Maternal BPAF exposure impaired synaptic development and caused behavior abnormality in offspring

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Neuroscience
• Immunology

Background:

• Bisphenol A (BPA) restrictions have increased the use of bisphenol AF (BPAF) as a substitute.
• Limited data exists on BPAF's neurotoxicity, particularly concerning maternal exposure and offspring development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the long-term neurobehavioral effects of maternal BPAF exposure on offspring.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of BPAF-induced neurotoxicity.

Main Methods:

• Established a maternal BPAF exposure model in rodents.
• Assessed offspring neurobehavior using various tests.
• Analyzed immune cell subsets (CD4+ T cells).
• Performed bulk RNA-sequencing and single-nucleus RNA-sequencing on offspring brains.
• Examined synaptic ultra-structure.

Main Results:

• Maternal BPAF exposure led to offspring immune disorders with abnormal CD4+ T cell subsets.
• Offspring displayed anxiety- and depression-like behaviors, impaired learning, and reduced sociability.
• RNA-sequencing revealed enrichment of synaptic and neurodevelopment pathways.
• Synaptic ultra-structure damage was observed in offspring.

Conclusions:

• Maternal BPAF exposure induces behavioral abnormalities and neurodevelopmental defects in adult offspring.
• These effects may be linked to maternal immune dysfunction.
• BPAF safety warrants urgent attention due to increasing exposure, especially during development.