Prenatal exposure profiles to bisphenols and their correlation with levels of reproductive hormones in parturient women living in Algiers - 16/09/25

Doi : 10.1016/j.toxac.2025.08.007

Abderrezak Khelfi ^a,^b,⁎ , Hind Bouraib ^a, Lilya Bouras ^a, Kahina Aksas ^a,^c, Mohamed Makrelouf ^a,^c, Hala Boutrid ^a,^d, Mohamed Azzouz ^a
^a University of Algiers 1, 2, Didouche Mourad Street, 16000, Algiers, Algeria
^b National Center of Toxicology, Petit Staouali Street, 16062 Delly Brahim, Algiers, Algeria
^c Central laboratory, Bab-El-Oued University Hospital, Mohamed Lamine Debaghine Street, 16009 Algiers, Algeria
^d Obstetrics and gynecology department, Bab-El-Oued University Hospital, Mohamed Lamine Debaghine Street, 16009 Algiers, Algeria

^⁎Corresponding author.

Sous presse. Épreuves corrigées par l'auteur. Disponible en ligne depuis le Tuesday 16 September 2025

Summary

Introduction

Bisphenols are ubiquitous endocrine disruptors, which are suspected of being responsible for the disruption of various physiological functions. However, their effect on the perinatal period remains poorly understood despite the importance of this stage of development.

Objective

The main objective of this work was to evaluate the profile of fetal exposure to three types of bisphenols. The second objective was to study the possible associations between hormone and bisphenols levels and to examine the link between these disruptors and potential sources of exposure.

Material and methods

One hundred and fifty-four mother-newborn pairs were selected and cord blood samples were collected. The evaluation of six hormones (FSH, LH, Testosterone, Estradiol, Progesterone, and Prolactin) was conducted on these samples, as well as the determination of three types of bisphenols (BPA, BPS, and BPF).

Results

The percentages of bisphenols found in umbilical blood samples were 92.8%, 65.5%, and 57.8% for BPA, BPS, and BPF. The average concentrations were 2.456ng/mL for BPA, 0.646ng/mL for BPS, and 0.660ng/mL for BPF. Positive associations were found between the concentration of estradiol and the levels of the three types of bisphenols. Besides, a positive association was found between the concentrations of prolactin and BPA. As far as the sources of exposure are concerned, no significant association could be established.

Conclusion

The obtained results suggest potential endocrine-related effects of bisphenols. Additional studies, including experimental and longitudinal designs, are needed to confirm these associations and clarify causal relationships.

Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.

Keywords : Bisphenols, Endocrine disruptors, Umbilical cord, Reproductive hormones, Exposure sources