Cited by 309Effects and risks of endocrine disrupting chemicalsEpigenetics and DNA MethylationEstrogen and related hormone effects

The role of bisphenol A in shaping the brain, epigenome and behavior

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Wolstenholme, Jennifer T., Rissman, Emilie F., Connelly, Jessica J.·2011·Hormones and Behavior

Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a xenoestrogen that was first synthesized in 1891. Its estrogenic properties were discovered in 1930, and shortly after that chemists identified its usefulness in the production of epoxy resins. Since the 1950s BPA has been used as a synthetic monomer in the manufacturing of polycarbonate plastic, polystyrene resins, and dental sealants. Roughly 6.5 billion pounds of BPA are produced each year and it is the major estrogenic compound that leaches into nearby water and food supplies (vom Saal et al., 2007). BPA has been detected in 95% of human urine samples, which indicates that environmental exposure is widespread (Calafat et al., 2005). Moreover, BPA affects reproductive tissues and the brain. Thus many studies have focused on the effects of BPA during embryonic development. The most recent FDA update (Administration January 2010) points to "some concern about the potential effects of Bisphenol A on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland in fetuses, infants, and young children." In light of this concern, we present an updated review of BPA's action on the brain and behavior. We begin with a discussion of BPA's role as both an endocrine active compound and an agent that alters DNA methylation. Next, we review publications that have reported effects of BPA on brain and behavior. We end with our interpretation of these data and suggestions for future research directions.

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  • Dysregulation of DNA methylation during critical developmental windows could disrupt the normal progression of brain and endocrine system development causing robust changes in the developing embryo that can persist into adulthood or even beyond if effects extend to germ cells.

    “Dysregulation of DNA methylation during these critical developmental windows could disrupt the normal progression of brain and endocrine system development causing robust changes in the developing embryo that can persist into adulthood or even beyond if effects extend to germ cells [30].”

    From Gestational Exposure to Low Dose Bisphenol A Alters Social Behavior in Juvenile Mice (2011) · cites this paper as [30]

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  • Linkages between developmental BPA exposure and an anxiogenic phenotype have repeatedly been shown in dozens of studies using a variety of animal models and human populations.

    “Nevertheless, linkages between developmental BPA exposure and an anxiogenic phenotype have repeatedly been shown in dozens of studies using a variety of animal models and human populations (representative examples include (62, 91, 93, 96–100)).”

    From Endocrine Disruption of Vasopressin Systems and Related Behaviors (2017) · cites this paper as [93]

    The “Learning and anxiety” section reviews several rat and mouse studies and concludes that developmental BPA exposure may increase anxiety across different tasks. It does not substantiate the claim of dozens of anxiety studies or findings in human populations; its conclusion is also more cautious than “have repeatedly been shown.” (LLM, conf=0.88)

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Authors
Wolstenholme, J. T., Rissman, E. F., & Connelly, J. J.
Affiliations
University of Virginia (US)
Corresponding author
Connelly, Jessica J.
Venue
Hormones and Behavior
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2011-03
Volume
59
Issue
3
Pages
296-305
ISSN
0018-506X (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2044819518
Cited by
309
References
98
Citations by year
2026: 6 · 2025: 11 · 2024: 14 · 2023: 16 · 2022: 18 · 2021: 12 · 2020: 21 · 2019: 25 · 2018: 36 · 2017: 15 · 2016: 32 · 2015: 24 · 2014: 18 · 2013: 27 · 2012: 22
FWCI
1.94
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Hormones and Behavior (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (acceptedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
  • National Institute of Mental Health (R01MH086711)
  • National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (F32ES019404)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis › Effects and risks of endocrine disrupting chemicals
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Epigenetics and DNA Methylation
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Estrogen and related hormone effects
Keywords
bisphenol A, xenoestrogens, endocrine disruptors, brain development, behavior, DNA methylation, epigenetics, embryonic development, prenatal exposure, polycarbonate plastics, estrogenic activity
MeSH terms
Bisphenol A Compounds, Animals, Behavior, Animal, Benzhydryl Compounds, Brain, Estrogens, Non-Steroidal, Female, Humans, Learning, Maternal Behavior, Phenols, Pregnancy, Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects, Sex Characteristics, Epigenesis, Genetic

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