Endocrine Disrupting Compounds Bisphenol Research Articles

Green and fast quantification of Bisphenol A in instant noodles cup using iridium nanoparticle-modified glassy carbon electrode

This study presents a method for quantifying the endocrine-disrupting compound Bisphenol A (BPA) in food packages. Carbon-supported iridium nanoparticles were synthesized via formic acid reduction and used to modify a glassy carbon electrode, creating the Ir/C/GCE sensor. Employing this sensor in conjunction with square wave voltammetry, a fast and green electroanalytical methodology was developed and subsequently validated for quantifying BPA in instant noodle cup packages. The optimized and validated analytical method exhibited linearity, with low limits of detection and quantification recorded at 0.011 μmol L−1 and 0.037 μmol L−1, respectively. Besides this, it demonstrated good selectivity and accuracy, complying with major validation guidelines, including those from the International Council for Harmonisation, Eurachem, the European Union, and AOAC International. Furthermore, the environmental sustainability of the method was confirmed using the AGREE metric.

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.

Structural Compactness in Hen Egg White Lysozyme Induced by Bisphenol S: A Spectroscopic and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Approach.

The endocrine disrupting compound Bisphenol and its analogues are widely used in food packaging products and can cause serious health hazards. The protein, Lysozyme (Lyz), showing anti-microbial properties, is used as a "natural" food and dairy preservative. Herein, we explored the interaction between Lyz and Bisphenol S (BPS) by multi-spectroscopic and theoretical approaches. Lyz interacts with BPS through static quenching, where hydrophobic force governed the underlying interaction. Molecular docking results reveal that tryptophan plays a vital role in binding, corroborated well with near UV-CD studies. A decrease in the radius of gyration (from 1.43 nm to 1.35 nm) of Lyz substantiates the compactness of the protein conformation owing to such an interaction. This structural alteration experienced by Lyz may alter its functional properties as a food preservative. Consequently, this can degrade the quality of the food products and thereby lead to severe health issues.

Effective adsorption of the endocrine disruptor compound bisphenol a from water on surface-modified carbon materials

Carbon-based adsorbents, e.g., xerogel (RFX) and lignin-based activated carbon (KLP) were characterized and tested for the adsorption of the endocrine disrupting compound Bisphenol A (BPA) from water. Then, pristine materials were modified following mechanical, chemical and thermal treatments. Pristine RFX showed a more-opened porous structure, enhancing the adsorption kinetic, c.a. 24 vs. 48 h equilibrium time, for RFX and KLP samples, respectively. Thus, RFX adsorption capacity decreased in comparison to that obtained for KLP (qsat = 78 vs 220 mg g−1). Thus, a clear correlation between micropore volume (Vmicro) and specific surface area (SBET) with BPA adsorption capacity could be established; so, an increment of BPA adsorption capacity was observed with an increase in both textural parameters. Moreover, the dominant sorption mechanism seems to be chemisorption; and DSL isotherm model was found the most suitable for the fitting of BPA adsorption isotherms. Generally, the presence of oxygenated/nitrogenated-groups on carbon surface led to a decrease in BPA adsorption capacity due to the decrease in π-π dispersive interactions and pore blocking phenomena. Finally, an increment in BPA adsorption capacity up to 135 mg g−1 (73% higher than that obtained for the pristine material) was obtained with the sample treated at high temperature.

Growth mechanism and visible-light-driven photocatalysis of organic solvent dependent WO3 and nonstoichiometric WO3-x nanostructures

A facile one-step solvothermal method was used to synthesize tungsten oxides by organic solvents, namely ethanol, n-propanol and n-hexane. Three-dimensional WO3 nanoflowers, two-dimensional WO3 nanoslice and zero-dimensional nonstoichiometric WO3-x nanoparticles were obtained. The growth mechanism in different organic solvents was proposed, in which the functions of hydroxyl groups, solvents polarity, and dissolved oxygen were considered complementarily. The visible-light driven photocatalysis of these tungsten oxide nanostructures were studied by photodegradation of a dye methylene blue (MB) and an endocrine disrupting compound bisphenol A (BPA) under visible light, and all products exhibited a degradation rate up to 95%, indicating their applicative potential in wastewater treatment. The recycling property and different parameters of pH, catalyst concentration and dye concentration for the photodegradation process towards MB solution were also studied and illustrated.

