Effect of bisphenol-A and bisphenol-S on functional parameters of human leukocytes

BACKGROUND: Bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS) are commonly used in the food industry to manufacture epoxy resins in food packaging. Both compounds are characterized as potent carcinogens and xenoestrogens. However, little is known about their effects on the immune response. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the immunotoxic effects of BPA and BPS (0.1 ng/mL) on human peripheral blood leukocytes. METHODS: Leukocytes isolated from human peripheral blood were exposed in vitro to 0.1 ng/mL (0.4 nM) of BPA and 0.1 ng/mL (0.4 nM) of BPS for 0.5, 4, and 24 hours. Apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), senescence, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and intracellular Ca²⁺ flux were subsequently assessed through flow cytometry. RESULTS: Data suggest that in vitro exposure to BPA or BPS does not cause leukocyte death; however, it induces loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), senescence, as well as ROS production and intracellular Ca²⁺ flux. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that even low concentrations (0.1 ng/ml) of BPA or BPS, levels that have been reported in human blood, can cause alterations in leukocyte function.