

Temporal trends in bisphenol A exposure in the United States from 2003–2012 and factors associated with BPA exposure: Spot samples and urine dilution complicate data interpretation

Nationally representative data on urinary levels of BPA and its metabolites in the United States from the 2003–2004 to 2011–2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) were used to estimate daily BPA intakes and examine temporal trends. Additionally, NHANES data on lifestyle/demographic/dietary factors previously reported to be associated with BPA exposures were examined to assess the resiliency of the reported associations (whether the association is maintained across the five surveys). Finally, various approaches for addressing issues with the use of BPA concentration data from spot urine samples were examined for their effect on trends and associations. Three approaches were assessed here: (i) use of generic literature-based 24-h urine excretion volumes, (ii) use of creatinine adjustments, and (iii) use of individual urine flow rate data from NHANES. Based on 2011–2012 NHANES urinary BPA data and assumptions described in this paper, the median daily intake for the overall population is approximately 25ng/kg day; median intake estimates were approximately two to three orders of magnitude below current health-based guidance values. Estimates of daily BPA intake have decreased significantly compared to those from the 2003–2004 NHANES. Estimates of associations between lifestyle/demographic/dietary factors and BPA exposure revealed inconsistencies related to both NHANES survey year and the three approaches listed above; these results demonstrate the difficulties in interpreting urinary BPA data, despite efforts to account for urine dilution and translation of spot sample data to 24-h data. The results further underscore the importance of continued research on how to best utilize urinary measures of environmental chemicals in exposure research. Until a consensus is achieved regarding the best biomonitoring approaches for assessing exposures to short-lived chemicals using urine samples, research on factors associated with BPA exposures should include – and report results from - assessments using both volume-based urinary BPA and creatinine-adjusted urinary BPA data.

Release of bisphenol A and its derivatives from orthodontic adhesive systems available on the European market as a potential health risk factor.

Treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances requires the application of adhesive systems to enable secure fastening of brackets and retainers to the surface of tooth enamel. The orthodontic bonding systems are similar in terms of chemical composition to dental filling materials, the chemical stability of which is not satisfactory. Particularly alarming is the release of bisphenol A and its derivatives to the external environment, which has been well-documented for materials used in conservative dentistry. The aim of the study was an in vitro assessment of the release of biologically harmful bisphenol A and its derivatives from orthodontic adhesives available on the European market, as a potential health risk factor for orthodontic patients. The study assessed levels of BPA, BPA polymers and Bis-GMA resin in eluates of six commonly used orthodontic adhesives: Light Bond, Transbond XT, Resilence, Aspire, GrĕnGloo and ConTec LC, obtained after one hour, 24 hours, 7 days and 31 days of material sample storage in water. The presence and concentration of the studied chemicals in the obtained solutions were identified using the HPLC method. The highest (p≤0.05) concentration of BPA at 32.10µg/ml was observed in the Resilence material eluates. The highest concentration of poly-bisphenol A was found in solutions obtained after incubation of ConTec LC adhesive at 371.90µg/ml, whereas the highest amount of Bis-GMA resin (425.07µg/ml) was present in Aspire material eluates. 1) In conditions of the current experiment it was demonstrated that most of the assessed orthodontic adhesive resins available on the European market and released into the outside environment - biologically harmful bisphenol A or its derivatives, posing a potential threat to the patients' health. 2) Release of BPA and its derivatives into aqueous solutions is the highest in the early stages of sample incubation.

A study on temporal trends and estimates of fate of Bisphenol A in agricultural soils after sewage sludge amendment

Temporal concentration trends of BPA in soils were investigated following sewage sludge application to pasture (study 1: short term sludge application; study 2: long term multiple applications over 13years). The background levels of BPA in control soils were similar, ranging between 0.67–10.57ngg−1 (mean: 3.02ngg−1) and 0.51–6.58ngg−1 (mean: 3.22ngg−1) for studies 1 and 2, respectively. Concentrations in both treated and control plots increased over the earlier sampling times of the study to a maximum and then decreased over later sampling times, suggesting other sources of BPA to both the treated and control soils over the study period. In study 1 there was a significant treatment effect of sludge application in the autumn (p=0.002) although no significant difference was observed between treatment and control soils in the spring. In study 2 treated soils contained considerably higher BPA concentrations than controls ranging between 12.89–167.9ngg−1 (mean: 63.15ngg−1). This and earlier studies indicate the long-term accumulation of multiple contaminants by multiple sewage sludge applications over a prolonged period although the effects of the presence of such contaminant mixtures have not yet been elucidated. Fugacity modelling was undertaken to estimate partitioning of Bisphenol A (soil plus sewage: pore water: soil air partitioning) and potential uptake into a range of food crops. While Bisphenol A sorbs strongly to the sewage-amended soil, 4% by mass was predicted to enter soil pore water resulting in significant uptake by crops particularly leafy vegetables (3.12–75.5ngg−1), but also for root crops (1.28–31.0ngg−1) with much lower uptake into cereal grains (0.62–15.0ngg−1). This work forms part of a larger programme of research aimed at assessing the risks associated with the long-term application of sewage sludge to agricultural soils.

