Bisphenol A (BPA), the most common endocrine-disrupting chemical, has been associated with male reproductive dysfunctions. Recently, it has been shown that BPA may also affect miRNAs expression. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the association of BPA levels with steroid hormone concentration and circulating miRNAs levels to investigate the potential direct effect of BPA on homeostasis in the testis environment. The level of BPA in the seminal plasma of azoospermic men was significantly higher compared to the healthy control. The concentrations of estradiol (E2) and androstenedione (A) were significantly decreased in the seminal plasma of azoospermic men compared to the normospermic men. The levels of miR-let-7a, miR-let-7b, and miR-let-7c were significantly up-regulated, and the level of miR-518f was significantly down-regulated in the seminal plasma of the azoospermic men compared to the healthy control. The level of BPA correlated negatively with sperm concentration and normal semen morphology. A significant positive correlation was found between BPA levels and miR-let-7a and miR-let-7c levels, whereas BPA negatively correlated with miR-518f levels. Our results suggest that BPA may negatively affect sperm quality. Moreover, BPA correlated with the miR-let-7a, miR-let-7c, and miR-518f levels in seminal plasma, which suggests that BPA may act directly in seminal plasma, affecting the testicular environment.
Journal of clinical medicine. 2021 Dec 18*** epublish ***
Ewelina Palak, Weronika Lebiedzińska, Sławomir Anisimowicz, Maria Sztachelska, Piotr Pierzyński, Wiesław Wiczkowski, Beata Żelazowska-Rutkowska, Gabriella Nicole Niklińska, Donata Ponikwicka-Tyszko, Sławomir Wołczyński
Department of Biology and Pathology of Human Reproduction, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland., Department of Reproduction and Gynecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089 Białystok, Poland., Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology Centre ARTemida, 15-464 Białystok, Poland., Oviclinic, 01-377 Warsaw, Poland., Department of Chemistry and Biodynamics of Food, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland., Department of Pediatric Laboratory Diagnostic, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089 Białystok, Poland., Sluzewiec Equine Hospital, 02-684 Warsaw, Poland.