Late histopathological impacts on the female prostate of gerbils exposed to BPA during pregnancy and lactation

Abstract

The female prostate is regulated by steroid hormones, mainly androgens and estrogens. Exposure to exogenous chemical compounds leads to effects via endocrine pathways that alter prostate morphophysiology. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widespread endocrine disruptor, which influences estrogenic pathways, facilitating pre-neoplastic and neoplastic alterations in hormone-sensitive organs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of BPA on the prostate of aged female gerbils exposed to the compound during their gestational and lactational periods. The females were exposed to 50 μg/kg/daily during gestation and lactation, and the analysis was performed in the aged period (18-mo age). Our results showed that BPA increased epithelial alterations, observed by hyperplastic foci and a reduction in atrophies, commonly observed in aged female prostate. These data were supported by phopho-histone H3 immunostaining, that indicated proliferation of the epithelial and stromal compartments, leading to glandular hypertrophy. In addition, a pro-proliferative imbalance was observed through the differential expression of key proteins associated with cell death and proliferation, as well as in the expression of stromal components. Thus, the increase in cell proliferation implies the onset of epithelial alterations, as evidenced by the increased number of hyperplastic foci. The alterations reported after exposure to BPA demonstrated the increased likelihood of proliferative epithelial alterations, with tissue remodeling associated mainly with prostatic stroma.