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. 2025 Feb:495:117227.
doi: 10.1016/j.taap.2025.117227. Epub 2025 Jan 7.

Exploring the role of Bisphenol A in obesity-driven colorectal cancer progression: network toxicology and multi-organ pathology in animal models

Muhamad Fikri Shazlan Saad  1 , Muhammad Nazrul Hakim Abdullah  2 , Vuanghao Lim  3 , Hasnah Bahari  1 , Boon Yin Khoo  4 , Jun Jie Tan  5 , Yoke Keong Yong  6
Affiliations

Exploring the role of Bisphenol A in obesity-driven colorectal cancer progression: network toxicology and multi-organ pathology in animal models

Muhamad Fikri Shazlan Saad et al. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2025 Feb.

Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor, is linked to cancer progression in estrogen-responsive tissues, but its role in promoting colorectal cancer (CRC) progression in the context of obesity remains underexplored. This study examines BPA's influence on CRC in obese Sprague-Dawley rats using network toxicology and experimental models. Computational analysis using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery identified pathways such as "CRC" and "chemical carcinogenesis-receptor activation", implicating the PI3K-AKT pathway in IL-1 beta upregulation and BPA's role in CRC during obesity. Thirty male rats were grouped (n = 6) as follows: N (normal diet), NC (normal diet + CRC), HC (high-fat diet + CRC), NCB (normal diet + CRC + BPA), and HCB (high-fat diet + CRC + BPA). CRC was induced with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (40 mg/kg), and BPA (25 mg/kg) was administered for 19 weeks. Although BPA exposure did not affect body weight or biochemical parameters, the HCB group exhibited significant histopathological changes in the colon, including lymphoid hyperplasia, liver damage, and increased IL-1β levels. Furthermore, diet influenced adipocyte size, exacerbating BPA's effects on CRC progression. Findings suggest BPA may worsen CRC progression in obese rats through identified pathways, promoting multi-organ pathology and underscoring the need for stricter regulations, especially for vulnerable populations. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: Bisphenol A (BPA), a widespread environmental contaminant, is increasingly linked to serious health issues, including cancer, in susceptible populations. Our study highlights BPA's role in promoting obesity-driven colorectal cancer (CRC) progression, demonstrating its carcinogenic potential in high-risk contexts. These findings emphasize the urgent need for regulatory scrutiny of BPA exposure, particularly in obese individuals, and support the development of safer alternatives. Addressing BPA's impact can contribute to preventive health strategies and inform policies aimed at reducing environmental and public health risks associated with endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Keywords: Bisphenol A; Colorectal cancer; Endocrine disruptor; Microplastic; Obesity.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interest. Yong Yoke Keong reports financial support was provided by Malaysia Ministry of Higher Education. The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. If there are other authors, they declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.