Exposure to plastic derived BPA during pregnancy can compromise reproductive function of male offspring, says new study
PTI, Sep 13, 2023, 11:42 AM IST
Representative image (Source: Pexels)
A study conducted by the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) here demonstrated an adverse effect of exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) during pregnancy and male reproductive function in the rat offspring.
BPA is a chemical produced in large quantities for use primarily in the production of polycarbonate plastics.
It is commonly found in plastics, food containers, and consumer products and it has long been associated with disruptions in hormonal systems, NIN said in a release.
The study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, has reported the lasting impact of fetal exposure to BPA on testicular functions relevant to sperm maturation among the adult male rats.
In the study, pregnant rats were divided into two groups – one group was exposed to BPA for 4-21 days during pregnancy, while the second group was not exposed to BPA.
The male babies born to the BPA-exposed rats showed reduced concentration, localisation of expression of some fatty acids thus adversely affecting the system which is required for protecting the membrane fluidity and maturity of the sperm. This disruption can potentially lead to compromised sperm quality in adulthood, it said.
”Our findings suggest a crucial link between early exposure to BPA and the possible long-term health of the male reproductive system,” Sanjay Basak, Scientist in the Molecular Biology Division of ICMR-NIN, who led the study, said.
While many factors can contribute to male infertility, including lifestyle, it is alarming to find that gestational exposure to endocrine disruptor like BPA is emerging as a significant risk for male reproductive health in the offspring, he said.
”This raises significant concern as BPA exposure is widely prevalent in our daily life. However, similar exposure on the clinical interface is required to confirm these risks,” he said.
”Exposure to such endocrine-disrupters is almost inevitable in our everyday life through various routes including dermal, respiratory, oral routes from atmosphere and leaching of plastic food-container surfaces,” said Hemalatha R, Director, ICMR-NIN.
Therefore, on a cautionary note, Basak and his team suggest that the pregnant women and those planning to conceive should avoid exposure to BPA-containing plastic products, and emphasised the importance of opting for plastic-free alternatives whenever possible, the release added.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
Risk of abnormal blood fat levels increased by about 30 pc during pandemic, finds study
Attention problems could be ‘middleman’ between genetic risk for, experiencing psychosis: Study
Meeting WHO’s sodium recommendations could avert deaths from heart, kidney disease: Study
Meeting WHO’s sodium recommendations could avert deaths from heart, kidney disease: Study
Study finds loss of smell linked with inflammation in 140 conditions, could be early sign of disease
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
Bantwal: Theft at Shree Mahalingeshwar temple
Delhi riots case: HC dismisses plea by Khalid Saifi against attempt to murder charge
States not empowered to take over all private properties for distribution to serve common good: SC
Chhattisgarh NAN ‘scam’: FIR against 2 retired IAS officers, former AG
India, Australia strategic partnership growing steadily: EAM Jaishankar
Thanks for visiting Udayavani
You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.