Impact of perinatal bisphenol A and 17 beta estradiol exposure: Comparing hormone receptor response

Author(s)

Rivas Leonel, Ellen Cristina ^[1] ; Pegorin Campos, Silvana Gisele ^[2] ; Alves Guerra, Luiz Henrique ^[1] ; Bedolo, Carolina Marques ^[1] ; Leite Vilamaior, Patricia Simone ^[1] ; Calmon, Marilia Freitas ^[1] ; Rahal, Paula ^[1] ; Amorim, Christiani Andrade ^[3] ; Taboga, Sebastido Roberto ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Sao Paulo State Univ UNESP, Inst Biosci Humanities & Exact Sci, Dept Biol, Rua Cristovao Colombo 2265, BR-15054000 Sao Jose Do Rio Preto, SP - Brazil

^[2] Fed Univ Sao Joao Rei UFSJ, Campus Ctr Oeste Dona Lindu, BR-35501296 Divinopolis, MG - Brazil

^[3] Catholic Univ Louvain, Inst Expt & Clin Res, Lab Gynecol, Ave Mounier 52, Bte B1-52-02, B-1200 Brussels - Belgium

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY; v. 188, JAN 30 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Hormonal regulation controls mammary gland (MG) development. Therefore some hormone-related factors can disrupt the early phases of MGs development, making the gland more susceptible to long term modifications in its response to circulating hormones. Endocrine disruptors, such as bisphenol A (BPA), are able to cause alterations in hormone receptor expression, leading to changes in the cell proliferation index, which may expose the tissue to neoplastic alterations. Thus, we evaluated the variations in hormone receptor expression in the MG of 6-month old Mongolian gerbils exposed to BPA and 17 beta estradiol during the perinatal period. Receptors for estrogen alpha (ER alpha), beta (ER beta), progesterone (PGR), prolactin (PRL-R), and co-localization of connexin 43 (Cx43) and ER alpha in gerbils were analyzed, and serum concentrations of estradiol and progesterone were assessed. No alterations in body, liver, and ovary-uterus complex weights were observed. However, there was an increase in epithelial ER alpha expression in the 17 beta estradiol (E2) group and in PGR in the BPA group. Although immunohistochemistry did not show alterations in ER beta expression, western blotting revealed a decrease in this protein in the BPA group. PRL-R was more present in epithelial cells in the vehicle control (VC), E2, and BPA groups in comparison to the intact control group. Cx43 was more frequent in E2 and BPA groups, suggesting a protective response from the gland against possible malignancy. Serum concentration of estradiol reduced in VC, E2, and BPA groups, confirming that alterations also impacts steroid levels. Consequently, perinatal exposure to BPA and the reference endogenous estrogen, 17 beta estradiol, are able to increase the tendency of endocrine disruption in MG in a long term manner, since repercussions are observed even 6 months after exposure. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/01548-5 - Evaluation of the Bisphenol-A carcinogenic effect in the mammary gland of Mongolian Gerbil (Merionis unguiculatus)
• Grantee: Ellen Cristina Rivas Leonel
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 16/22947-8 - Techniques of female reproductive tissue morphology and viability assessment as tools for enhancing cancer research success
• Grantee: Ellen Cristina Rivas Leonel
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate