Bisphenols impact hormone levels in animals: A meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Endocrinology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Bisphenols are widely used in plastics and are known endocrine-disrupting compounds.
• Bisphenol A (BPA) affects multiple hormone systems; alternatives like bisphenols S, F, and AF were introduced due to toxicity concerns.
• The endocrine-disrupting effects of various bisphenols, especially in non-human animals, require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize current knowledge on the effects of different bisphenols on hormone levels in non-human animals.
• To identify knowledge gaps in bisphenol research concerning various hormone classes and taxa.

Main Methods:

• A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the impact of bisphenol exposure on circulating hormone levels.
• Data from studies on non-human animals were systematically reviewed.

Main Results:

• Exposure to any bisphenol type significantly impacts diverse hormones, including thyroid, corticosterone, FSH, LH, and estradiol.
• Bisphenol alternatives demonstrated effects on hormone levels comparable to or greater than BPA.
• Life-stage influenced hormone disruption in laboratory rats; data coverage was limited for many hormones and taxa, with over 80% of data from rats and zebrafish.

Conclusions:

• All bisphenols alter circulating hormone levels across a wide range of hormones.
• Incomplete data on taxonomic and hormonal coverage hinders a full assessment of ecological impacts.
• Bisphenols are likely detrimental to numerous taxa and ecosystems, necessitating further research.