Bisphenol A and Its Metabolites in the Pathophysiology of Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome: Endocrine Disruption, Steroidogenesis, Genetic Polymorphisms, and Metabolic Dysfunction
Authors/Creators
Description
Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders of premenopausal women. It was previously known as polycystic ovary syndrome until its renaming in 2026 as the result of a global consensus process. PMOS etiology is multifactorial. Among the many likely significant environmental factors is bisphenol A (BPA), a ubiquitous industrial xenoestrogen which may contribute to multitude symptoms. This review analyzes the mechanistic, genetic, metabolic, and epidemiological evidence linking BPA exposure to PMOS. Specific attention is devoted to the medical and physiological effects of BPA’s active metabolites: BPA-glucuronide (BPA-G), BPA-sulfate (BPA-S), and 4-methyl-2,4-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) pent-1-ene (MBP).
Files
Bisphenol A and Its Metabolites in the Pathophysiology of Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome.pdf
Additional details
References
- 1. Teede, H. J., Bahri Khomami, M., Morman, R., et al. (2026). Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, the new name for polycystic ovary syndrome: A multistep global consensus process. The Lancet, 407, 2329–2339. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(26)00717-8 Accessed May 25, 2026. 2. Rutkowska, A., & Rachoń, D. (2014). Bisphenol A (BPA) and its potential role in the pathogenesis of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Gynecological Endocrinology, 30(4), 260–265. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24397396/ Accessed May 25, 2026. 3. Siddiqui, S., Mateen, S., Ahmad, R., & Moin, S. (2022). A brief insight into the etiology, genetics, and immunology of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, 39(11), 2439–2473. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36190593/ Accessed May 25, 2026. 4. Palioura, E., Kandaraki, E., & Diamanti-Kandarakis, E. (2014). Endocrine disruptors and polycystic ovary syndrome: A focus on bisphenol A and its potential pathophysiological aspects. Hormone Molecular Biology and Clinical Investigation, 17(3), 137–144. https://doi.org/10.1515/hmbci-2014-0003 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25372737/ Accessed May 25, 2026. 5. Urbanetz, L. A. M. L., Soares Junior, J. M., Maciel, G. A. R., Simões, R. S., Baracat, M. C. P., & Baracat, E. C. (2023). Does bisphenol A participate in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome? Clinics (São Paulo), 78, 100310. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinsp.2023.100310 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10757276/ Accessed May 25, 2026. 6. Mukhopadhyay, R., Prabhu, N. B., Kabekkodu, S. P., & Rai, P. S. (2022). Review on bisphenol A and the risk of polycystic ovarian syndrome: An insight from endocrine and gene expression. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29(22), 32631–32650. BPA in the Pathophysiology of PMOS Page 22 of 30 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-19244-5 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11356-022-19244-5 Accessed May 25, 2026. 7. Cho, Y. J., et al. (2023). Downregulation of the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and aromatase in steroidogenic KGN human granulosa cells after exposure to bisphenol A. Development & Reproduction, 27(4), 185–193. https://doi.org/10.12717/DR.2023.27.4.185 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10824569/ Accessed May 25, 2026. 8. Veiga-Lopez, A., et al. (2013). Bisphenol A: A model endocrine disrupting chemical with a new potential mechanism of action. Endocrinology, 154(5), 1873–1884. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3740487/ Accessed May 25, 2026. 9. Kandaraki, E., Chatzigeorgiou, A., Livadas, S., et al. (2011). Endocrine disruptors and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Elevated serum levels of bisphenol A in women with PCOS. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 96(3), E480–E484. https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article-abstract/96/3/E480/2597282 Accessed May 25, 2026. 10. Takeuchi, T., Tsutsumi, O., Ikezuki, Y., et al. (2006). Elevated serum bisphenol A levels under hyperandrogenic conditions may be caused by decreased UDP-glucuronosyltransferase activity. Endocrine Journal, 53(4), 485–491. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16829708/ Accessed May 25, 2026. 11. Bélanger, A., Pelletier, G., Labrie, F., Barbier, O., & Chouinard, S. (2003). Inactivation of androgens by UDP-glucuronosyltransferase enzymes in humans. Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, 14(10), 473–479. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1043276003002212 Accessed May 25, 2026. 12. Gauderat, G., Picard-Hagen, N., Toutain, P. L., et al. (2016). Bisphenol A glucuronide deconjugation is a determining factor of fetal exposure to BPA in the Pathophysiology of PMOS Page 23 of 30 bisphenol A. Environment International, 86, 52–59. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0160412015300726 Accessed May 25, 2026. 13. Gounden, V., Warasally, M. Z., Magwai, T., Naidoo, R., & Chuturgoon, A. (2021). Relationship between bisphenol A, bisphenol A glucuronide and sex steroid hormone levels in cord blood in a South African population. Reproductive Toxicology, 100, 83–89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.01.004 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0890623821000174 Accessed May 25, 2026. 14. Hanioka, N., Naito, T., & Narimatsu, S. (2008). Human UDP-glucuronosyltransferase isoforms involved in bisphenol A glucuronidation. Chemosphere, 74(1), 33–36. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18990428/ Accessed May 25, 2026. 15. Hanioka, N., Oka, H., Nagaoka, K., Ikushiro, S., & Narimatsu, S. (2011). Effect of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 2B15 polymorphism on bisphenol A glucuronidation. Archives of Toxicology, 85(11), 1373–1381. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21404072/ Accessed May 25, 2026. 16. Karrer, C., et al. (2013). Physiologically based kinetic modelling of the UDP-glucuronyltransferase 2B15 polymorphism and bisphenol A concentrations in blood. Archives of Toxicology, 87, 1257–1264. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00204-013-1022-8 Accessed May 25, 2026. 17. Divakaran, K., et al. (2014). Human hepatic UGT2B15 developmental expression. Toxicological Sciences, 141(1), 292–299. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4271124/ Accessed May 25, 2026. 18. Kasteel, E. E. J., et al. (2020). Human variability in isoform-specific UDP-glucuronosyltransferases: Markers of acute and chronic exposure, polymorphisms and uncertainty factors. Archives of Toxicology, 94(8), 2637–2661. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7395075/ Accessed May 25, 2026. BPA in the Pathophysiology of PMOS Page 24 of 30 19. Heidarzadehpilehrood, R., et al. (2022). A review on CYP11A1, CYP17A1, and CYP19A1 polymorphism studies: Candidate susceptibility genes for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and infertility. Genes, 13(2), 302. https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4425/13/2/302 Accessed May 25, 2026. 20. Jin, J. L., Sun, J., Ge, H. J., Cao, Y. X., Wu, X. K., Liang, F. J., Sun, H. X., Ke, L., Yi, L., Wu, Z. W., & Wang, Y. (2009). Association between CYP19 gene SNP rs2414096 polymorphism and polycystic ovary syndrome in Chinese women. BMC Medical Genetics, 10, 139. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2350-10-139 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2803167/ Accessed May 25, 2026. 21. Ashraf, S., et al. (2021). Impact of rs2414096 polymorphism of CYP19 gene on susceptibility of polycystic ovary syndrome and hyperandrogenism in Kashmiri women. Scientific Reports, 11, 12942. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-92265-1 Accessed May 25, 2026. 22. Muccee, F., Ashraf, N. M., Razak, S., Afsar, T., Hussain, N., Husain, F. M., & Shafique, H. (2024). Exploring the association of ESR1 and ESR2 gene SNPs with polycystic ovary syndrome in human females: A comprehensive association study. Journal of Ovarian Research, 17, 27. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13048-023-01335-7 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13048-023-01335-7 Accessed May 25, 2026. 23. Chaudhary, H., Patel, J., Jain, N. K., & Joshi, R. (2021). The role of polymorphism in various potential genes on polycystic ovary syndrome susceptibility and pathogenesis. Journal of Ovarian Research, 14, 125. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13048-021-00879-w https://ovarianresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13048-021-00879-w Accessed May 25, 2026. 24. De Leo, V., Musacchio, M. C., Cappelli, V., Massaro, M. G., Morgante, G., & Petraglia, F. (2016). Genetic, hormonal and metabolic aspects of PCOS: An update. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 14, 38. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12958-016-0173-x Accessed May 25, 2026. BPA in the Pathophysiology of PMOS Page 25 of 30 25. Mykhalchenko, K., et al. (2017). Genetics of polycystic ovary syndrome. Expert Review of Molecular Diagnostics, 17(7), 723–733. https://doi.org/10.1080/14737159.2017.1340833 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28602111/ Accessed May 25, 2026. 