Compounds Bisphenol Research Articles

Exposure to bisphenol A induced oxidative stress, cell death and impaired epithelial homeostasis in the adult Drosophila melanogaster midgut

Recently, the chemical compound Bisphenol A (BPA) has been attracting worldwide attention due to its various toxic effects in animals, including reprotoxicity, neurotoxicity, hepatoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. Here, the midgut of adult Drosophila melanogaster (D. melanogaster), an invertebrate model organism, was employed to investigate the gastrointestinal toxicity of BPA in D. melanogaster and explore its underlying mechanisms of action in insects. As a result, exposure of flies to 0.5 mM BPA resulted in a dramatic morphological alteration of D. melanogaster midgut and decrease in survival rates and climbing ability of flies. Further study indicated that BPA induced high levels of oxidative stress in D. melanogaster midgut due to the imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and the activities of cellular antioxidant enzymes, including glutathione-S-transferase, catalase and superoxide dismutase. Oxidative stress induced by BPA then caused intestinal epithelial cell death and gut barrier dysfunction and elevated gut permeability, leading to oxidative injury of midgut epithelium. Antioxidant vitamin E alleviated midgut injury induced by BPA. Subsequently, BPA-induced oxidative injury of midgut further stimulated the proliferation of intestinal stem cell (ISC) and ISC-mediated midgut regeneration, but did not alter cell fate determination of ISCs in Drosophila midgut. Meanwhile, activation of Jun N-terminal kinase signal pathway was found to be required for BPA-induced cell death and tissue regeneration in midgut. Collectively, the present study provided additional evidence from an invertebrate model organism that BPA exposure induced gastrointestinal toxicity in D. melanogaster and further extended our understanding of the molecular mechanisms mediating BPA toxicity in insects.

Individual and Combined Effect of Bisphenol A and Bisphenol AF on Prostate Cell Proliferation through NF-κB Signaling Pathway.

The ubiquitous environmental endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA) can induce prostatic dysfunction. However, to date, studies have focused little on the perturbations of prostate health initiated by the BPA derivative bisphenol AF (BPAF) and co-exposure to bisphenol compounds. An in vivo study orally administrated male rats with BPA (10, 90 μg/kg), BPAF (10, 90 μg/kg) and the inhibitor of nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB), pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (PDTC, 100 mg/kg). Based on the anatomical analysis, pathological observations and PCNA over-expression, we considered that low-dose BPA and BPAF facilitated ventral prostatic hyperplasia in rats. The results of IHC and ELISA mirrored the regulation of NF-κB p65, COX-2, TNF-α and EGFR in BPA- and BPAF-induced prostatic toxicity. An in vitro study found that the additive effect of combined exposure to BPA (10 nM) and BPAF (10 nM) could cause an elevation in the proliferation of and a reduction in the apoptosis level of human prostate stromal cells (WPMY−1) and fibroblasts (HPrF). Meanwhile, the underlying biomarkers of the NF-κB signaling pathway also involved the abnormal proliferative progression of prostate cells. The findings recapitulated the induction of BPAF exposure and co-treatment with BPA and BPAF on prostatic hyperplasia and emphasized the modulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Bisphenol Exposure Disrupts Cytoskeletal Organization and Development of Pre-Implantation Embryos.

The endocrine disrupting activity of bisphenol compounds is well documented, but less is known regarding their impact on cell division and early embryo formation. Here, we tested the effects of acute in vitro exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) and its common substitute, bisphenol F (BPF), during critical stages of mouse pre-implantation embryo development, including the first mitotic division, cell polarization, as well as morula and blastocyst formation. Timing of initial cleavage was determined by live-cell imaging, while subsequent divisions, cytoskeletal organization and lineage marker labeling were assessed by high-resolution fluorescence microscopy. Our analysis reveals that brief culture with BPA or BPF impeded cell division and disrupted embryo development at all stages tested. Surprisingly, BPF was more detrimental to the early embryo than BPA. Notably, poor embryo development was associated with cytoskeletal disruptions of the actomyosin network, apical domain formation during cell polarization, actin ring zippering for embryo sealing and altered cell lineage marker profiles. These results underscore that bisphenols can disrupt cytoskeletal integrity and remodeling that is vital for early embryo development and raise concerns regarding the use of BPF as a ‘safe’ BPA substitute.

