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Open Access 01-12-2014 | Review

Bisphenol a and the female reproductive tract: an overview of recent laboratory evidence and epidemiological studies

Authors: Donatella Caserta, Noemi Di Segni, Maddalena Mallozzi, Valentina Giovanale, Alberto Mantovani, Roberto Marci, Massimo Moscarini

Published in: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology | Issue 1/2014

Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a high production volume monomer used for making a wide variety of polycarbonate plastics and resins. A large body of evidence links BPA to endocrine disruption in laboratory animals, and a growing number of epidemiological studies support a link with health disorders in humans. The aim of this review is to summarize the recent experimental studies describing the effects and mechanisms of BPA on the female genital tract and to compare them to the current knowledge regarding the impact of BPA impact on female reproductive health. In particular, BPA has been correlated with alterations in hypothalamic-pituitary hormonal production, reduced oocyte quality due to perinatal and adulthood exposure, defective uterine receptivity and the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome. Researchers have reported conflicting results regarding the effect of BPA on premature puberty and endometriosis development. Experimental studies suggest that BPA’s mechanism of action is related to life stage and that its effect on the female reproductive system may involve agonism with estrogen nuclear receptors as well as other mechanisms (steroid biosynthesis inhibition). Notwithstanding uncertainties and knowledge gaps, the available evidence should be seen as a sufficient grounds to take precautionary actions against excess exposure to BPA.

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Title: Bisphenol a and the female reproductive tract: an overview of recent laboratory evidence and epidemiological studies
Authors: Donatella Caserta
Noemi Di Segni
Maddalena Mallozzi
Valentina Giovanale
Alberto Mantovani
Roberto Marci
Massimo Moscarini
Publication date: 01-12-2014
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1477-7827
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7827-12-37

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Bisphenol a and the female reproductive tract: an overview of recent laboratory evidence and epidemiological studies

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