Perinatal Exposure Profiles to Bisphenols and Their Associations With Thyroid Hormones Changes
Abderrezak Khelfi1,2, Inas Aouissi1, Iyad Fara1
1University of Algiers 1, Algiers, Algeria.
Birth Defects Research
|June 2, 2026
Summary
Perinatal exposure to bisphenols (BPA, BPS, BPF) is common in Algerian women. These endocrine disruptors are associated with altered thyroid hormone levels (FT4, FT3) in newborns, potentially impacting fetal development.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Endocrinology
- Perinatal Medicine
Background:
- Bisphenols are widespread endocrine disruptors with potential adverse effects on physiological functions.
- Perinatal exposure is a critical concern due to developmental vulnerability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess fetal exposure to common bisphenols (BPA, BPS, BPF).
- To investigate the relationship between cord blood bisphenol concentrations and thyroid hormone levels (TSH, FT4, FT3).
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 154 mother-child pairs' umbilical cord blood.
- Quantification of thyroid hormones (TSH, FT4, FT3) and bisphenols (BPA, BPS, BPF).
- Data collection via structured questionnaire.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of bisphenol detection: BPA (92.8%), BPS (65.5%), BPF (57.8%).
- Significant positive associations found between FT4 levels and all three bisphenols.
- Positive association observed between FT3 levels and BPA concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Demonstrates significant fetal exposure to bisphenols in the studied population.
- Highlights associations between bisphenol exposure and thyroid hormone alterations in the perinatal period.
- Suggests potential implications for fetal development.
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