26. Mimouni, N. E. H., Paiva, I., Barbotin, A. L., et al. (2021). Polycystic ovary syndrome is transmitted via a transgenerational epigenetic process. Cell Metabolism, 33(3), 513–530. https://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/fulltext/S1550-4131(21)00004-8 Accessed May 25, 2026. 27. Zhu, L., Liu, Y., Xue, X., Yuan, C., & Wang, Z. (2021). BPA's transgenerational disturbance to transcription of ovarian steroidogenic genes in rare minnow Gobiocypris rarus via DNA and histone methylation. Science of the Total Environment, 762, 143055. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969720365852 Accessed May 25, 2026. 28. Pan, J. X., Tan, Y. J., Wang, F. F., et al. (2018). Aberrant expression and DNA methylation of lipid metabolism genes in PCOS: A new insight into its pathogenesis. Clinical Epigenetics, 10(1), 6. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13148-018-0442-y https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5767000/ Accessed May 25, 2026. 29. Ariemma, F., D'Esposito, V., Liguoro, D., et al. (2016). Low-dose bisphenol-A impairs adipogenesis and generates dysfunctional 3T3-L1 adipocytes. PLoS ONE, 11(3), e0150762. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4778877/ Accessed May 25, 2026. 30. Valentino, R., D'Esposito, V., Passaretti, F., et al. (2013). Bisphenol-A impairs insulin action and up-regulates inflammatory pathways in human subcutaneous adipocytes and 3T3-L1 cells. PLoS ONE, 8(12), e82099. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3857211/ Accessed May 25, 2026. 31. Longo, M., Zatterale, F., Naderi, J., Nigro, C., Oriente, F., Formisano, P., Miele, C., & Beguinot, F. (2020). Low-dose bisphenol-A promotes epigenetic changes at Pparγ promoter in adipose precursor cells. BPA in the Pathophysiology of PMOS Page 26 of 30 Nutrients, 12(11), 3498. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7696502/ Accessed May 25, 2026. 32. Zeng, X., Xie, Y. J., Liu, Y. T., Long, S. L., & Mo, Z. C. (2020). Polycystic ovarian syndrome: Correlation between hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance and obesity. Clinica Chimica Acta, 502, 214–221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cca.2019.11.003 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31733195/ Accessed May 25, 2026. 33. Konieczna, A., Rachoń, D., Owczarek, K., Kubica, P., Kowalewska, A., Kudłak, B., Wasik, A., & Namieśnik, J. (2018). Serum bisphenol A concentrations correlate with metabolic and reproductive features in women with PCOS. (Systematic and population evidence summarized in: The role of 11-oxygenated androgens and endocrine disruptors in androgen excess disorders in women). International Journal of Molecular Sciences. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0890623818303393 Accessed May 25, 2026. 34. Javed, M., Suramya, Mangla, A., Jindal, G., Bhutto, H. N., Shahid, S., Kumar, S., & Raisuddin, S. (2025). Bisphenol A-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with hormonal and metabolic implications in rats. Reproductive Toxicology, 131, 108750. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108750 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S089062382400217X Accessed May 25, 2026. 35. Urbanetz, L. A. M. L., Soares-Junior, J. M., Dos Santos Simões, R., Maciel, G. A. R., Baracat, M. C. P., & Baracat, E. C. (2024). Bisphenol A and polycystic ovary syndrome in human: A systematic review. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 166(1), 190–203. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.15349 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38197560/ Accessed May 25, 2026. 36. Yoshihara, S., Mizutare, T., Makishima, M., et al. (2004). Potent estrogenic metabolites of bisphenol A and bisphenol B formed by rat liver S9 fraction: Their structures and estrogenic potency. Toxicological BPA in the Pathophysiology of PMOS Page 27 of 30 Sciences, 78(1), 50–59. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14691209/ Accessed May 25, 2026. 37. Okuda, K., Takiguchi, M., & Yoshihara, S. (2010). In vivo estrogenic potential of 4-methyl-2,4-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)pent-1-ene, an active metabolite of bisphenol A, in uterus of ovariectomized rat. Toxicology Letters, 197(1), 7–11. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20435109/ Accessed May 25, 2026. 38. Baker, M. E., & Chandsawangbhuwana, C. (2012). 3D models of MBP, a biologically active metabolite of bisphenol A, in human estrogen receptor α and estrogen receptor β. PLoS ONE, 7(10), e46078. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3464279/ Accessed May 25, 2026. 