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Review
. 2022 Jul 13;12(3):181-213.
doi: 10.3390/jox12030015.

Endocrine-Disrupting Effects of Bisphenol A on the Cardiovascular System: A Review

Maria Inês Fonseca  1   2 , Margarida Lorigo  1   2 , Elisa Cairrao  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Endocrine-Disrupting Effects of Bisphenol A on the Cardiovascular System: A Review

Maria Inês Fonseca et al. J Xenobiot. .

Abstract

Currently, the plastic monomer and plasticizer bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most widely used chemicals. BPA is present in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, commonly used in food storage and industrial or medical products. However, the use of this synthetic compound is a growing concern, as BPA is an endocrine-disrupting compound and can bind mainly to estrogen receptors, interfering with different functions at the cardiovascular level. Several studies have investigated the disruptive effects of BPA; however, its cardiotoxicity remains unclear. Therefore, this review's purpose is to address the most recent studies on the implications of BPA on the cardiovascular system. Our findings suggest that BPA impairs cardiac excitability through intracellular mechanisms, involving the inhibition of the main ion channels, changes in Ca2+ handling, the induction of oxidative stress, and epigenetic modifications. Our data support that BPA exposure increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) including atherosclerosis and its risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes. Furthermore, BPA exposure is also particularly harmful in pregnancy, promoting the development of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. In summary, BPA exposure compromises human health, promoting the development and progression of CVDs and risk factors. Further studies are needed to clarify the human health effects of BPA-induced cardiotoxicity.

Keywords: BPA; cardiotoxicity; endocrine disruptor; human health; plasticizer.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
BPA chemical structure, drawn in ChemDraw®®.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Summary representation of the endocrine-disrupting effects of bisphenol A on the cardiovascular system.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Summary representation of Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure pathways and main mechanisms involved in BPA-induced cardiotoxicity.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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