Fabrication of Low-Cost, Paper-Based Electrodes for Detection of Bisphenol Compounds

Bisphenol (BP) is a chemical additive that strengthens polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Bisphenol, however, is a known toxicant often categorized as an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC). Bisphenol absorption in the body has been implicated in contributing to metabolic disorders such as type-2 diabetes, obesity, immune toxicity, and other serious diseases. Approximately 90% of humans accumulate BP levels through exposure to food containers, plastic bottles, thermal printing papers, and other everyday plastic products. This accumulation is of special concern on the Navajo Reservation, which has a high rate of diabetes and obesity. We report the development of low-cost, flexible paper-based electrodes for the electrochemical detection of BP compounds. We fabricated paper-based electrodes using conductive carbon paste in a three-electrode system. We demonstrate that our paper-based electrodes can detect BP at 0.1mM, 0.3mM, 0.5mM, and 1mM in the laboratory at physiological pH conditions. These results demonstrate that the sensitivity of these electrodes and their linear electrochemical response make them well suited for real-time applications and point detections.

Cord blood immune profile: Associations with higher prenatal plastic chemical levels

Prenatal exposure to plastic chemicals has been associated with alterations to early-life immune function in children. However, previous studies have generally been small and focused on limited repertoires of immune indices. In a large population-based pre-birth cohort (n = 1074), third-trimester measurements of eight phthalate metabolites and three analogues of bisphenols were used to estimate prenatal exposure to phthalate and bisphenol compounds. In cord blood, immune cell populations were measured by flow cytometry and an extensive panel of cytokines and chemokines were measured by multiplex immunoassay. We used these cord blood analytes to estimate “early life” immune profiles. The full study sample comprises data from 774 infants with prenatal plastic metabolite measurements and any cord blood immune data. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate whether prenatal phthalate and bisphenol exposure was prospectively associated with cord blood immune cell populations and cytokine and chemokine levels. Generally, inverse associations were observed between prenatal phthalate exposure and cord blood immune indices. Higher exposure to di-n-butyl phthalate was associated with lower cord blood levels of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10); higher exposure to the sum of dibutyl phthalates was associated with lower cord blood levels of IP-10; and higher exposure to benzyl butyl phthalate was associated with lower cord blood levels of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β). There was less evidence of associations between bisphenols and cord blood immune indices. These results extend previous work examining prenatal plastic chemical exposure and early-life immune development and highlight the importance of further examination of potential associations with health-related outcomes.

COenzyme Q10 ameliorates bisphinol A induced reproductive male toxicity

Background and aim The endocrine disruptor compound bisphenol A (BPA) affects spermatogenesis and exacerbates benign prostate hyperplasia induced by testosterone. Nonetheless, the direct effect of BPA on prostate and testicular cells is not fully investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the pathogenic effects of BPA on the structure of the prostate and the ultrastructure of the testis of adult male albino rats via immunohistochemical and transmission electron microscopic study and the potential protective effect of CoQ10 supplementation. Methods A total of 30 male albino Wistar rats were categorized into five equal cohorts: group I, no treatment; group II was administered corn oil; group III received coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10); group IV was administrated BPA; and group V received BPA+CoQ10. Results BPA administration significantly decreased the mean values of the plasma fertility hormones and serum antioxidant enzymes and increased malondialdehyde. BPA administration markedly affected seminal parameters. Coadministered CoQ10 significantly reversed these biochemical changes. BPA induced histopathological alterations in the epithelium and connective tissue of prostate. Immunohistochemistry of the prostate revealed decreased E-cadherin and increased vimentin expressions in BPA-treated group. Ultrastructural analysis of the testis showed impairment of the basal lamina of seminiferous tubules and tight junctions between Sertoli cells after BPA exposure. Conclusion The biochemical and histopathological results of this study revealed direct evidence for BPA-induced male reproductive toxicity in the testes and prostate, causing male infertility. CoQ10 coadministration with BPA partially protects against its damaging effect mediated via its antioxidant capabilities.

