Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely used endocrine-disrupting chemical known for its estrogen-mimicking effects. It is increasingly implicated in the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a very common endocrine condition in adult women, causing hormonal disorders, ovulatory failure, and metabolic disorders. Emerging evidence suggests that BPA may also contribute to immune dysregulation and oxidative stress in PCOS. The current study aimed to evaluate the association between BPA exposure and PCOS, focusing on hormonal profiles, immune biomarkers, and oxidative stress indicators that may contribute to the production of autoimmune disease among PCOS patients. A case-control study was conducted involving 150 women aged 14–45 years: 90 diagnosed with PCOS and 40 healthy controls, and 20 PCOS participants were excluded. Participants completed environmental exposure assessments, and serum levels of BPA, reproductive hormones (LH, FSH, PRL, TSH, and E2), as well as the immunological biomarkers (IL-1β, anti-estrogen receptor antibodies, and F2-isoprostanes), were analyzed using ELISA and immunoassays. Statistical analyses included t-tests, Spearman correlations, and ROC curve analysis. BPA levels were significantly higher in PCOS patients (18.10±15.93 ng/mL) than in controls (8.98±3.10 ng/mL; P = 0.0002). PCOS patients showed elevated LH: FSH ratios and estradiol levels, which positively correlated with BPA. IL-1β was significantly lower, while anti-estrogen receptor antibodies and F2-isoprostanes were significantly higher in PCOS patients. Thus, the current study recommends that exposure to BPA is connected to endocrine and immunological abnormalities in women having PCOS. Also, excessive amounts of BPA may cause hormonal imbalance, autoimmunity, and oxidative stress, underscoring the importance of environmental health knowledge and actions to reduce exposure in reproductive-age women.

Key words: Bisphenol A, Estrogen receptors, Endocrine disruption, Immune dysregulations, PCOS