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Prenatal and postnatal exposure to Bisphenol A and Asthma: a systemic review and meta-analysis
Mindan Wu1,2, Shuyi Wang3, Qingyu Weng1
1Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
Insights
Exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA), a common plasticizer, is linked to increased risks of childhood asthma and wheeze. Both prenatal and postnatal BPA exposure can elevate asthma risk, with early gestational exposure also increasing wheeze risk.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely used plasticizer in consumer products.
- The link between BPA exposure and childhood respiratory issues like asthma and wheeze requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze existing studies on BPA exposure and childhood asthma/wheeze.
- To clarify the association between prenatal and postnatal BPA exposure and respiratory outcomes in children.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase) up to September 2020.
- Meta-analysis was employed to calculate pooled adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for BPA exposure and respiratory outcomes.
- Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS).
Main Results:
- Nine studies involving 3,885 participants were included.
- Postnatal BPA exposure significantly increased the risk of childhood asthma (aOR=1.43) and wheeze (aOR=1.38).
- Prenatal BPA exposure showed a significant increased risk for childhood asthma (aOR=1.17) and wheeze at 16 weeks gestation (aOR=1.29), but not at later gestational stages.
Conclusions:
- Both prenatal and postnatal BPA exposure are associated with an increased risk of childhood asthma.
- Postnatal and early-stage prenatal BPA exposure (16 weeks gestation) are linked to childhood wheeze risk, while later exposure is not.
- Findings highlight the potential impact of BPA on child respiratory health.
Background:
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a plasticizer with high production and ubiquitous usage in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. The association between prenatal or postnatal exposure to BPA and childhood wheeze/asthma has not been well established. Our study aimed to provide further justification for the current studies.
Methods:
Studies were searched from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Embase from inception until Sep 15, 2020. Meta-analysis was performed to calculate pooled adjusted odds ratios (aOR). The methodological quality of included studies was assessed by using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS).
Results:
Of 2,814 screened articles, 9 studies with 3,885 participants were included in the final analysis. When all studies were pooled, postnatal exposure to BPA was associated with a higher risk of childhood asthma (aOR =1.43; 95% CI: 1.28-1.59) or childhood wheeze (aOR =1.38; 95% CI: 1.18-1.62). Prenatal exposure to BPA had a small but significant increased risk of childhood asthma (aOR =1.17; 95% CI: 1.01-1.34). An increased risk of childhood wheeze was related to prenatal exposure to BPA at 16 weeks' gestation (aOR =1.29; 95% CI: 1.07-1.55), but not at 26 weeks' gestation (aOR =1.07; 95% CI: 0.88-1.29) nor at random-time gestation (aOR =1.02; 95% CI: 0.89-1.16).
Conclusions:
Prenatal and postnatal exposure to BPA was related to an increased risk of childhood asthma. However, only postnatal and early gestational exposure (at 16 weeks) to BPA could induce the risk of childhood wheeze, but not late gestational exposure (at 26 weeks).
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