Distribution profiles of bisphenols in school supplies and implications for human exposure

Bisphenol compounds (BPs) are usually applied in the production of school supplies, however, little is known on the occurrence of BPs in school supplies. In this study, 15 BPs were detected in 121 samples of school supplies collected from commercial market. Among all compounds studied, BPA, BPF, and BPS were the dominant compounds in school supplies with the detection frequency of 93.15 %, 85.62 % and 82.53 %, respectively, and at median concentrations of 161, 23.64 and 14.11 ng g−1 dw. The total concentrations of BPs varied among types of school supplies in the following order: paper (median: 1347 ng g−1 dw) > fabric (521.4 ng g−1 dw) > plastic (472.7 ng g−1 dw) > rubber (352.4 ng g−1 dw). Risk assessment of BPs in school supplies was evaluated by the estimated daily intake (EDI) via dermal absorption, and the median EDIs of ∑15 BPs were 156.78 ng d−1 (11.27–37,042.37 ng d−1) and 432.75 ng d−1 (32.44–91,624.22 ng d−1) for general and occupational people, respectively.

Testicular toxicity of bisphenol compounds: Homeostasis disruption of cholesterol/testosterone via PPARα activation.

The widespread application of bisphenols (BPs) has made them ubiquitous in the environment. Although the side effects of bisphenol A (BPA) substitutes have received increasing attention, studies on their reproductive toxicity remain lacking. In this research, the effects of BPA and its substitutes, including bisphenol S (BPS), bisphenol F (BPF), and bisphenol AF (BPAF), on the male reproductive system were evaluated. Results proved that these BPs disturbed germ cell proliferation, induced germ cell apoptosis, and perturbed sperm physiologies and spermatogenesis, which resulted from the disruption of testosterone (T) biosynthesis in Leydig cells (LCs). Importantly, in vitro and in vivo studies indicated that the exhausted cholesterol in LCs accounted for the reduced T production. Furthermore, the knockdown of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) remarkably ameliorated the downregulation of cholesterogenesis-related genes (i.e., Hmgcs1, Hmgcr, and Srebf2), indicating that PPARα played a critical role in BPs-induced testicular dysfunction. Overall, our studies indicated that BPS, BPF, and BPAF could induce testicular toxic effects similar to that of BPA, which were associated with the PPARα pathway.

Endocrine Disruptors and Obesity: An Overview.

Obesity is a growing pandemic. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are widespread in the environment. In this perspective, the authors examine the issue related to the exposure to several chemicals with endocrine-disrupting properties as promoting factors to obesity. Data show that Phthalates, Bisphenol compounds, Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), solvents, and personal care products can modify metabolic properties in a dose-response and sex-specific manner. Phthalates and bisphenol compounds increase body mass index, waist circumference, waist to height ratio, and the sum of skinfold thicknesses in women and not in men. Low-dose exposure to Persistent Organic Pollutants is strongly associated with increased body mass index in men and decreased this parameter in women. The mechanism through which these compounds act on anthropometric parameters is not entirely understood. Several studies suggest a possible interference in gonadotropin secretion and the thyroid axis. These inspire a decrease in both total and free testosterone levels in men and FT3 and FT4 levels in women, particularly after a pregnancy. The impact of endocrine disruptor chemicals on adipose tissue inflammation and future cardio-metabolic disorders remains to be elucidated. Therefore, studies involving both healthy and obese individuals are needed to unambiguously confirm results from in vitro and animal models.

