The impact of bisphenol A and its analogs on female reproductive health

Abstract

The number of pollutants stemming from anthropogenic chemicals is increasing every year. Some of them act similarly to hormones and are referred to as endocrine-disrupting chemicals or endocrine disruptors. In this group, bisphenol A (BPA) is well characterized as a xenoestrogen and is known to affect human health. BPA is crucial to the production of plastic, a material that has revolutionized and facilitated daily life. Nevertheless, the use of BPA is currently being limited, and consequently, new BPA analogs are under development. However, both BPA and its analogs can be released into the environment during their manufacturing process and daily usage. In conjunction with the escalating demand for plastics and the prolonged persistence of plastic waste, it poses a substantial threat to human health. In this article, we concentrate on the influence of BPA and its most common analogs (bisphenol S, bisphenol F, bisphenol AF, bisphenol Z, bisphenol P, bisphenol AP, bisphenol B) on female reproductive health. We reviewed the existing epidemiological data (or in the absence of it, data obtained from animal and in vitro models) on their impact on hormone levels, oocyte yield, oocyte and embryo quality, implantation and pregnancy success, polycystic ovary syndrome, and endometriosis. We also discuss metabolism of bisphenols, their mechanism of action and impact on cellular physiology, as well as current regulations on their use. Our comprehensive review reveals that, despite existing discrepancies, a substantial body of evidence suggests that bisphenols influence female reproductive health. This underscores the urgent need for future regulatory measures to limit and regulate the use of bisphenols.