Search Results (244)

Mast cells (MCs) belong to the cell network that regulates uterine spiral artery remodeling (uSAR), a critical vascular adaptation supporting placental development and fetal growth. Our previous in vitro study demonstrated that human MCs promote trophoblast invasion, as well as uterine vascular smooth muscle cells (uVSMCs) migration and transition to a synthetic phenotype—essential steps for a successful uSAR. Although MCs are known targets of bisphenol A (BPA), a widespread endocrine-disrupting chemical, its impact on their supportive role in uSAR is unknown. In this study, we used murine cell lines to investigate whether BPA (0.1–100 µM) affects MC-mediated promotion of cellular processes critical for uSAR. Our results showed that BPA exposure hindered MCs’ ability to promote trophoblast invasion and the switch in uVSMCs’ synthetic phenotype and migration. The highest concentrations of BPA altered the expression of genes related to MCs activation and proliferation, and of those involved in trophoblasts invasion. In contrast, low doses induced the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators in MCs without detectable effect on trophoblasts at the transcriptional level. These findings confirmed MCs as key mediators of uSAR, and identified BPA as a disruptor of their function, emphasizing its potential harmful impact on reproductive health. Full article

Bisphenol A (BPA) is classified as an endocrine disruptor that mainly mimics the effects of estrogen and disrupts the synthesis of male androgens. Due to the toxicity of BPA, some new analogs, such as bisphenol BPB, BPC, BPF, PBH, and BPZ, were introduced into the market. The goal of this research was to demonstrate the applicability of kinetic analysis, in particular, Lineweaver-Burk plots, in assessing the impact of bisphenol Z on enzymatic activity. This study aimed to characterize the inhibitory effects of BPZ on 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1) activity in the transformation of 11-dehydrocorticosterone (DHC) to corticosterone (CORT). During the determination of the enzymatic reaction product, chromatographic analysis conditions were optimized using gradient elution and an Acquity UPLC BEH C18 chromatographic column. The retention time of the assayed corticosterone was approximately 2 min. Also described and compared were graphical methods of analysis and data interpretation, such as Lineweaver-Burk, Eadie-Hofstee, and Hanes-Woolf plots. The experiments demonstrated that bisphenol Z is a mixed 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1) inhibitor, responsible for catalyzing the conversion of 11-dehydrocorticosterone (DHC) to corticosterone (CORT). This relationship was confirmed by analyzing Lineweaver-Burk plots, which showed an increase in apparent K_M with a decrease in the constant V_max, suggesting a mixed inhibition mechanism. Molecular docking and detailed analysis of the interaction profiles revealed that BPZ consistently occupies the active site cavities of all examined enzymes (rat and human 11β-HSD1 and Arabidopsis 11β-HSD2), forming a stabilizing network of non-covalent interactions. Our research has significant biological significance considering the role of the 11β-HSD1 enzyme in the conversion of DHC to CORT and the importance of this process and its functions in adipose tissue, the liver, and the brain. Full article

This study examined the effects of 2, 4 and 8% digestate-derived compost (DCP) on the retention/release of the fungicide penconazole (PEN), the herbicide S-metolachlor (S-MET) and the endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA) in two agricultural soils sampled in Valenzano (SOV) and Trani (SOT), in Sothern Italy. DCP alone showed a conspicuous adsorption of the three xenobiotics, followed by their slow and scarce release. Sorption isotherm data of the compounds on unamended and DCP-amended soils were well described by the Freundlich model. Compared to unamended soil, the addition of the highest dose (8%) DCP to SOV increased the distribution coefficient, Kd, values of PEN, S-MET and BPA by 281%, 192% and 176%, respectively, while for SOT, the increases were 972%, 786% and 563%, respectively. Desorption of PEN and S-MET from all treatments was slow and partial (hysteresis), and only slightly reduced or unaffected by the addition of DCP, whereas BPA was almost entirely undesorbed in all treatments. Highly significant correlations between the adsorption coefficients of the three compounds in all soil treatments and the corresponding organic C contents confirm the prominent role of native and anthropogenic OM in the adsorption of contaminants and, consequently, in the control of their transfer into natural waters and/or entry in crop plants. Full article