Tunable poly(aryleneethynylene) networks prepared by emulsion templating for visible-light-driven photocatalysis

A simple structural design principle of poly(arylene ethynylene) π-conjugated microcellular polymers as the pure organic, heterogeneous photocatalytic systems is presented. They are synthesized by the Sonogashira cross-coupling polymerization of 1,3,5-triethynylbenzene and 1,4-diiodobenzene, 2,5-dimethoxy-1,4-diiodobenzene or 2,6-diiodo-4-nitrophenol within the high internal phase emulsion (HIPE). Such poly(arylene ethynylene)-based polyHIPEs allow for fine alignment of the valence and conduction band levels to enhance their photocatalytic activity. The resulting polyHIPEs exhibit substantial semiconducting properties, such as strong light-harvesting capability in the visible-light region, most likely due to their π-extended poly(arylene ethynylene) main backbone with donor–acceptor characters having optical fine-tuned bandgaps over a range of 1.70–2.35 eV. The intriguing properties allow these polyHIPE photocatalysts to efficiently catalyze the degradation of water-dissolved endocrine disrupting compound bisphenol A (BPA) under visible light.

Korean Red Ginseng suppresses bisphenol A-induced expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and cellular migration of A549 human lung cancer cell through inhibition of reactive oxygen species

BackgroundKorean Red Ginseng (KRG) is a natural product with antiinflammatory and anticarcinogenic effects. We have previously reported that the endocrine-disrupting compound bisphenol A (BPA)-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) via nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and promoted the migration of A549. Here, in this study, we assessed the protective effect of KRG on the BPA-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and expression of COX-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in A549 cells. MethodsThe effects of KRG on the upregulation of ROS production and COX-2 and MMP-9 expression by BPA were evaluated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACs) analysis, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and western blotting. Antimigration ability by KRG was evaluated by migration assay in A549 cells. ResultsKRG significantly suppressed the BPA-induced COX-2, the activity of NF-κB, the production of ROS, and the migration of A549 cells. These effects led to the downregulation of the expression of MMP-9. ConclusionsOverall, our results suggest that KRG exerts an antiinflammatory effect on BPA-treated A549 cells via the suppression of ROS and downregulation of NF-κB activation and COX-2 expression which leads to a decrease in cellular migration and MMP-9 expression. These results provide a new possible therapeutic application of KRG to protect BPA-induced possible inflammatory disorders.

Identification of Bisphenol A-Assimilating Microorganisms in Mixed Microbial Communities Using 13C-DNA Stable Isotope Probing

A wide range of trace organic contaminants (TOrCs), including the endocrine-disrupting compound bisphenol A (BPA), are subject to microbial transformations during biological wastewater treatment. However, relatively little is known about the identity of organisms capable of assimilating emerging contaminants. Here, 13C-DNA stable isotope probing (DNA-SIP) was used to investigate biodegradation and assimilation of BPA by mixed microbial communities collected from two full-scale wastewater treatment plant bioreactors in New York City and subsequently enriched under two BPA exposure conditions. The four enrichment modes (two reactors with two initial BPA concentrations) resulted in four distinct communities with different BPA degradation rates. On the basis of DNA-SIP, bacteria related to Sphingobium spp. were dominant in the assimilation of BPA or its metabolites. Variovorax spp. and Pusillimonas spp. also assimilated BPA or its metabolites. Our results highlight that microbial communities originating from wastewater treatment facilities harbor the potential for addressing not only human-derived carbon but also BPA, a complex anthropogenic TOrC. While previous studies focus on microbial biodegradation of BPA, this study uniquely determines the "active" fraction of microorganisms engaged in assimilation of BPA-derived carbon. Ultimately, information on both biodegradation and assimilation can facilitate better design and operation of engineered treatment processes to achieve BPA removal.