Rapid determination of key impurities in high purity bisphenol A with reversed phase separation and triple quadrupole mass spectrometry

Liquid chromatography with diode array detection (DAD) or ultraviolet spectroscopic (UV) detection as the most important analytical technique for the accurate quantification of impurities in bisphenol compounds normally requires long analysis time for baseline separation of all components as well as highly concentrated sample solutions for the detection of trace levels. To expand the application possibilities to all stages of polymerisation processes, an easy and robust reversed phase separation for 7 known impurities of bisphenol-A (BPA) including 4-isopropenylphenol and its dimeric isomers, o, p-bisphenol-A and trisphenol was established in this work. The method has been validated for the detection with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (qqqMS) and DAD. In the investigated concentration range 0.5 – 100 mg/kg, the linearity is verified for both detection techniques. The limit of quantification (LOQ) for each impurity is with 0.5 – 1.5 mg/kg for qqqMS and 15 mg/kg for DAD sufficient for the evaluation of BPA as a raw material for polymerisation processes. The separation time for all impurities is 10 min whereas earlier reported methods need a minimum of 25 to 40 min. In addition the necessary sample concentration of BPA could be reduced to 5 mg/mL compared to existing methods where the sample concentration typically is > 50 mg/mL. For all those reasons the validated method can be efficiently applied for frequent process monitoring. Furthermore, 4 additional impurities were detected and identified. Mainly these are reaction products from the isopropenylphenol structure in combination with confirmed impurities as trisphenol or chroman. The quantification of these structures was established with trisphenol as reference and two structures were detected in all BPA qualities of this study in a concentration range from 20 – 400 mg/kg.

Effect of Diluents on Mechanical Characteristics of Epoxy Compounds.

The aim of this work is to assess the influence of different commercial diluents on some mechanical properties of two bisphenolic epoxy compounds, cold-cured by a polyamide curing agent, to be employed as epoxy structural adhesives for building and industrial applications. The diluents under analysis were epoxy, bituminous, nitro, acrylic and extraction. The choice of these products was made on the basis of their wide commercial availability as diluents for epoxies used as adhesives and in different industrial and construction applications. The diluents were all added in small proportions, i.e., from 1 to 10 g per 100 g of epoxy resin. The cold-cured epoxy compounds were subjected to compressive (according to ISO 604) and static tensile (according to ISO 527-1) tests. The same mechanical tests were performed on both unmodified epoxy resins, for comparison purposes. On the basis of the obtained results, it was concluded that the influence of the presence of a diluent, and of its amount, on the mechanical properties of epoxy compounds depends on the type of resin and of diluent, as well as on the mechanical characteristics analyzed.

State-of-the-art progress of metal-organic framework-based electrochemical and optical sensing platforms for determination of bisphenol A as an endocrine disruptor

Considering the low concentration levels of bisphenol compounds present in environmental, food, and biological samples, and the difficulty in analyzing the matrices, the main challenge is with the cleanup and extraction process, as well as developing highly sensitive determination methods. Recent advances in the field of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) due to their large surface area, low weight, and other extraordinary physical, chemical, and mechanical features have made these porous materials a crucial agent in developing biosensing assays. This review focuses on MOFs across their definition, structural features, various types, synthetic routes, and their significant utilization in sensing assays for bisphenol A (BPA) determination. Additionally, recent improvements in characteristics and physio-chemical features of MOFs and their functional applications in developing electrochemical and optical sensing assays via different recognition elements for detecting BPA are comprehensively discussed. Finally, the existing boundaries of the current advances including future challenges concerning successful construction of sensing approaches by employing functionalized MOFs are addressed.

