Bisphenol A exposure modifies DNA methylation of imprint genes in mouse fetal germ cells

Mol Biol Rep. 2012 Sep;39(9):8621-8. doi: 10.1007/s11033-012-1716-7. Epub 2012 Jun 15.

Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an estrogenic environmental toxin widely used for the production of plastics. Human frequent exposure to this chemical has been proposed to be a potential public health risk. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of BPA on DNA methylation of imprinting genes in fetal mouse germ cell. Pregnant mice were treated with BPA at doses of 0, 40, 80 and 160 μg BPA/kg body weight/day from 0.5 day post coitum. DNA methylation of imprinting genes, Igf2r, Peg3 and H19, was decreased with the increase of BPA concentration in fetal mouse germ cells (p < 0.01).The relative mRNA levels of Nobox were lower in BPA-treated group compared to control (BPA free) in female fetal germ cells, but in male fetal germ cells, a significant higher in Nobox expression was observed in BPA-treated group compared to control. Decreased mRNA expression of specific meiotic genes including Stimulated by Stra8 and Dazl were obtained in the female fetal germ cells. In conclusion, BPA exposure can affect the DNA methylation of imprinting genes in fetal mouse germ cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants, Occupational / pharmacology
  • Air Pollutants, Occupational / toxicity*
  • Animals
  • Benzhydryl Compounds
  • CpG Islands
  • DNA Methylation / drug effects*
  • Environmental Exposure
  • Female
  • Fetus / drug effects*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / drug effects
  • Genomic Imprinting / drug effects*
  • Germ Cells / drug effects*
  • Germ Cells / metabolism*
  • Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Phenols / pharmacology
  • Phenols / toxicity*
  • Pregnancy
  • Receptor, IGF Type 2 / genetics
  • Receptors, Estrogen / genetics

Substances

  • Air Pollutants, Occupational
  • Benzhydryl Compounds
  • Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors
  • Peg3 protein, mouse
  • Phenols
  • Receptor, IGF Type 2
  • Receptors, Estrogen
  • bisphenol A