Development of a Superparamagnetic Laccase Nanobiocatalyst for the Enzymatic Biotransformation of Xenobiotics

The development of nanotechnology has provided a range of diverse nanoscale carriers that can be potentially applied for enzyme immobilization. Among the different types of support, magnetic nanoparticles (mNPs) have received increasing attention because they can be easily recovered from the reaction medium by applying an external magnetic field. In the present study, silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@SiO2) were prepared, characterized, and used for covalent immobilization of laccase from Trametes versicolor. Different concentrations of the functionalization agent (3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane), cross-linker (glutaraldehyde), and laccase allowed a maximum enzyme loading of 2.68±0.08 U mg−1 mNP. Several factors, including pH, T, presence of inactivating compounds, enzyme stability, and reusability of the support, were evaluated. The oxidative action of the enzyme toward xenobiotics was proven in the formation of the chromogenic radical of 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and the biotransformation of the endocrine-disrupting compound Bisphenol A (BPA). The enhancement of catalytic activity and stability of the nanobiocatalyst was evidenced by the increase of ABTS oxidation. Moreover, the superparamagnetic characteristic of the support allowed simple and fast recovery of the nanobiocatalyst. With the development of nanobiocatalyst-driven applications in mind, the development of magnetic nanoparticle synthesis at large scale as well as the design of bioreactors that assure the retention and recovery of the nanobiocatalyst need to addressed.

Complex organic pollutant mixtures originating from industrial and municipal emissions in surface waters of the megacity Jakarta-an example of a water pollution problem in emerging economies.

During the last decades, the global industrial production partly shifted from industrialized nations to emerging and developing countries. In these upcoming economies, the newly developed industrial centers are generally located in densely populated areas, resulting in the discharge of often only partially treated industrial and municipal wastewaters into the surface waters. There is a huge gap of knowledge about the composition of the complex organic pollutant mixtures occurring in such heavily impacted areas. Therefore, we applied a non-target screening to comprehensively assess river pollution in a large industrial area located in the megacity Jakarta. More than 100 structurally diverse organic contaminants were identified, some of which were reported here for the first time as environmental contaminants. The concentrations of paper manufacturing chemicals in river water-for example, of the endocrine-disrupting compound bisphenol A (50-8000ngL-1)-were as high as in pure untreated paper industry wastewaters. The non-target screening approach is the adequate tool for the identification of water contaminants in the new global centers of industrial manufacturing-as the first crucial step towards the evaluation of as yet unrecognized environmental risks.

Varying Susceptibility of the Female Mammary Gland to In Utero Windows of BPA Exposure.

In utero exposure to the endocrine disrupting compound bisphenol A (BPA) is known to disrupt mammary gland development and increase tumor susceptibility in rodents. It is unclear whether different periods of in utero development might be more susceptible to BPA exposure. We exposed pregnant CD-1 mice to BPA at different times during gestation that correspond to specific milestones of in utero mammary gland development. The mammary glands of early-life and adult female mice, exposed in utero to BPA, were morphologically and molecularly (estrogen receptor-α and Ki67) evaluated for developmental abnormalities. We found that BPA treatment occurring before mammary bud invasion into the mesenchyme [embryonic day (E)12.5] incompletely resulted in the measured phenotypes of mammary gland defects. Exposing mice up to the point at which the epithelium extends into the precursor fat pad (E16.5) resulted in a nearly complete BPA phenotype and exposure during epithelial extension (E15.5 to E18.5) resulted in a partial phenotype. Furthermore, the relative differences in phenotypes between exposure windows highlight the substantial correlations between early-life molecular changes (estrogen receptor-α and Ki67) in the stroma and the epithelial elongation defects in mammary development. These data further implicate BPA action in the stroma as a critical mediator of epithelial phenotypes.

