Bisphenol A exposure modulates ovarian cancer gene expression and oxidative stress markers: a case-control study

In this case-control study conducted at Cairo's National Cancer Institute, the association between bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC), and ovarian cancer was investigated. BPA levels in the urine, oxidative stress markers (reactive oxygen species (ROS) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity), and Keratin 4 (KRT4) gene expression were analyzed in 30 patients and 30 controls. Significant risk factors for BPA exposure included consuming microwave meals, consuming canned beverages, using polyvinyl chloride (PVC) food storage, eating fast food, handling thermal paper, exposure to dust, and recurrent hospitalizations. Compared with normal controls, ovarian cancer patients presented increased BPA levels, ROS, and KRT4 expression, along with reduced SOD activity (p < 0.001). A strong positive correlation was found between BPA and KRT4, indicating that KRT4 may be a potential biomarker. The cutoff values for urinary BPA and KRT4 achieved 100 % sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing patients from controls. These findings suggest that BPA plays a role in ovarian cancer pathogenesis, likely through oxidative stress and gene dysregulation. This study emphasizes the importance of minimizing BPA exposure (e.g., by reducing the use of canned or packaged foods) and calls for larger studies to further investigate the role of EDCs in hormone-dependent cancers.