Endocrine disruptive effects of Bisphenol 'A' on estrogen, insulin, and thyroxine levels in female Wistar rats

Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic compound widely used in the production of plastics and resins, particularly in water bottles, baby bottles, beverage and food containers, has been identified as an endocrine-disrupting chemical. This study investigated the effects of BPA on estrogen, thyroxine (T4), and insulin levels in female Wistar albino rats. The female Wistar rats, weighing 160-200g, were housed under controlled conditions and acclimatized for one week. Twenty rats were divided into four groups: a control group receiving only water, and three experimental groups receiving 20 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg of BPA daily for three weeks. Blood samples were collected post-administration, and serum levels of insulin, T4, and estrogen were measured using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) techniques. The results indicated significant endocrine disruption across all BPA-treated groups. Insulin levels increased significantly with higher BPA doses, while thyroxine and estrogen levels decreased. Specifically, the highest BPA dose (100 mg/kg) led to insulin levels of 18.91 ± 2.42 IU/mL, T4 levels of 7.06 ± 2.89 mg/L, and estrogen levels of 114.7 ± 5.69 IU/mL, compared to the control group values of 5.61 ± 1.03 IU/mL, 22.46 ± 5.50 g/L, and 300.6 ± 55.5 IU/mL, respectively. No significant differences in body weight were observed across the groups. These findings suggest that BPA exposure significantly disrupts endocrine function, particularly concerning insulin, thyroxine, and estrogen regulation causing potential risks for metabolic and reproductive health.