Low-dose effects of Bisphenol A on human primary and cancer cells

Bisphenol A (BPA), 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) propane is an organic compound and one of the greatest volume industrial chemicals produced worldwide. Human exposure to BPA, in the range of the called "low-doses", is considered a generalized phenomenon particularly through oral intake. Biomonitoring studies reveal the presence of BPA in the majority of the individuals from developed countries. BPA is a well characterized endocrine disruptor which can endorse very distinct cellular responses through several estrogen receptor signalling pathways frequently associated to cell type specificities. Extensive research in human cell lines from sex hormone responsive tissues have demonstrated the potential harmful effects of BPA exposure including carcinogenesis. However, although BPA is absorbed in the gut and enters blood circulation, its effects on cells from digestive or vascular systems are largely unknown. There is an urgent need to address increasing concerns regarding the potential adverse effects of BPA low-dose exposures and to evaluate potential interactions in the context of human health risk assessment.