Effect of Bisphenol A as an Environmental Obesogen on Antioxidant Activity

Background: The synthetic chemical bisphenol A (BPA) is a common endocrine –disruptor. Its widespread use has resulted in extensive worldwide exposure. It has been linked to obesity and many other health effects. Objectives: The aim of the work is to study the impact of BPA exposure on oxidative stress and antioxidant status in a group of females. The study was conducted on 33 obese female matched in their age with another 26 overweight females and 31 referent females employed in administrative tasks. Results revealed that the obese females had higher mean values of BPA levels (1.83±1.1 ng/ml) when compared to their matched referent (1.4±0.4 ng/ml) and overweight females (1.5± 0.48 ng/ml). The difference between the mean values of BPA in the studied groups was statistically insignificant (p-value>0.05). However, significant direct correlation was observed between the body mass index of studied groups and their serum levels of the environmental pollutant BPA (r=0.2& p-value=0.038). The body mass index of the studied groups showed a statistically significant direct correlation with the oxidative stress indicator Malondialdehyde. Moreover, according to the regression model, it could be predicted that each 1ng/ml increase in serum BPA level will lead to an increase in the serum level of Malondialdhyde by 0.25nmol/ml. The tested antioxidant enzymes activities were markedly lower in overweight and obese groups relative to the referent one. Conclusion: That rise in oxidative stress marker and decrease in antioxidant enzymes activities threaten human health and increase risk of different diseases.