Mechanism evaluation of the interactions between bisphenol AP and bovine serum albumin based on multi-spectroscopy, wavefunction analysis, and molecular docking

• Interaction behaviors between bisphenol AP (BPAP) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) were investigated by fluorescence, UV-Vis, Fourier transform infrared, and circular dichroism spectroscopies. • Explicit topology of BPAP was theoretically analyzed by electrostatic potential and wavefunction analysis methods. • To acquire clearer perspective, the molecular docking indicated that BPAP was steadily located in the hydrophobic cavity of BSA with two hydrogen bonds. • These insights potentially clarify the transportation and binding mechanism of BPAP by BSA, and present a better understanding about the toxicity assessment of BPAP in humans. The hazardous effects of bisphenol compounds on organisms have attracted wide attention. Hence, elaborating of the specific binding mode of emerging contaminants to macromolecules provides a pivotal insight into the interaction mechanism. In the present study, the structure changes of bovine serum albumin (BSA) upon binding with bisphenol AP (BPAP) were explored via multi-spectroscopies under simulated physiological conditions. Stern-Volmer calculation showed BPAP quenched the endogenous fluorescence of BSA by static quenching. Thermodynamic results with respect to temperatures indicate that the van der Waals force and hydrogen bond interactions play a pivotal role in BSA-BPAP complex formation. Circular dichroism and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies also quantitatively confirm the secondary structural changes of the complex. Explicit topological analysis was theoretically conducted by the wavefunction analysis method. Electrostatic potential map pinpointed the global surface minimum and maximum of BPAP, which correspond to −26.86 and 52.50 kcal mol −1 around oxygen atom and hydrogen atom, respectively. To acquire clearer perspective, local orbital localizer and electron localization function were calculated to visually represent the electron delocalization in BPAP. More specifically, molecular docking indicated that BPAP was located in the hydrophobic cavity of BSA. Herein, the experimental and theoretical results reveal BPAP and BSA interaction mechanism in detail. These insights have great value in warning the toxicity assessment of BPAP on BSA in humans and wildlife.

Integration of Bioinspired Fibrous Strands with 3D Spheroids for Environmental Hazard Monitoring

AbstractNumerous methods have been introduced to produce 3D cell cultures that can reduce the need for animal experimentation. This study presents a unique 3D culture platform that features bioinspired strands of electrospun nanofibers (BSeNs) and aquatic cell lines to compensate for shortcomings in the current cell spheroid generation techniques. The use of BSeNs in 3D zebrafish liver cell cultures is found to improve liver and reproductive functions through spheroid‐based in vitro assays such as whole transcriptome sequencing and reproductive toxicity testing, with optimized properties exhibiting results similar to those obtained for fish embryo acute toxicity (FET, OECD TG 236) following exposure to environmental endocrine‐disrupting chemicals (17β‐Estradiol (E2), 4‐hydroxytamoxifen (4‐HT), and bisphenol compounds (bisphenol A (BPA) and 9,9‐Bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)fluorene (BPFL)). These findings indicate that the beneficial effects of bioinspired materials that closely mimic ECM environments can yield efficient zebrafish cells with intrinsic functions and xenobiotic metabolism similar to those of zebrafish embryos. As a closer analog for the in vivo conditions that are associated with exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals, the straightforward culture model introduced in this study shows promise as an alternative tool that can be used to further eco‐environmental assessment.

Insight on the microscopic binding mechanism of bisphenol compounds (BPs) with transthyretin (TTR) based on multi-spectroscopic methods and computational simulations.

Thyroid hormones are involved in numerous physiological processes as regulators of metabolism, regulating organ growth, and mental state. Bisphenol compounds (BPs) are recognized as chemicals that interfere with endocrine balance. Because BPs have a similar structure to thyroxine, they can compete for binding to thyroid protein and disrupt the normal physiological activity of the thyroid system. In this study, three typical bisphenol compounds were selected to explore the interaction between BPs and TTR by computer simulations and multi-spectroscopic methods. The results revealed that BPs quenched the endogenous fluorescence of TTR via the combination of static quenching and non-radiative energy transfer, and the van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding played a synergistic role in the binding process of BPs and TTR. Furthermore, the three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, which were employed to determine the conformation of protein, revealed that binding of BPs with TTR could induce conformational changes in TTR. In addition, the binding sites and the residues surrounding the BPs within the TTR were determined through molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation. Therefore, this work provides new insights into the interaction between BPs and TTR to evaluate the potential toxicity of BPs.

