Connecting Bisphenol A Exposure to PCOS: Findings from a Case-Control Investigation

Jalpa Patel; Hiral Chaudhary; Sonal Panchal; Bhavin Parekh; Rushikesh Joshi

doi:10.1007/s43032-024-01548-1

Connecting Bisphenol A Exposure to PCOS: Findings from a Case-Control Investigation

Reprod Sci. 2024 Apr 18. doi: 10.1007/s43032-024-01548-1. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Jalpa Patel¹, Hiral Chaudhary¹, Sonal Panchal², Bhavin Parekh¹, Rushikesh Joshi³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Biochemistry and Forensic Science, University School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, 380009, Gujarat, India.
² Dr. Nagori's Institute for Infertility and IVF, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
³ Department of Biochemistry and Forensic Science, University School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, 380009, Gujarat, India. rushikeshjoshi@gujaratuniversity.ac.in.

PMID: 38637475
DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01548-1

Abstract

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a multifaceted condition influenced by genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. Among environmental factors, Bisphenol A (BPA)-a recognized endocrine disruptor-has been implicated in the development of PCOS. The study aimed to compare BPA levels in women diagnosed with PCOS with those in healthy controls, using the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique. The study involved 80 women diagnosed with PCOS and 50 healthy control participants. Demographic and biochemical parameters were recorded, including age, Body Mass Index (BMI), and levels of testosterone, estradiol, Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Prolactin (PRL), Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S), Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), and Insulin Resistance as measured by the Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA-IR). Furthermore, BPA levels were measured using the HPLC technique. Women with PCOS exhibited significantly higher mean age and BMI compared to healthy controls (p = 0.01, p < 0.0001, respectively). Additionally, higher levels of testosterone (p = 0.04), LH (p = 0.03) and BPA (p < 0.0001) were observed in women with PCOS. However, estradiol, FSH, PRL, LH/FSH ratio, DHEA-S, and TSH levels were not significantly different between the two groups. HOMA-IR levels were not recorded for the control group. A notable positive relationship emerged between Bisphenol A and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels (r = 0.23, p = 0.03), also significant negative correlation appeared between Bisphenol A and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. This study found that women with PCOS have elevated BPA levels compared with healthy controls, showing a need for further research on the relationship between BPA exposure and the development of PCOS.

Keywords: Bisphenol A; Endocrine disruptors; High-performance liquid chromatography; Polycystic ovary syndrome.