The effects of BPA and BPS on anti-Müllerian hormone and its receptor during early embryonic development

Abstract

Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as Bisphenol A (BPA) and Bisphenol S (BPS), is widespread and has consequences on embryonic development. Preliminary evidence revealed that women undergoing IVF treatment had urinary BPA levels associated with low serum Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), however a functional relationship between the two has not been characterized. This study evaluated the effects of BPA and BPS on preimplantation embryo development through analysis of AMH and its receptor (AMHRII), apoptosis and sex ratio. These parameters were assessed in an in vitro bovine model after bisphenol exposure during oocyte maturation. Analyses occurred at the oocyte stage and during cleavage and blastocyst stages. Our findings show that BPA and BPS alter AMH and AMHRII levels which may contribute to increased DNA fragmentation and developmental arrest. This study reveals that BPS exerts its effects to a greater extent post-fertilization and therefore may not be a safer alternative to BPA.