A hybrid material as a sorbent phase for the disposable pipette extraction technique enhances efficiency in the determination of phenolic endocrine-disrupting compounds

In this study, the hybrid material 3-n-propyl(3-methylpyridinium) silsesquioxane chloride (Si3Py+Cl−) was synthesized and investigated as a novel sorbent phase for the disposable pipette extraction (DPX) technique coupled to high-performance liquid chromatography-florescence detection. This sorbent phase was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Aqueous samples containing the phenolic endocrine-disrupting compounds bisphenol A (BPA), 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2), 4-tert-octylphenol (4-t-OP), 4-octylphenol (4-OP) and 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) were subjected to DPX procedures and a series of optimizations was performed to determine the ideal extraction conditions using this approach. The proposed sorbent phase exhibited higher extraction efficiency than DPX-RP (reversed phase tips containing styrene-divinylbenzene), commonly used for the determination of the phenolic endocrine- disrupting-compounds under study. Satisfactory analytical performance was achieved with linear ranges from 2 to 100μgL−1 for 4-t-OP and 1–100μgL−1 for the other analytes. Limits of detection of 0.60μgL−1 for 4-t-OP and 0.30μgL−1 for other analytes, RSDs ranging from 1 to 20% and relative recoveries of 83–116% were obtained. Based on these satisfactory results, this sorbent phase represents a valuable alternative for the extraction of compounds with polar moieties in their structure.

Ionic liquid @LiFe5O8/MWCNTs magnetic nanohybrid as enhanced sensing platform for highly sensitive detection of estrogenic disrupting compound bisphenol AP

Ionized liquids (ILs) @LiFe5O8/multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) magnetic nanohybrid was synthesized as an enhanced electrode material for the ultrasensitive detection of the endocrine-disrupting compound bisphenol AP (BPAP) for the first time. The as-prepared ILs@LiFe5O8/MWCNTs nanohybrid can facilitate electron transport and provide a larger surface area that can effectively increase the quantity of adsorbed BPAP. In the phosphate buffer (PBS) of pH 5.0, the constructed sensor exhibited linear relationships with BPAP concentrations ranging from 1.034 × 10−9 to 2.069 × 10−6 mol L−1 and a detection limit of 8.197 × 10−10 mol L−1(S/N = 3). Meanwhile, it also showed good reproducibility, stability, and antiinterference, indicating that the ILs@LiFe5O8/MWCNTs nanohybrid is a promising sensing platform for the trace-level analysis of BPAP in real samples.

Identification of Putative Genes Involved in Bisphenol A Degradation Using Differential Protein Abundance Analysis of Sphingobium sp. BiD32.

Discharge of the endocrine disrupting compound bisphenol A (BPA) with wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents into surface waters results in deleterious effects on aquatic life. Sphingobium sp. BiD32 was previously isolated from activated sludge based on its ability to degrade BPA. This study investigated BPA metabolism by Sphingobium sp. BiD32 using label-free quantitative proteomics. The genome of Sphingobium sp. BiD32 was sequenced to provide a species-specific platform for optimal protein identification. The bacterial proteomes of Sphingobium sp. BiD32 in the presence and absence of BPA were identified and quantified. A total of 2155 proteins were identified; 1174 of these proteins were quantified, and 184 of these proteins had a statistically significant change in abundance in response to the presence/absence of BPA (p ≤ 0.05). Proteins encoded by genes previously identified to be responsible for protocatechuate degradation were upregulated in the presence of BPA. The analysis of the metabolites from BPA degradation by Sphingobium sp. BiD32 detected a hydroxylated metabolite. A novel p-hydroxybenzoate hydroxylase enzyme detected by proteomics was implicated in the metabolic pathway associated with the detected metabolite. This enzyme is hypothesized to be involved in BPA degradation by Sphingobium sp. BiD32, and may serve as a future genetic marker for BPA degradation.

