Integrative transcriptomic profiling uncovers immune and functional responses to bisphenol a across multiple tissues in male mice

Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine-disrupting substance commonly found in plastics and receipts, is associated with adverse effects, including endocrine disorders, reduced fertility, and metabolic issues. To gain insights into its effects on biological systems, we observed the adverse effects of BPA in male Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice exposed to BPA at the lowest observed adverse effect level for 6 weeks, in comparison with the control groups. We constructed a comprehensive transcriptome profile using 20 different tissues to analyze the changes in the whole-body systems. This involved employing differential gene expression, tissue-specific gene, and gene co-expression network analyses. The study revealed that BPA exposure led to significant differences in the transcriptome in the thymus, suggesting activation of T-cell differentiation and maturation in response to BPA treatment. Furthermore, various tissues exhibited immune response activation, potentially due to the migration of immune cells from the thymus. BPA exposure also caused immune-related functional changes in the colon, liver, and kidney, as well as abnormal signaling responses in the sperm. The transcriptome analysis serves as a valuable resource for understanding the functional impact of BPA, providing profound insights into the effects of BPA exposure and emphasizing the need for further research on potential associated health risks.

Keywords

• Bisphenol A (BPA)
• transcriptome analysis
• differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis
• tissue-specific gene (TSG) analysis
• gene co-expression network (GCN)