Tyrosinase-functionalized polyhydroxyalkanoate bio-beads as a novel biocatalyst for degradation of bisphenol analogues

Bisphenol compounds are emerging contaminants of high concerns with known endocrine-disrupting effects. Biocatalysis provides a green chemistry alternative for advanced treatment in water reclamation. This study createda novel biocatalyst through genetically immobilizing the Bacillus megaterium tyrosinase enzyme (BmTyr) on the surface ofself-assembled polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymer beads (termed PHA-BmTyr) by using synthetic biology techniques and demonstrated one-pot in vivo production of the biocatalyst for effective degradation and detoxification of various bisphenol analogues for the first time. The degradation pathway of bisphenols was determined to be mediated by the monophenolase and diphenolase activity of BmTyr. Notably, biocatalytic bisphenol degradation by PHA-BmTyr could substantially reduce or eliminate estrogenic activity of the contaminants, and the degradation products had remarkably lower acute and chronic toxicity than their parent compounds. Furthermore, the PHA-BmTyr biocatalyst had high reusability for multiple bisphenol degradation reaction cycles and showed excellent stability that retained 100% and 86.6% of the initial activity when stored at 4 °C and room temperature, respectively for 30 days. Also, the PHA-BmTyr biocatalyst could efficiently degrade bisphenol analogues in real wastewater effluent matrix. This study provides a promising approach to develop innovative biocatalysis technologies for sustainable water reclamation.

Influence of aryl hydrocarbon receptor and sulfotransferase 1A1 on bisphenol AF-induced clastogenesis in human hepatoma cells

Bisphenol compounds (BPs) are ubiquitously existing pollutants. Recent evidence shows that they may be activated by human CYP1A1 for clastogenic effects; however, factors that influence/mediate CYP1A1-activated 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphenol (BPAF) toxicity, particularly the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), sulfotransferase (SULT) 1A1 [known to conjugate 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenol)-propane (BPA)] and reactive oxygen species (ROS), remain unclear. In this study, a human hepatoma (HepG2) cell line was genetically engineered for the expression of human CYP1A1 and SULT1A1, producing HepG2-hCYP1A1 and HepG2-hSULT1A1, respectively. They were used in the micronucleus test and γ-H2AX analysis (Western blot) (indicating double-strand DNA breaks) with BPAF; the role of AhR in mediating BPAF toxicity was investigated by coexposure of AhR modulators in HepG2 and its derivative C3A (with no genetic modifications but enhanced CYP expression). The results indicated induction of micronuclei by BPAF (≥ 2.5 µM, for 2-cell cycle) in HepG2-hCYP1A1 and C3A, while inactive in HepG2 and HepG2-hSULT1A1; however, BPAF induced micronuclei in HepG2 pretreated with 3,3′,4,4′,5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB126, AhR activator), and BAY-218 (AhR inhibitor) blocked the effect of BPAF in C3A. In HepG2-hCYP1A1 BPAF selectively induced centromere-free micronuclei (immunofluorescent assay) and double-strand DNA breaks. In HepG2 cells receiving conditional medium from BPAF-HepG2-hCYP1A1 incubation micronuclei were formed, while negative in HepG2-hSULT1A1. Finally, the intracellular levels of ROS, superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione in C3A and HepG2-hCYP1A1 exposed to BPAF were all moderately increased, while unchanged in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, like other BPs BPAF is activated by human CYP1A1 for potent clastogenicity, and this effect is enhanced by AhR while alleviated by SULT1A1.