Emerging pathomechanisms involved in obesity.

Overweight/obesity prevalence has increased dramatically worldwide. Recent evidence suggests sleep deprivation/fragmentation, fructose-exceedingly rich diets, and exposure to endocrine disruptors (eg, bisphenol A, BPA) as emerging additional factors involved in pathomechanisms and in the treatment resistance of obesity and its complications. Our study focuses on these factors for further preventive/therapeutic approaches in paediatric obesity. Fifty-four Italian children (cases: n = 31 overweight/obese; controls: n = 23 normal weight) were clinically/anthropometrically characterised. Parents completed questionnaires on the relation between obesogenic factors and childhood obesity. BPA was measured by gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry on early morning urine samples. Correlations between the continuous variables were analysed using Spearman rank correlation. Sleep deprivation/fragmentation, nocturnal breathing problems, and daytime sleepiness increased with increasing body mass index, correlating with the presence of clinical markers of metabolic syndrome (eg, acanthosis nigricans). Frequency of sugar-enriched drink consumption and the amount of fructose per portion and/or per week increased, paralleling the ponderal excess and all the other anthropometric parameters. In the entire sample population, free and total BPA levels increased paralleling the body mass index increase (r > 0.8), whereas the conjugate demonstrated the opposite trend. The re-use of disposable plastic showed a positive correlation with urinary BPA levels. Despite its exploratory nature, the results of our pilot study confirm the close relation between certain factors and paediatric obesity, underscoring their role as emerging targets for prevention and therapy.

Association of serum bisphenol a with hypertension in thai population.

Objective. The present study aimed to examine the association between serum BPA and hypertension and evaluated whether it was influenced by estradiol level. Methods. A subsample of 2588 sera randomly selected from the Thai National Health Examination Survey IV, 2009, was measured for serum BPA and estradiol. Logistic regression was used to examine the association controlling for age, sex, diabetes, body mass index, and estradiol level. Results. Compared with the lowest quartile, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of hypertension for the fourth quartile of serum BPA was 2.16 (95% CI 1.31, 3.56) in women and 1.44 (0.99, 2.09) in men. There was no interaction between serum BPA and estradiol level. For analysis using log(BPA) as a continuous variable, the AOR per unit change in log(BPA) was 1.09 (95% CI 1.02, 1.16). Among postmenopausal women, the AOR for the fourth quartile of BPA was 2.33 (95% CI 1.31, 4.15) and, for premenopausal women, it was 2.12 (95% CI 0.87, 5.19). Conclusion. Serum BPA was independently associated with hypertension in women and was not likely to be affected by estrogen; however, its mechanism related to blood pressure needs further investigation.

Within-person variability of urinary bisphenol-A in postmenopausal women

We evaluated the within-person variability of urinary BPA levels over two samples collected three years apart in 90 Women's Health Initiative participants. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.09 (95% CI 0.01–0.44), indicating high within-participant variability relative to the between-person variation. Concordance of BPA quartile over time was low (31.7%) and was unrelated to demographic, behavioral, or dietary factors. A single, or even several, measurements of BPA may not adequately classify long-term exposure in human studies.

Placental concentrations of bisphenol A and birth weight from births in the Southeastern U.S.

