Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118750
Licence creative commons licence
Title (Primary) Implications of a combined perinatal exposure to BPA and BP-3 for offspring folliculogenesis and ovarian function in mice
Author Krieger, E.; Fischer, F.; Howanski, J.; Wagner, M.; Romanelli, F.; Fink, B.; Bauer, M.; Schumacher, A.; Kretschmer, T. ORCID logo ; Zenclussen, A.C.
Source Titel Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
Year 2025
Department IMMU
Volume 302
Page From art. 118750
Language englisch
Topic T9 Healthy Planet
Supplements https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651325010954-mmc1.docx
Keywords Endocrine disrupting chemicals; Bisphenol A; Benzophenone-3; Folliculogenesis; Ovarian function; Fertility
Abstract Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), like bisphenol A (BPA) and benzophenone-3 (BP-3), can interfere with hormone systems, posing risks to fertility and reproduction. Exposure to EDCs is unavoidable making it a relevant environmental health topic, however the impact of real-life EDC mixtures is largely unknown. This study explored the effects of a combined BPA and BP-3 exposure at tolerable intake levels for humans during pregnancy and early life on ovarian development and function in an established mouse model. Mice were daily exposed to concentrations of 4 µg/kg BPA orally, 50 mg/kg BP-3 dermally, and the combination of BPA+BP-3 through gestation and lactation, a susceptible developmental period. Female offspring of BPA and BP-3 exposed mice exhibited increased birth weight and elevated bodyweight by postnatal day 7. By day 30, after hormonal stimulation to induce ovulation, exposed offspring showed disrupted ovarian follicle maturation and altered ovarian response to stimulation with exogenous gonadotropins. Moreover, the number of NK cells rose in the ovaries, and genes linked to hormone signaling, hormone synthesis, and ovarian tissue remodeling were altered relative to unexposed controls. These findings suggest that early life exposure to BPA and BP-3 at environmentally relevant doses impairs ovarian development and function in mice indicating that immune cells and hormonal signaling in the ovaries are targets of endocrine disruptors at relevant concentrations. Such endocrine disruption may be compromising fertility and reproductive health in later life. Our research underscores the importance of investigating the impact of combined EDC exposure on the reproductive system.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=31120
Krieger, E., Fischer, F., Howanski, J., Wagner, M., Romanelli, F., Fink, B., Bauer, M., Schumacher, A., Kretschmer, T., Zenclussen, A.C. (2025):
Implications of a combined perinatal exposure to BPA and BP-3 for offspring folliculogenesis and ovarian function in mice
Ecotox. Environ. Safe. 302 , art. 118750 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118750