Bisphenol S: A Substitute with Comparable Reproductive Toxicity in Males

Abstract

There is a sense of relief among consumers finding BPA-Free tag on various plastic products. But is it true, that a BPA-Free plastic is safe? Various studies suggest that very low dose of BPA can lead to multiple health adversities, including obesity, behavioural problems, reproductive anomalies, breast and prostate cancer. Despite regulations of BPA use in plastic products, the banning of bisphenols is facing serious defence from industries, noting unavailability of replacement. Nonetheless, analogue compounds such as BPS and BPF were introduced to the market and applied without rigours toxicological examination. In the present study role of BPS in male fertility and spermatogenesis was evaluated. Wistar albino rats were orally administered with 100, 500, and 1000 µg/kg body weight/day of BPS for 45 days. An additional group of animals were treated with simultaneous 1000 µg/kg body weight/day of BPS and 80 mg/kg body weight/day of Vitamin E for 45 days. Result of the study showed significant decline in fertility of male rat among all test groups. Hormonal assays confirmed dose dependent decline in serum testosterone, FSH and LH. The consequential impact was visible in stereological analysis which revealed significant alteration in density and volumetric count of germ cells and Sertoli cell. Histological architecture of testis indicated vacuolization in seminiferous tubules and presence of pyknotic spermatogonia. Conclusively, the results indicated BPS induced reproductive toxicity in testicular cells leading to decline in fertility. The study also confirms that concurrent dose of Vitamin E limited toxic impact of BPS.