IntroductionBisphenol A (BPA) is a weakly estrogenic compound that has been detected in a wide variety of food products and biological matrices (saliva, blood, urine, etc). Despite the potential risk of human exposure to BPA, little information exists concerning maternal and fetal exposure to BPA during pregnancy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the correlation between placental BPA concentration, infant birth weight and calculated birth weight centile, and several other maternal and infant parameters. MethodsPlacental sample were collected from 200 subjects. BPA levels were measured by isotope dilution GC–MS. Additional maternal and infant data were gathered from medical charts and were potential correlates with placental BPA levels. ResultsPlacental BPA concentrations ranged from 4.4 ng/g to 273.9 ng/g in oven-dried tissue (average 103.4 ± 61.8 ng/g). There was a significant negative correlation between calculated birth weight centile and levels of placental BPA (p < 0.05). Low birth weight and small for gestational age infants also had significantly greater placental BPA concentrations as compared to normal weight infants and average/large for gestational age infants. Infants born to African American mothers also had greater placental BPA concentrations as compared to infants born to Hispanic mothers. DiscussionPlacental BPA concentrations are correlated with the growth potential of the fetus and may play a role in reduced fetal growth.

Influence of household cleaning practices on the magnitude and variability of urinary monochlorinated bisphenol A

Low-dose health effects of BPA have not been adequately explored in the presence of BPA metabolites of chlorinated structure that may exert larger estrogenic effects than those of their parent compound. We hypothesized that chlorine-containing cleaning products used in household cleaning activities could modify the magnitude of total urinary BPA concentration measurements via the production of chlorinated BPA (ClBPA) derivatives. Our objective was to investigate the influence of typical household cleaning activities (dishwashing, toilet cleaning, mopping, laundry, etc.) on the magnitude and variability of urinary total BPA and mono-ClBPA levels in the general adult population. A cross-sectional study (n=224) included an adult (≥18years) pool of participants from the general population of Nicosia, Cyprus. First morning urine voids were collected, and administered questionnaires included items about household cleaning habits, demographics, drinking water consumption rates and water source/usage patterns. Urinary concentrations of total BPA (range: 0.2–82μgL−1), mono-ClBPA (16–340ngL−1), and total trihalomethanes (0.1–5.0μgL−1) were measured using gas chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry and large volume injection. Linear multiple regression analysis revealed that dishwashing along with age and gender (females) were able to predict urinary mono-ClBPA levels (ng g−1), even after adjusting for covariates; this was not the case for urinary total BPA levels (ng g−1). Significant (p<0.001) association was observed between urinary mono-ClBPA and THM levels, underlying the important role of disinfectant (chlorine) in promoting formation of both ClBPA and THM. Urinary mono-ClBPA levels were measured for the first time using an appreciable sample size, highlighting the co-occurring patterns of both total BPA and mono-ClBPA. Epidemiological studies and probabilistic BPA risk assessment exercises should consider assessing daily intake estimates for chlorinated BPA compounds, as well.

Use of core–shell nanoring amino-functionalized superparamagnetic molecularly imprinted polymer for matrix solid phase dispersion extraction and preconcentration of ultratrace levels of BPA from water samples

Determination of ultratrace levels of BPA in water by MSPD with a core–shell nanoring amino-functionalized magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer adsorbent followed by UFLC-MS/MS.

Urinary bisphenol A concentrations are associated with abnormal liver function in the elderly: a repeated panel study

BackgroundBisphenol A (4,40-isopropylidenediphenol, BPA) is known to adversely affect various organs. The liver is reported to be affected by BPA in animal studies. However, there are few studies in humans...

Influence of Household Disinfection Practices on the Magnitude and Variability of Urinary Bisphenol A Concentrations

Low-dose health effects of BPA have not been adequately explored in the presence of BPA metabolites of chlorinated or oxidized nature that may exert larger estrogenic effects (10-1000x) than those of their parent compound. We hypothesized that extensive use of chlorine disinfectant in households could modify the magnitude of total urinary BPA cocnentration measurements under certain exposure scenaria via the production of chlorinated BPA congeners. Our objective was to investigate the influence of typical household disinfection practices (shower/bath/laundry usage patterns, frequency and duration of household cleaning activites using chlorinated disinfectants, and household aeration patterns during disinfectant use) on the magnitude and variability of urinary BPA levels in a general population cohort (n=382) located in Nicosia, Cyprus. The study volunteers also completed a questionnaire about drinking water consumption habits, water source/uses, demographics, disinfectant use in household and medical history. Urinary BPA and trihalomethanes (THM) concentrations were measured with gas chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry and large volume injection. Possible associations between urinary BPA and THM concentrations among participants will be determined, while the effect of the aforementioned household disinfection practices on the magnitude and variability of both urinary BPA and THM levels will be assessed using logistic multivariate regression analyses. The speculated effect of elevated exposures to residual disinfectant (chlorine) and its by-products (THM) will be investigated via monitoring of the total urinary BPA measurements for those individuals.

