Bisphenol A as a local immune disruptor in the male reproductive tract

Male infertility has become a worldwide concern. Millions of couples today struggle with reproductive problems that result in infertility. While in many cases the underlying cause is unknown, in some cases the problem is with the man. The gradual increase in male fertility problems in recent decades suggests that factors beyond genetics or lifestyle may be involved. In recent years, exposure to environmental pollutants, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals, has attracted the attention of many researchers. One such substance is bisphenol A, which has been the subject of a flood of research due to its widespread use in everyday materials such as plastics, food containers, and thermal paper. This substance is capable of affecting the endocrine system by interfering with hormonal systems. Although bisphenol A has been discussed as a disruptor until now, emerging evidence suggests that its impact is much greater. The testes have a unique immune setting, known as the testicular immune microenvironment (TIM), which maintains a balance between immune tolerance and the protection of germ cells. Studies suggest that BPA can disturb this balance by altering macrophage behavior, changing cytokine patterns, activating mast cells, and affecting T cell function. These immune changes can weaken testicular immune privilege and disturb sperm development. This review looks at BPA as a local immune disruptor in the male reproductive tract, linking hormonal effects with immune imbalance. Understanding BPA from this angle may help explain unexplored aspects of male infertility and guide future prevention effort.