Bisphenol-A: epigenetic reprogramming and effects on reproduction and behavior

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2014 Jul 22;11(7):7537-61. doi: 10.3390/ijerph110707537.

Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic compound used in the production of many polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It is one of the most widely produced chemicals in the world today and is found in most canned goods, plastics, and even household dust. Exposure to BPA is almost universal: most people have measurable amounts of BPA in both urine and serum. BPA is similar in structure to estradiol and can bind to multiple targets both inside and outside the nucleus, in effect acting as an endocrine disruptor. Research on BPA exposure has accelerated in the past decade with findings suggesting that perinatal exposure to BPA can negatively impact both male and female reproduction, create alterations in behavior, and act as a carcinogen. BPA can have both short term and long term effects with the latter typically occurring through epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation. This review will draw on both human and animal studies in an attempt to synthesize the literature and examine the effects of BPA exposure on reproduction, behavior, and carcinogenesis with a focus on the potential epigenetic mechanisms by which it acts.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Behavior / drug effects
  • Benzhydryl Compounds / pharmacokinetics
  • Benzhydryl Compounds / toxicity*
  • Endocrine Disruptors / pharmacokinetics
  • Endocrine Disruptors / toxicity*
  • Environmental Exposure / adverse effects
  • Environmental Pollutants / pharmacokinetics
  • Environmental Pollutants / toxicity*
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / chemically induced
  • Phenols / pharmacokinetics
  • Phenols / toxicity*
  • Reproduction / drug effects

Substances

  • Benzhydryl Compounds
  • Endocrine Disruptors
  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Phenols
  • bisphenol A