BISPHENOL A DEPLETES THE CELLULAR GLUTATHIONE SYSTEM IN FEMALE WISTAR RATS

Abstract

BisphenolA (BPA) is an environmental contaminant with two (2) phenolic groups. It is used as plasticizer in plastic and rubber industries. Free BPA is released and it migrates into the food, beverages, as it is used as lacquer in the linning of beverage cans, its migration is enhanced by repeated washing, rubbing and sterilization. Continous exposure to BPA exerts oxidative stress effects on cells. This study investigated the possibility of total glutathione, oxidized glutathione and reduced glutathione perturbations at prevailing low exposure rates in female albino Wistar rats, following exposure for the period of three (3) months. To eleven experimental groups each containing ten (10) non-pregnant female rats were administered 0.05, 0.1, 00.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, and 1 mg of BPA/kgbw/day. To the twelveth (12th) control group was given water. Blood was collected from animals at the end of every week of the study and serum sample specimens analyzed by routine diagnostic procedures for total glutathione, oxidized glutathione and reduced glutathione using Autochemical Analyzer. Significantly increased concentrations of serum total glutathione, oxidized glutathione and decreased reduced glutathione were observed at all concentrations of BPA exposure suggesting that bisphenol A upsets total glutathione, oxidized glutathione and reduced glutathione balance. Hence, inducing cellular toxicity and then apoptosis.

Keywords

• BPA
• total glutathione
• oxidized glutathione (GSSH)
• reduced glutathione (GSH)
• exposure