Endocrine Abstracts

Bispenol A (BPA) is a chemical often integrated in impact-resistant plastics and surface coatings in canned foods as well as screw-on caps and cashier receipts. BPA is either intentionally added or appear as a consequence of recycling in materials with food contact, which leaves consumers at risk of exposure. BPA has known endocrine disrupting effects and is suspected to be a contributing factor in disorders such as overweight, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and behavioral changes in children. Therefore, developing alternatives to BPA is important.

The aim of this study was to characterize the toxicological profile of BPA and five analogs, BPB, BPE, BPF, BPS, and 4-cumyl phenol with focus on general toxicity and endocrine disrupting potential. The investigation was conducted by performing a comprehensive quantitative structure activity relationships (QSAR) modeling with respect to a series of adverse human effects, including acute oral toxicity, local irritation, cardiotoxicity, endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, genotoxicity, and cancer. Their metabolism via three key cytochrome P450 enzymes and the pregnane X receptor was also evaluated.

The toxicological profile of the six bisphenols were supplemented with and compared to data obtained from experimental cell-based assays covering interferences with the androgen, estrogen, PPARγ, and aryl hydrocarbon receptors and interferences with steroidal sex hormone synthesis.

Overall, the qualitative profile was in general similar. However, important quantitative differences in potency and efficacy appeared. Work is in progress to reach the overall conclusions.