Abstract 1382: Developmental exposure to BPA increases the prostate cancer susceptibility via reprogramming of androgen-responsive genes via increased H3K4me3 methylation

Abstract Background: Early life exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) during critical developmental periods increases susceptibility to cancer and other diseases in adulthood. Because EDC exposures cause life-long changes in gene expression of target tissues, identification of gene targets for developmental reprogramming holds promise for both understanding the etiology of environmental causes of cancer and development of biomarkers of EDC exposure. Aim: Our goal was to identify targets for developmental reprogramming in the prostate using a rat model for development of hormone-dependent early prostate (PIN) lesions induced by the EDC bisphenol A (BPA). Methods: Rats were exposed neonatally to vehicle or BPA and assessed at 12 months for development of hormone-dependent prostate lesions. Epigenetic status and gene expression were profiled in the at-risk (d70) adult prostate using CHIP- and RNA-seq, with qRT-PCR and ChIP used to confirm changes in gene expression and histone methylation (respectively). Results: As expected, BPA exposure significantly increased PIN lesions and the dysplasia score in 12 mo rats. CHIP-seq in adult rats (day 70) prior to lesion development showed a significant increase in histone H3, lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) levels in prostate cancer-associated KEGG pathway genes of rats exposed to BPA neonatally. Changes reflective of both increased basal, as well as hormone-induced, KEGG pathway gene expression were observed in BPA exposed animals at increased risk for development of PIN lesions. Conclusion: Neonatal BPA exposure reprograms the developing prostate to alter gene expression in adulthood and increase incidence and severity of prostatic dysplasia. Several KEGG-pathway prostate cancer pathway genes were identified as targets for epigenetic reprogramming, providing new tools for future studies to understand gene-environment interactions as determinants of prostate cancer risk. Citation Format: Quan Wang, Rebecca Lee Yean Wong, Donna F. Kusewitt, Maarten C. Bosland, Jing Chen, Mario Medvedovic, Gail S. Prins, Kurunthachalam Kannan, Shuk-Mei Ho, Cheryl Lyn Walker. Developmental exposure to BPA increases the prostate cancer susceptibility via reprogramming of androgen-responsive genes via increased H3K4me3 methylation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 1382. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-1382

Simultaneous determination of endocrine disrupting compounds bisphenol F and bisphenol AF using carboxyl functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes modified electrode

A novel, simple and selective electrochemical method was developed for simultaneous determination of bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol AF (BPAF) in aqueous media (phosphate buffer solution, pH 6.0) on carboxyl functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes modified glassy carbon electrode (MWCNT-COOH/GCE) using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). In DPV, MWCNT-COOH/GCE could separate the oxidation peak potentials of BPF and BPAF present in the same solution though, at the bare GCE, the peak potentials were indistinguishable. The results showed that the electrochemical sensor exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of the two analytes. The peak current in DPV of BPF and BPAF increased linearly with their concentration in the ranges of 0.6–1.6mmol/L BPF and 0.6–1.6mmol/L BPAF. The detection limits were 0.1243mmol/L and 0.1742mmol/L (S/N=3) correspondingly. The modified electrode was successfully used to simultaneously determine BPF and BPAF in real samples.

Adipogenic Effects of a Combination of the Endocrine-Disrupting Compounds Bisphenol A, Diethylhexylphthalate, and Tributyltin

Objective: The food contaminants bisphenol A (BPA), diethylhexylphthalate (DEHP), and tributyltin (TBT) are potent endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDC) known to interfere with adipogenesis. EDC usually act in mixtures and not as single compounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a simultaneous exposure of BPA, DEHP, and TBT on mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into adipocytes. Methods: Multipotent murine mesenchymal stem cells (C3H10T1/2) were exposed to EDC mixtures in high concentrations, i.e. MIX-high (10 µmol/l BPA, 100 µmol/l DEHP, 100 nmol/l TBT), and in environmentally relevant concentrations, i.e. MIX-low (10 nmol/l BPA, 100 nmol/l DEHP, 1 nmol/l TBT). The exposure was performed either for the entire culture time (0-12 days) or at distinct stages of adipogenic differentiation. At day 12 of cell culture, the amount of adipocytes, triglyceride content (TG), and adipogenic marker gene expression were analyzed. Results: MIX-high increased the development of adipocytes and the expression of adipogenic marker genes independently of the exposure window. The total TG amount was not increased. The low-concentrated EDC mixture had no obvious impact on adipogenesis. Conclusion: In EDC mixtures, the adipogenic effect of TBT and DEHP predominates single effects of BPA. Mixture effects of EDC are not deducible from single compound experiments.

