Occupational Exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) and Its Relationship with Serum Testosterone, Adiponectin, Estradiol and Insulin Resistance

Abstract

Background: Studies on occupational exposures to Bisphenol A (BPA) and its health effects are insufficient, because most stud­ies on the health hazards of BPA have been on the general public. Methods: This study aimed to determine the relationship between workplace exposure to BPA, sex hormones and some metabolic parameters. Fasting blood samples were obtained from 46 occupationally exposed and 23 non-occupationally exposed adults. The levels of serum BPA, estrogen, testosterone, adiponectin, cortisol and insulin were analysed using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), plasma glucose, total protein and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were also determined. Results: The results revealed that only 78% (n=36) of the occupationally exposed and 65% (n=15) of the non-occupationally exposed individuals had detectable serum BPA level. The results also showed that the occupationally exposed individuals had a statistically non-significant (P=0.2), greater serum BPA level (3.30±1.46ng/ml) than the non-occupationally exposed subjects (0.05±0.01ng/ml). However compared with the non–occupationally exposed group, the subjects who are occupationally exposed to BPA had a significantly higher level of serum testosterone (P=0.0003) and adiponectin (P=0.03). There were no significant differences in the serum level of estradiol (P=0.07), cortisol (P=0.28), insulin (P=0.85), plasma glucose (P=0.26), total protein (P=0.97) and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (P=0.46) between the two groups.  Conclusion: In conclusion this study revealed that occupational exposure to BPA results in higher serum BPA level, testosterone and adiponectin in Humans.