Unveiling the intricacies of BPA and BPS: comprehensive insights into its toxic effects using a cutting-edge microphysiological system

Toxicol In Vitro. 2024 Jun:98:105849. doi: 10.1016/j.tiv.2024.105849. Epub 2024 May 19.

Abstract

Concerns over Bisphenol A (BPA) and its substitute, Bisphenol S (BPS), have led to innovative exploration due to potential adverse health effects. BPS, replacing BPA in some regions to avoid toxic impacts, remains insufficiently studied. Besides this, the organ-on-a-chip technology emerges as a transformative solution in drug discovery and chemiclas toxicity testing, minimizing costs and aligning with ethical standards by reducing reliance on animal models, by integrating diverse tissues and dynamic cell environments enhances precision in predicting organ function. Here, we employ a 3-organ-on-a-chip microfluidic device with skin, intestine, and liver cultures to assess the effects of BPA and BPS via topical and oral administration. Our evaluation focused on gene markers associated with carcinogenicity, systemic toxicity, and endocrine disruption. BPA exhibited expected absorption profiles, causing liver injury and genetic modulation in related pathways. BPS, a safer alternative, induced adverse effects on gene expression, particularly in topical absorption, with distinct absorption patterns. Our findings underscore the urgency of addressing BPA and BPS toxicity concerns, highlighting the crucial role of organ-on-a-chip technology in understanding associated health risks. The study promotes the organ-on-a-chip methodology as a valuable tool for safe drug development and disease treatments, offering a novel liver toxicity screening alternative to traditional animal tests. This contributes to advancing comprehension of the biological effects of these compounds, fostering improved safety assessments in human health.

Keywords: BPA; BPS; New approaches methodologies; Organ on a chip; Toxicity.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Benzhydryl Compounds* / toxicity
  • Endocrine Disruptors / toxicity
  • Humans
  • Intestines / drug effects
  • Lab-On-A-Chip Devices*
  • Liver* / drug effects
  • Liver* / metabolism
  • Microphysiological Systems
  • Phenols* / toxicity
  • Skin* / drug effects
  • Skin* / metabolism
  • Sulfones* / toxicity
  • Toxicity Tests / methods

Substances

  • Phenols
  • Benzhydryl Compounds
  • bisphenol A
  • bisphenol S
  • Sulfones
  • Endocrine Disruptors