Review: Endocrine disrupting chemicals and immune responses: a focus on bisphenol-A and its potential mechanisms

Mol Immunol. 2013 Apr;53(4):421-30. doi: 10.1016/j.molimm.2012.09.013. Epub 2012 Oct 31.

Abstract

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have become of concern for a variety f health issues. Due to their effects on the endocrine system they have been thoroughly examined with regards to sexual dysfunction, malformation, and cancers of reproductive origin. Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a widely studied EDC and has been characterized regarding its estrogenic effects on a variety of cell types. BPA also alters immune responses. In this review, we examine some of the documented effects of EDCs, with a focus on BPA that pertain to modulation of the immune system and various immune cell populations. We highlight the multiple actions of BPA on altering T cell subsets, B cell functions, and dendritic cell and macrophage biology. Finally, we consider that these immunological activities of BPA may be mediated through estrogen receptor signaling, arylhydrocarbon receptor, and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor family of nuclear receptors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / drug effects*
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Benzhydryl Compounds / toxicity*
  • Dendritic Cells / drug effects
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology
  • Endocrine Disruptors / toxicity*
  • Endocrine System / drug effects*
  • Endocrine System / immunology
  • Endocrine System / metabolism
  • Gene Expression
  • Humans
  • Macrophages / drug effects*
  • Macrophages / immunology
  • Mice
  • Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors / genetics
  • Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors / immunology
  • Phenols / toxicity*
  • Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon / genetics
  • Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon / immunology
  • Receptors, Estrogen / genetics
  • Receptors, Estrogen / immunology
  • Signal Transduction
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / drug effects*
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology

Substances

  • Benzhydryl Compounds
  • Endocrine Disruptors
  • Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors
  • Phenols
  • Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon
  • Receptors, Estrogen
  • bisphenol A