Impact of bisphenol A exposure on fetal brain development and neurological health-a review

Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA), a ubiquitous industrial material, is widely employed as a starting material in preparing epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics. This compound is utilized on a very large scale around the globe. As this compound has been classified as one of the EDCs, substantial evidence has demonstrated a positive correlation between BPA exposure and developmental disorders in the fetal central nervous system as well as fetal neurodevelopment. Its exposure also affects memory formation and the normal functioning of the pituitary gland. Bisphenol has adverse effects on thyroxine, alternatively affecting fetal physical development. BPA also affects sexual behaviors and causes hypersexuality. In addition, BPA exposure leads to certain epigenetic and transgenerational effects. The main aim of our review is to highlight the impact of BPA on fetal neurodevelopment and mental behavior. It is essential to completely understand the mechanism of action of BPA on the molecular structure of interneurons and other neurons during fetal development due to BPA exposure. This will help in the evaluation of interneuron linkage and other neural activities along with brain development from the fetal stage to mature life. This review encompasses the literature available on the abnormal impacts of BPA on fetal development due to maternal exposure to BPA. We have surveyed the relevant literature to disseminate the information obtained through research carried out to reveal these impacts.