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Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants
Published on: March 6, 2018
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Milk lipid composition is modified by perinatal exposure to bisphenol A
Gabriela A Altamirano1, Mónica Muñoz-de-Toro1, Enrique H Luque1
1Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL, CONICET-UNL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina.
Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
|May 16, 2015
Summary
Perinatal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) alters mammary gland development and milk composition in rats. This affects offspring growth, highlighting BPA
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Toxicology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical with widespread human exposure.
- Perinatal exposure to environmental chemicals can have long-lasting effects on development and health.
- Mammary gland development and milk production are critical for offspring nutrition and growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of perinatal bisphenol A (BPA) exposure on mammary gland fatty acid (FA) synthesis and composition.
- To assess the impact of BPA on milk quality and offspring growth in a rat model.
Main Methods:
- Pregnant rats were orally exposed to BPA (0, 0.6, or 52 µg/kg/day) from gestation day 9 until weaning.
- Mammary glands and milk samples were collected from F1 females and their offspring at various time points (GD21, LD2, LD10).
- Fatty acid profiles, lipid composition, and mammary gland histo-architecture were analyzed.
Main Results:
- BPA exposure delayed mammary alveolar maturation and altered milk fat globule synthesis during lactation.
- While mammary gland structure normalized by lactation day 10, milk FA profiles and lipid concentrations differed significantly in BPA-exposed dams.
- Offspring of dams exposed to 52 µg/kg/day BPA exhibited increased body weight gain.
Conclusions:
- Perinatal exposure to bisphenol A significantly modifies mammary gland development and milk composition.
- Altered milk quality due to BPA exposure can compromise the normal growth and development of offspring.
- These findings underscore the potential health risks associated with BPA exposure during critical developmental windows.
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