Bi/Bi2O3/WO3 composite: A bifunctional plasmonic heterostructure for detection and degradation pollutions in wastewater

To achieve the goal of efficient organic pollutants removal and detection, Bi/Bi2O3/WO3 composite was rationally designed and prepared via a hydrothermal-solvothermal method. With ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) as the dispersant, three-dimensional (3D) lavender-like architecture Bi/Bi2O3/WO3 was formed, of which nanorods was vertically surrounded by nanoflakes with Bi spheres dispersed around randomly. Compared with other products, Bi/Bi2O3/WO3 composite performed highest visible-light photocatalytic activities to organic dye methylene blue (MB) and endocrine disrupting compound bisphenol A (BPA), both are up to 95% degradation rate, and the reusability of photocatalyst was conducted. The superior photocatalytic performance could mainly contribute to the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect of Bi, which injects high-energy electrons to the Z-scheme structure, promoting the utilizing of light, generation of active sites/species and quick transfer for carriers. Atoms of BPA with high Fukui index were calculated and the degradation pathway was proposed based on density functional theory (DFT). Besides, the as-prepared Bi/Bi2O3/WO3 showed considerable sensitivity of detecting trace organic pollutants by surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), and a synergistic system to achieve the “detection to degradation” was illustrated, indicating the bifunctional and multi-applicative potential of the as-prepared products in practical wastewater treatment.

Transcriptome Changes and Potential Immunotoxicity Analysis in RAW264.7 Macrophages Caused by Bisphenol F.

As a viable substitute for bisphenol A (BPA), BPF has been widely used in the plastic industry and daily consumer goods, resulting in its detection in humans at a comparable concentration. Evidence reveals that BPF and BPA may have similar toxic effects due to their similar structures. However, there is less information about BPF and its latent implications on the immune system, which is associated with many disorders. In this study, the in vitro toxicity of BPF on RAW264.7 macrophages was explored. The cells were treated with different concentrations of BPF (5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 μM), the cell viability and apoptosis were detected, the gene expression profile was analyzed by whole-transcriptome sequencing, and the mRNA levels were detected by qRT-PCR. The results showed a high concentration of BPF could significantly reduce the survival rate of RAW264.7 macrophages. Although the medium concentration (20–50 μM) of BPF seemed to have no impact on the cell activity of macrophages, it caused the occurrence of apoptosis. The results of differential transcription showed that compared with the control group, 121 genes were upregulated and 82 genes were downregulated in the BPF group. The significantly changed gene functions were mainly concentrated in cell cycle, phagosome, lysosome, and antigen processing and presentation. These findings provide valuable information for correctly understanding the immunotoxicity risk of BPF and may help to improve the hazard identification of bisphenol compounds.

Identification of bisphenols and derivatives in greenhouse dust as a potential source for human occupational exposure

Bisphenol A (BPA) and alternative bisphenols are widely used in the industrial production of polycarbonates and resin polymers. Adverse effects on human health have been described for BPA and owing to the structural similarity of alternative bisphenols and derivatives, a similar toxicity profile is expectable. Dust can act as a sink for bisphenols owing to the large surface area to mass ratio. Human risk exposure to bisphenols via indoor dust has been widely assessed in the last decade. The environmental conditions inside greenhouses, among other factors, facilitate that chemicals are released from greenhouse building materials to dust. This study aims to explore for the first time the potential of greenhouse dust as a new source of bisphenols for human exposure. For this purpose, a supramolecular solvent-based method was applied to the extraction of twenty-one bisphenols from greenhouse dust, prior to their determination by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Nineteen bisphenols were found in the five greenhouse dust samples analysed, with concentrations ranging from 5275 ng g−1 (BPA) to 0.25 ng g−1 (trichlorobisphenol A). The average daily dose (ADD) via dust ingestion for bisphenol compounds was calculated, in order to estimate the occupational exposure for inadvertent dust ingestion. Despite the calculated ADD value for BPA (47.81 ng kg−1 day−1) being below the tolerable daily intake proposed by EFSA (4·103 ng kg−1 day−1), this value was considerably higher than those previously reported for indoor dust, which brings to light the importance of considering greenhouse dust as bisphenols source of exposure for greenhouse workers.Graphical abstract