Background/Objectives: There is a ubiquitous presence of plastics worldwide, and recent data highlight the continuous growth in their production and usage—a trend paralleled by the rise in chronic diseases like diabetes. The multifactorial nature of these diseases suggests that environmental exposure, notably to bisphenol A (BPA), could be a contributing factor. This study investigates the potential correlation between emerging BPA substitutes, bisphenol S and F (BPS and BPF), and diabetes in a cohort of the general adult population. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2014 and 2015–2016 cycles. Basic comparative analyses and Pearson correlation tests were performed, followed by logistic regression models. Advanced statistical approaches, including Weighted Quantile Sum (WQS) regression and quantile g-computation, were subsequently applied to evaluate the combined effects of bisphenol exposures. Results: Findings reveal a positive association between combined bisphenols (BPs) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), with binomial logistic regression demonstrating an odds ratio (OR) of 1.103 (1.002–1.214) between BP levels corrected for creatinine (crucial due to glomerular filtration variations) and diabetes. weighted quantile sum (WQS) and quantile G-computation analyses showed a combined positive effect on diabetes, glucose levels, and HbA1c. Individual effect analysis identifies BPS as a significant monomer warranting attention in future diabetes-related research. Conclusions: Replacing BPA with new molecules like BPS or BPF may pose a greater risk in the context of diabetes. Full article

This study investigates the effects of Bisphenol A (BPA)—a ubiquitous endocrine disruptor—on the swimming behavior of the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis. Across a 0–40 ppm gradient, a biphasic response was observed, with swimming speed peaking at 20 ppm (100.42 ± 12.17 µm/s) and then significantly declining by 43% to 57.58 ± 30.59 µm/s at 40 ppm (Tukey, p < 0.05). Speed–frequency plots revealed co-existing hyper- and hypoactive sub-populations at 10–30 ppm, whereas severe inhibition dominated at 40 ppm. Additionally, temporal analysis confirmed that BPA effects were both concentration- and time-dependent, with the mean speed at 10 ppm declining only slightly over time (slope ≈ −0.8), whereas at 40 ppm, the decrease was an order of magnitude steeper (slope ≈ −16.9). Additionally, BPA exposure also triggered a sharp rise in abrupt turns (582.53 ± 477.55 events) and greater path sinuosity, consistent with neuromuscular disturbance. These findings demonstrate that rotifer locomotion provides an early and sensitive indicator of environmental BPA exposure. Full article

Plastic pollution is one of the leading global problems of modern society. The growing demand for and production of plastic polymers has caused bisphenol A (BPA) and its emergent substitute molecules bisphenol S and F (BPS and BPF) to be present in water, food, and soil worldwide, exposing humans to endocrine disruptors. Exposure to these compounds has been associated with pathologies such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and psychiatric disorders. Interestingly, hypovitaminosis D (or low 25(OH)D) is also associated with this class of diseases. Therefore, the present work, for the first time, explores the relationship patterns between urinary bisphenols (BPs) and low 25(OH)D in a large general cohort (NHANES 13–16). Descriptive statistical analyses, comparative analyses, linear regressions, and binomial and multinomial logistic regressions were performed. Descriptive and comparative analysis, and simple linear regressions, showed different trends between BPs, and binomial logistic regressions showed that only BPS is a risk factor of low 25(OH)D, independently of age, BMI, gender, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, and vitamin supplements consumption; odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 1.10 (1.04–1.17). The different trend patterns observed in urinary bisphenols show that, despite being structurally similar molecules and potential analogs, they may affect the body in different ways. From an integrated perspective, this could represent an even greater potential threat than that posed by BPA alone. Future integrated studies will be required to further explore and clarify this emerging paradigm. Full article

As benthic filter feeders, bivalve mollusks serve as ideal biological indicators. Bisphenol A (BPA) and its substitutes (BPS, BPF, and BPAF) are endocrine disruptors with reproductive toxicity, targeting estrogen receptors (ERs). However, their binding sites and affinity for shellfish ERs remain unclear. This study aims to identify ER binding sites of BPA and its substitutes, compare toxicity via molecular docking, and validate results through exposure experiments. The full-length cDNA of Corbicula fluminea ER was cloned using the RACE technique for the first time, the sequence length is 2138bp. Homologous models of LBD sequences from Danio rerio, C. fluminea, Azumapecten farreri, and Ruditapes philippinarum ERs were constructed via homology modeling and screened for optimal fit. Hydrogen bonds were observed during the docking process, with interaction sites including Glu-66, Arg-177, and other amino acid residues. Exposure experiments (1, 10, and 100 μg/L) showed an enhancement in ER mRNA expression. Based on the docking energies and results of the exposure experiments, it was concluded that the toxicity of BPA and BPS is similar and greater than that of BPF and BPAF. This study provides data for a reproductive risk assessment and aquatic toxicological monitoring of bisphenols. Full article

