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Review
. 2023 Jan 4;13(1):138.
doi: 10.3390/life13010138.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Endocrine Disruptors (Bisphenols, Parabens, and Triclosan)-A Systematic Review

Tinkara Srnovršnik  1   2 , Irma Virant-Klun  3 , Bojana Pinter  2   4
Affiliations
Review

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Endocrine Disruptors (Bisphenols, Parabens, and Triclosan)-A Systematic Review

Tinkara Srnovršnik et al. Life (Basel). .

Abstract

Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can result in alterations of the female reproductive system, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim of this review was to summarize the knowledge about the association of EDCs (bisphenols, parabens, and triclosan) with PCOS. We conducted an electronic literature search using PubMed for studies published between January 2007 and October 2022 on EDCs related to PCOS, and evaluated the association of PCOS with bisphenols, parabens and triclosan in 15 articles. Most studies revealed significantly higher plasma, urinary or follicular fluid levels of bisphenol A (BPA) in women with PCOS, and some showed a positive correlation of BPA with insulin resistance, polycystic morphology on ultrasound, hepatic steatosis, bilirubin levels, as well as free androgen index, androstenedione and testosterone serum levels, and markers of low-grade chronic inflammation. There was a negative correlation of BPA with markers of ovarian reserve, sex hormone binding globulin and vitamin D-binding protein. Parabens and triclosan have been studied in only one study each, with no significant associations with PCOS observed. Our review revealed an association of BPA with PCOS and negative effects of BPA on human ovaries; more research is needed to assess the potential associations of parabens and triclosan with PCOS.

Keywords: BPA; PCOS; androgens; endocrine disrupting chemicals; ovarian reserve; oxidative stress.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The possible effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals—bisphenols, parabens and triclosan—on ovarian function in humans and animals. Abbreviations: BPA, bisphenol A; E, estradiol; EDCs, endocrine disrupting chemicals; GnRH, gonadotropin-releasing hormone; P, progesterone; SHBG, sex hormone binding globulin; TCS, triclosan.
Figure 2
Figure 2
PRISMA flow diagram of the study selection process. Association of endocrine disrupting chemicals—bisphenols, parabens and triclosan—with polycystic ovary syndrome.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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