A recently published cross -sectional study of almost 1500 people has demonstrated an association between higher urinary bisphenol A (BPA) concentrations and increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, as well as abnormally high levels of some liver enzymes.
Now, a new study has shown that low nanomolar concentrations of BPA antagonise the cytotoxic effect of the chemotherapeutic agents doxorubicin, cisplatin and, to a lesser extent, vinblastine in both oestrogen receptor α positive and negative breast cancer cells, possibly by increasing expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins.
Both of these studies add to the growing evidence for detrimental effects of BPA on human health.
BPA is widely used in epoxy resins lining food and drink containers and as a monomer in polycarbonate plastics used in many consumer products. Previous evidence of adverse effects in animals has generated concern about the effect of low level exposure in humans. Most studies have concentrated on the well-documented oestrogenic activity of BPA but these new studies suggest other possible detrimental effects.