Maternal health has a profound impact on fetal development, influencing the risk of pediatric endocrine disorders both directly and indirectly through various biological and environmental mechanisms. Throughout pregnancy, several endocrine disorders can arise or be exacerbated due to the physiological changes that occur. An in-depth review of articles with evidence-based research discussing the significant effects of maternal endocrinopathies and endocrine disruptors on fetal development and infant health was conducted in this review paper. The most common endocrine disorder during pregnancy is gestational diabetes mellitus, which has an incidence rate of 2–16%, depending on ethnic origin. Maternal diabetes, apart from macrosomia and hypoglycemia, increases the risk for several pregnancy and neonatal complications such as stillbirth, perinatal mortality, and congenital malformations. Other endocrine issues occurring in pregnancy include alterations in thyroid hormone levels, obesity-related insulin resistance, Cushing syndrome, or polycystic ovarian syndrome, which all may negatively influence the fetus, as well as offspring development. Additionally, environmental exposure to harmful substances during pregnancy can disrupt endocrine function. Bisphenol A is the most common endocrine disruptor, which is particularly detrimental during gestation. Bisphenol A exposure is related to low birth weight, preterm birth, or developmental delays. Also, its exposition could be associated with an increased risk of obesity, metabolic disorders, and certain cancers later in life. Endocrinopathies and exposure to endocrine disruptors during pregnancy represent a challenging problem, being widespread and demanding appropriate management to reduce fetal and newborn complications. Full article

PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles contain different chemicals that can act as endocrine disruptors. Phthalates and bisphenol A can be found in various foods and beverages packaged in PET packaging or aluminum cans. For some phthalates, the European Union has established specified tolerable daily intakes for humans. This study aimed to establish the changes, types of phthalates (dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, diisobutyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, di-n-octyl phthalate), and bisphenol A concentrations in beer packaged in PET bottles and stored at two temperatures (4 °C and 20 °C) for four months. Beers were obtained from a local brewery after packaging into PET bottles and stored at the designated temperatures. GC-MS analysis was performed to determine phthalates and bisphenol A. Obtained data show that beers packaged in PET bottles can contain significant amounts of bisphenol A, and that their concentration increases with storage time. Phthalates were also identified in the samples, with the highest concentration of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate found in the sample kept at 20 °C after 1 month of storage, sample P5; this concentration was 164.814 µg/L. BPA was recorded with the highest concentration in sample P11, which underwent 4 months of storage at a temperature of 20 °C. Full article

Bisphenols (BPs), particularly bisphenol A (BPA) and its structural analogues, are synthetic compounds widely used in plastics and industrial materials. These substances are also recognised as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) due to their ability to interfere with hormonal systems, which has significant implications for aquatic organisms. This review summarises the occurrence, environmental distribution, and toxicity of BPs in fish, with a focus on estrogenic, androgenic, thyroid, and glucocorticoid disruptions. Studies consistently show that exposure to BPs leads to altered gene expression, developmental abnormalities, impaired reproduction, and disrupted hormonal signalling in various fish species. Although BPA alternatives like bisphenol S, bisphenol F, or bisphenol AF were introduced as safer options, emerging evidence suggests they may pose equal or greater risks. Regulatory measures are evolving, particularly within the European Union, but legislation remains limited for many bisphenol analogues. This review emphasises the need for comprehensive environmental monitoring, stricter regulatory frameworks, and the development of genuinely safer alternatives to minimise the ecological and health impacts of BPs in aquatic systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Endocrine disruptors (EDs) are xenobiotic chemicals that disrupt hormone signaling and homeostasis within the human body. Accumulative evidence proposes that EDs could affect systemic hormone balance and local microbial communities, including the female genital tract (FGT) microbiome. The FGT microbiome, and especially the vaginal microbiota, contributes significantly to reproductive health maintenance, defense against infection, and favorable pregnancy outcomes. Disruption of the delicate microbial environment is associated with conditions like bacterial vaginosis, infertility, and preterm birth. Methods: The present narrative review summarizes the existing literature on EDs’ potential for changing the FGT microbiome. We discuss EDs like bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and parabens and their potential for disrupting the FGT microbiome through ED-induced hormone perturbations, immune modulation, and epithelial barrier breach, which could lead to microbial dysbiosis. Results: Preliminary evidence suggests that ED exposure–microbial composition changes relationships; however, robust human evidence for EDs’ changes on the FGT microbiome remains scarce. Conclusions: Our review addresses major research gaps and suggests future directions for investigation, such as the necessity for longitudinal and mechanistic studies that combine microbiome, exposome, and endocrine parameters. The relationship between EDs and the FGT microbiome could be critical for enhancing women’s reproductive health and for steering regulatory policies on exposure to environmental chemicals. Full article

