In modern societies, living organisms are exposed daily to multiform pollution from industrial chemical products. Some of these substances have been shown to affect the endocrine system, and have been termed endocrine disruptors (EDs). Bisphenol A (BPA), which can leach from plastics, and parabens, used in cosmetic products, are among the most well-studied. Prenatal development is a vulnerable phase of human life, and disruptions during this period may have lifelong consequences. Since EDs are known to cross the placental barrier and BPA may accumulate in the fetus, "BPA-free" products have been introduced to the market. However, such products often contain alternative bisphenols (e.g. BPS, BPF) that have not yet been extensively examined or regulated. Moreover, alternative bisphenols often occur together with BPA. The human organism is thus exposed to a mixture of EDs, some of which can have additive or synergic effects. Recent findings have also shown that paraben exposure can alter bisphenol pharmacokinetics. Taking into account the widespread occurrence of various EDs and the potential multiplicity of their effects, doses of EDs currently considered safe may not actually be as safe as they appear, especially during pregnancy.

Department of Steroids and Proteofactors Institute of Endocrinology Prague Czech Republic

References provided by Crossref.org

Toxicity of bisphenol A and its replacements in the mice Leydig cells in vitro

Bisphenol A Release from Dental Composites and Resin-Modified Glass Ionomers under Two Polymerization Conditions

In vitro assessment of the impact of nickel on the viability and steroidogenesis in the human adrenocortical carcinoma (NCI-H295R) cell line

Dental composites - a low-dose source of bisphenol A?

Endocrine disruptors and gut microbiome interactions