The apoptotic effects of bisphenol A exposure on the rat ovary: an experimental study

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a key endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) in the manufacturing industry. It is found in the structure of compounds such as polycarbonate and epoxy in combination with other chemicals. Our objective was to investigate the effect of BPA on rat ovaries. A total of 32 female rats were divided into four equal groups: In group 1 (control), vehicle was administered; in group 2, BPA 50 μg/day was administered intraperitoneally; in group 3, BPA 100 mg/kg/day was administered intraperitoneally; and in group 4, BPA 100 mg/kg/day and vitamin C (50 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally, while vitamin E (50 mg/kg) was administered intramuscularly. Thirty days after the treatment, the effects of BPA on the ovaries were evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase [TdT]-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. There was no difference in the number of apoptotic cells between group 2 and group 4. In addition, there was no significant difference between control group and group 2, 4. However, the number of apoptotic cells per unit area was significantly increased in group 3 compared with all groups (p < 0.01, p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study showed that high doses of BPA (100 mg/kg/day) have a toxic effect on the ovaries. The fact that the number of apoptotic cells in the group administered with high dose of BPA + 50 mg/kg/day vitamin C + 50 mg/kg/day vitamin E was lower than that of the high-dose BPA-administered group shows that these vitamins may have a protective effect.