Changes in steroid metabolism among girls with precocious puberty may not be associated with urinary levels of bisphenol A

Precocious puberty (PP) refers to the appearance of physical and hormonal signs of pubertal development at an abnormally early age. Urinary steroid signatures obtained from 42 patients with central PP and 40 patients with peripheral PP were assessed to compare metabolic changes. Levels of androgens such as testosterone, androstenedione, androstenediol, 16α-hydroxy-dehydroepiandrosterone, and 5α-androstenedione tended to be high in both PP groups, and the level of 17β-estradiol was higher in the central-PP group (P<0.01) than in the peripheral-PP and 32 age-matched healthy girls. Altered steroid metabolism was also associated with urinary BPA levels, and levels of testosterone, 17β-estradiol, and pregnenolone were significantly increased among individuals with high BPA levels. In particular, a correlation was observed between estrogen metabolism and BPA levels irrespective of the type of PP. These findings suggest that in girls, BPA exposure causes metabolic changes in steroidogenesis, but not the early onset of PP.

Nutraceutical profiles of improved blue maize (Zea mays) hybrids for subtropical regions

There is an increasing interest in blue maize (Zea mays L.) due to its nutraceutical properties. Improved blue maize populations have been developed using landraces as genetic background and tested for its yield stability. The aim of this research was to evaluate the phytochemical and nutraceutical profiles of 25 promising blue maize hybrids developed at INIFAP-Bajio and tested on two subtropical locations during 2008. Biophysical properties and nutraceutical grain traits (free phenolic acids, FPA, bound phenolic acids, BPA, and bound ferulic acid, BFA, soluble protein, SP, total monomeric anthocyanin content, TMA, and antioxidant capacity, AOX) were evaluated. Results indicated that hybrids showed biophysical characteristics that are demanded by the tortilla industries. Significant differences (p<0.001) were found among the 25 hybrids in terms of FPA, BPA, ORAC, BFA and TMA. High levels of FPA (107mg GAE/100g), BPA (255mg GAE/100g) and BFA (222mg/100g) were also found in improved hybrids together with elevated levels of SP (4.5%), TMA (460mg/kg) and AOX (3.7 and 38.9mM trolox equival/100g for FPA and BFA respectively). This study reported for the first time the availability of high productive blue maize hybrids with 42% of vitreous endosperm adapted to subtropical environments. These hybrids contained high levels of nutraceuticals similar to blue maize landrace and could be considered for the commercial production of tortillas and related products.

Endocrine-active compound evaluation: Qualitative and quantitative histomorphological assessment of zebrafish gonads after bisphenol-A exposure

There is great social concern about the risk involved from exposure to BPA as an endocrine disrupter in humans, as well as the possible repercussion of this chemical on the environment. In this study, the short-term effects of BPA at a gonadal level were assessed by means of different biomarkers in a model animal organism in vogue, the zebrafish (Danio rerio). For this purpose, 60 female zebrafish aged 16 weeks were used. These were exposed for 14 days in aquariums (following OECD Directive no.204) to BPA concentrations of 1, 10, 100 and 1000μg/L, in addition to a control batch. After the exposure period, the zebrafish were sacrificed and samples taken for a histopathological study by light and electron microscopy and morphometric analysis. During the fourteen days of exposure, water samples were taken from the aquariums to analyze the BPA levels. The BPA concentration in the fish and the water was determined by LC–MS/MS.The gonads of the zebrafish exposed to the BPA had a normal external appearance and there were no variations in their size or body weight. An accumulation of BPA was produced in the zebrafish tissues, and this increased as the BPA concentration to which the fish were exposed did. In the histopathological and morphometric studies, multiple alterations were observed in the zebrafish ovaries, particularly highlighting the vacuolization of the follicular cytoplasm, a great degeneration of all the cell components, and an important increase in the percentage of atretic follicles as from concentrations of 100 and 1000μg/L of BPA, verified by morphometry.These data indicate that morphological endpoints are sufficiently sensitive to individuate early effects of environmental concentration of BPA on gonads after two weeks of exposure.