How exposure to plastic-derived BPA during pregnancy can affect male offspring’s reproductive function

Hyderabad: A study conducted by the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) found that exposure to plastic-derived BPA chemical during pregnancy can adversely affect the reproductive function of the male offspring. This effect was demonstrated through the male reproductive function in the offspring of rats.

BPA is a chemical commonly found in plastics, food containers, and consumer products and it has long been associated with disruptions in hormonal systems.

NIN study

The NIN study published in the 'International Journal of Molecular Sciences,' has reported the lasting impact of foetal exposure to BPA on testicular functions relevant to sperm maturation among adult male rats. In this study, pregnant rats were divided into two groups - one group was exposed to BPA for 4-21 days during pregnancy while the second group was not exposed to BPA. The male rats born to the BPA-exposed rats showed reduced concentration, and localization of expression of some fatty acids, thus adversely affecting the system, which is required for protecting the membrane fluidity and maturity of the sperm. This disruption can potentially lead to compromised sperm quality in adulthood.

BPA - an endocrine disruptor

Dr Sanjay Basak, Scientist in the Molecular Biology Division of ICMR-NIN who led the study said, "Our findings suggest a crucial link between early exposure to BPA and the possible long-term health of the male reproductive system. While many factors can contribute to male infertility, including lifestyle, it is alarming to find that gestational exposure to endocrine disruptors like BPA is emerging as a significant risk for male reproductive health in the offspring. This raises significant concern as BPA exposure is widely prevalent in our daily lives. However, similar exposure on the clinical interface is required to confirm these risks."

Dr R Hemalatha, director, ICMR-NIN said, “Exposure to such endocrine-disrupters is almost inevitable in our everyday life through various routes including dermal, respiratory, oral routes from atmosphere and leaching of plastic food-container surfaces."

Therefore, on a cautionary note, Dr. Basak and his team suggest that pregnant women and those planning to conceive should avoid exposure to BPA-containing plastic products, and emphasize the importance of opting for plastic-free alternatives whenever possible.

Causes of rising male infertility

Speaking about various causes of male infertility, which is ever-rising, urologist & andrologist Dr Chandramohan Vaddi, director of Preethi Urology and Kidney Hospital, Hyderabad said, “Fertility issues like erectile dysfunction and low sperm count are commonly noted among men, especially those into white collar jobs such as IT professionals. It is due to multiple factors such as late age marriages, opting for parenthood in the late 30s and 40s, lifestyle diseases like diabetes, obesity, genetic factors, excessive work stress, lack of family time and intimacy among couples, unhealthy diet, smoking, exposure to pollutants and various chemicals that disturb the hormones, prolonged exposure to electromagnetic radiation from laptops, which adversely impacts sperm counts when used on the lap."