High efficiency removal and recovery of an endocrine disrupting compound–bisphenol AF from wastewaters

Recent studies have shown the presence of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) in surface water and sewage samples. A study on rapid removal of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs)-bisphenol AF (BPAF) on multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) is significant for understanding how wastewater containing trace recalcitrant or hazardous BPAF was treated. Besides, the sorption behavior and mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, it was found the adsorption kinetics equilibrium followed the pseudo-second-order model, while the adsorption isotherms fitted better with Langmuir equation, and the adsorption is a spontaneous and exothermic process. The adsorption process was controlled simultaneously by external mass transfer and intraparticle diffusion, but the external mass transfer processes played an important role in sorption of BPAF. Hydrogen bonds was the main driving force for the adsorption, and π–π stacking and hydrophobic interactions were probably extra important mechanisms to the adsorption of BPAF. The MWCNT have higher stability within eight removal–regeneration recycles and up to 95% of recovery could be obtained using ethanol elution. The results of the experiment verified effectiveness for the recovery and removal of BPAF from wastewater samples.

Rapid Method for the Separation and Recovery of Endocrine-Disrupting Compound Bisphenol AP from Wastewater

The removal of bisphenol AP (BPAP) by a multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) was investigated. BPAP, representing typical scenarios for the BPAP-MWCNT interactions, was employed as a probe molecule. It was found that BPAP exhibited great adsorptive affinity to MWCNT, and the adsorption kinetics equilibrium was arrived within 4.0 min following the pseudo-second-order model. The overall rate process was mainly controlled by the external mass transfer. The hydrogen bond, hydrophobic, and π-π stacking interactions were dominant factors for the strong adsorption of BPAP, instead of the pH ionic strength and other ionic species in contaminated water. The MWCNT has higher stability within 8 removal-regeneration recycles, and up to 95% of recovery could be obtained by eluting the adsorbed BPAP on MWCNT adsorbent using ethanol/sodium hydrate solution. The results of the experiment on real samples verified the effectiveness for the recovery and removal of BPAP from wastewater samples.

Urinary levels of triclosan and parabens are associated with aeroallergen and food sensitization

Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) have immune-modulating effects. We were interested in determining their association with allergic sensitization. We sought to determine the association between EDCs and allergic sensitization and whether this relationship depends on the antimicrobial properties of the EDCs, sex, or both. Data were obtained from the 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in which urinary bisphenol A; triclosan; benzophenone-3; propyl, methyl, butyl, and ethyl parabens; and specific IgE levels were available for 860 children. Aeroallergen and food sensitizations were defined as having at least 1 positive (≥ 0.35 kU/L) specific IgE level to an aeroallergen or a food. Logistic regression was used to determine the association of EDCs and sensitization. Analyses were adjusted for urinary creatinine level, age, sex, ethnicity, and poverty index ratio. The odds of aeroallergen sensitization significantly increased with the level of the antimicrobial EDCs triclosan and propyl and butyl parabens (P ≤ .04). The odds of food sensitization significantly increased with the level of urinary triclosan among male subjects (odds ratio for third vs first tertiles, 3.9; P= .02 for trend). There was a significant interaction between sex and triclosan level, with male subjects being more likely to be food sensitized with exposure (P= .03). Similar associations were not identified for the nonantimicrobial EDCs bisphenol A and benzophenone-3 (P > .2). As a group, EDCs are not associated with allergen sensitization. However, levels of the antimicrobial EDCs triclosan and parabens were significantly associated with allergic sensitization. The potential role of antimicrobial EDCs in allergic disease warrants further study because they are commonly used in Western society.