The global increase in early-onset cancers among adolescents and young adults has happened at the same time as the rise in the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). Far beyond their poor nutritional quality, UPFs are increasingly seen as Trojan horses, complex biological agents that interfere with many functions of the human organism. In this review, we utilise the Trojan horse model to explain the quiet and building health risks from UPFs as foods that seem harmless, convenient, and affordable while secretly delivering endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), causing chronic low-grade inflammation, altering the microbiome, and producing epigenetic alterations. We bring together new proof showing that UPFs mess up hormonal signals, harm the body’s ability to fight off harmful germs, lead to an imbalance of microbes, and cause detrimental changes linked to cancer. Important components, such as bisphenols and phthalates, can migrate from containers into food, while additional ingredients and effects from cooking disrupt the normal balance of cells. These exposures are especially harmful during vulnerable developmental periods and may lay the groundwork for disease many years later. The Trojan horse model illustrates the hidden nature of UPF-related damage, not through a sudden toxin but via chronic dysregulation of metabolic, hormonal, and genetic control. This model changes focus from usual diet worries to a bigger-picture view of UPFs as causes of life-disrupting damage. Ultimately, this review aims to identify gaps in current knowledge and epidemiological approaches and highlight the need for multi-omics, long-term studies and personalised nutrition plans to assess and reduce the cancer risk associated with UPFs. Recognising UPFs as a silent disruptor is crucial in shaping public health policies and cancer prevention programs targeting younger people. Full article

The immobilization of a laccase from Pycnoporus sanguineus UEM-20 via the formation of cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs) was optimized through a central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM). Both free and immobilized enzymes were investigated for their physico-chemical characteristics, and their adequacy in removing bisphenol A (BPA) and decolorizing malachite green dye in solution was evaluated. The immobilization caused only minor differences in thermostability. Upon immobilization, the enzyme experienced some changes in its kinetic properties. The V_max decreased by a factor of 1.1, and the K_M increased by a factor of 1.89. These kinetic changes did not modify in any remarkable way the capacity of the immobilized enzyme in degrading BPA and decolorizing malachite green dye. Its sensitivity to NaCl was also minimally affected by immobilization. However, its sensitivity to sodium sulfate was substantially decreased. After 1 month’s conservation, the activity of the free form had suffered a drastic drop. The immobilized form, by contrast, remained 100% active after 6 months. All these findings predict that the immobilized laccase from P. sanguineus UEM-20 may be useful in the enzymatic bioremediation of pollutants such as endocrine disruptors and synthetic dyes. Full article

Endocrine disruptors (EDCs) in food pose a significant threat to health. This study developed a method for detecting seven EDCs (triclosan (TCS), triclocarban (TCC), methyltriclosan (MTCS), methylparaben (MeP), propylparaben (PrP), bisphenol F (BPF), and 4-hydroxybenzophenone-3-ethylcarboxylate (4HBP)) in honey. The method combines ultrasonic-assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction with high-performance liquid chromatography. It achieved a recovery rate of 89.70–102.2%, with an RSD value of 1.1–3.9%. Additionally, this study tested 47 honey samples from seven countries, revealing detection rates of TCS at 29.79%, TCC at 19.15%, BPF at 97.87%, 4HBP at 36.17%, MeP at 82.98%, and PrP at 80.85%. Among the 12 nectar sources, citrus flower nectar had the highest TCS detection rate, mother grass nectar had the highest TCC detection rate, and multi-flower nectar had the highest 4HBP detection rate. Moreover, imported honey samples showed higher levels of TCS, BPF, and MeP contamination compared to domestic samples. Honey stored in PET bottles contained the highest levels of EDCs. Finally, health risk assessments indicated that, while the risk for adults is lower, monitoring EDC contamination in food should be strengthened to ensure consumer safety. Full article

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widespread environmental endocrine disruptor with significant neurodevelopmental and behavioral risks. The present study explored the role of the circadian clock protein NR1D1 in mediating BPA-induced anxiety-like behavior and brain inflammation early in life. Zebrafish embryos exposed to BPA exhibited anxiety-like behavior characterized by altered motor activity patterns. Notably, BPA exposure suppressed the expression of the circadian clock gene nr1d1, accompanied by increased transcriptional and protein levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. These changes created a pro-inflammatory microenvironment that disrupted dopamine system homeostasis, contributing to the observed behavioral abnormalities. Activation of NR1D1 using GSK effectively reversed BPA-induced inflammatory responses and restored normal dopamine levels and behavioral phenotypes. These findings highlight NR1D1 as a critical regulator linking circadian rhythm disruption, neuroinflammation, and dopaminergic dysfunction to anxiety-like behavior. This study provides novel insights into the mechanisms underlying BPA-induced neurotoxicity and identifies NR1D1 as a potential therapeutic target for mitigating the adverse effects of early-life BPA exposure. Full article