A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Melbourne has unveiled a potential link between higher levels of bisphenol A (BPA), a common plastic chemical, in pregnant women and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in their male offspring. Published in Nature Communications and led by Dr. Wah Chin Boon and Professor Anne-Louise Ponsonby from the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, the research sheds light on how BPA may disrupt hormone-controlled fetal brain development, particularly in males, by suppressing the aromatase enzyme.
Key Findings from the Study:
Boys born to mothers with elevated urinary BPA levels during pregnancy were 3.5 times more likely to exhibit autism symptoms by the age of 2, and 6 times more likely to receive a formal diagnosis of autism by age 11.
BPA hampers male fetal brain development by inhibiting aromatase, crucial for converting testosterone to neuroestrogen.
The study drew on data from two large birth cohorts: the Barwon Infant Study in Australia and the Columbia Centre for Children’s Health and Environment in the USA.
Professor Ponsonby emphasized the significance of these findings, stating, “Our work provides biological evidence linking BPA exposure in pregnancy to altered male fetal brain development, which may contribute to the autism puzzle.”
The research also included laboratory experiments on mice, where prenatal exposure to BPA mirrored anatomical, neurological, and behavioral changes consistent with autism spectrum disorder. Dr. Boon highlighted that this is the first identification of a biological pathway potentially linking BPA to autism.
Implications and Recommendations:
Given the widespread presence of BPA and similar chemicals in daily life through food packaging, air, and skin contact, the study underscores the importance of understanding their health impacts.
The findings are expected to inform safety recommendations regarding exposure to plastic chemicals during pregnancy and early childhood.
Looking Ahead:
The team is now exploring potential interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of BPA exposure, including investigating the efficacy of 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid, a fatty acid that shows promise in counteracting BPA-induced biological pathways.
In conclusion, the study underscores the urgent need for further research and regulatory measures to mitigate the potential health risks associated with prenatal exposure to BPA and similar chemicals.