39. Hirao-Suzuki, M., Takiguchi, M., Yoshihara, S., & Takeda, S. (2023). Repeated exposure to 4-methyl-2,4-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)pent-1-ene (MBP) accelerates ligand-independent activation of estrogen receptors in long-term estradiol-deprived MCF-7 cells. Toxicology Letters, 378, 31–38. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378427423000978 Accessed May 25, 2026. 40. Moreman, J., Takesono, A., Trznadel, M., Winter, M. J., Perry, A., Wood, M. E., Rogers, N. J., Kudoh, T., & Tyler, C. R. (2018). Estrogenic mechanisms and cardiac responses following early life exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) and its metabolite 4-methyl-2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)pent-1-ene (MBP) in zebrafish. Environmental Science & Technology, 52(11), 6656–6665. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29738667/ Accessed May 25, 2026. 41. Hirao-Suzuki, M., Takeda, S., Okuda, K., Takiguchi, M., & Yoshihara, S. (2019). Repeated exposure to 4-methyl-2,4-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)pent-1-ene (MBP), an active metabolite of bisphenol A, aggressively stimulates breast cancer cell growth in an estrogen receptor β (ERβ)-dependent manner. Molecular Pharmacology, 95(3), 260–268. https://doi.org/10.1124/mol.118.114124 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30552153/ Accessed May 25, 2026. BPA in the Pathophysiology of PMOS Page 28 of 30 42. Liu, J., Wu, S., Liu, S., Sun, X., Wang, X., Xu, P., Chen, H., Wang, J., Yang, S., & She, F. (2024). Global prevalence, incidence and years lived with disability of polycystic ovary syndrome from 1990 to 2021 with projections to 2045. Reproductive BioMedicine Online. Advance online publication. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1472648325002585 Accessed May 25, 2026. 43. Chen, Y., et al. (2025). Evolving global trends in PCOS burden: A three-decade analysis (1990–2021) with projections to 2036 among adolescents and young adults. Frontiers in Endocrinology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12104063/ Accessed May 25, 2026. 44. Liao, B., Qi, X., Yun, C., Qiao, J., & Pang, Y. (2022). Effects of androgen excess-related metabolic disturbances on granulosa cell function and follicular development. (Background data for PCOS prevalence and obesity trends.) Frontiers in Endocrinology, 13, 815968. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2022.815968/full Accessed May 25, 2026. 45. Corrales, J., Kristofco, L. A., Steele, W. B., Yates, B. S., Breed, C. S., Williams, E. S., & Brooks, B. W. (2015). Global assessment of bisphenol A in the environment: Review and analysis of its occurrence and bioaccumulation. Dose-Response, 13(3), 1559325815598308. https://doi.org/10.1177/1559325815598308 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4674187/ Accessed May 25, 2026. 46. Zhang, T., et al. (2025). Material cycles, environmental emissions, and ecological risks of bisphenol A (BPA) in China and implications for sustainable plastic management. Environmental Science & Technology. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11780737/ Accessed May 25, 2026. 47. Perdue, L., & Reus, V. (2026). Bisphenol A conjugates are not benign as commonly thought: Evidence indicates a dual-threat mechanism of BPA in the Pathophysiology of PMOS Page 29 of 30 metabolic reactivation and direct biological activity [Preprint]. Zenodo. https://zenodo.org/records/19541893 Accessed May 25, 2026. 48. Thayer, K. A., Doerge, D. R., Hunt, D., Schurman, S. H., Twaddle, N. C., Churchwell, M. I., Garantziotis, S., Kissling, G. E., Easterling, M. R., Bucher, J. R., & Birnbaum, L. S. (2015). Pharmacokinetics of bisphenol A in humans following a single oral administration. Environment International, 83, 107–115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2015.06.008 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4545316/ Accessed May 25, 2026. 49. Stahlhut, R. W., Welshons, W. V., & Swan, S. H. (2009). Bisphenol A data in NHANES suggest longer than expected half-life, substantial nonfood exposure, or both. Environmental Health Perspectives, 117(5), 784–789. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.0800376 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2685842/ Accessed May 25, 2026. 50. Nowosad, K., Ostrowska, M., Glibowski, P., Iłowiecka, K., & Koch, W. (2025). Dietary and genetic aspects of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in Polish women—Part II: Association of CYP19, FTO, MC4R and INSR gene polymorphisms with clinical symptoms of PCOS. Genes, 16(7), 840. https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16070840 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12294189/ Accessed July 6, 2026. 51. Sheikh, I. A., Tayubi, I. A., Ahmad, E., Ganaie, M. A., Bajouh, O. S., AlBasri, S. F., Abdulkarim, I. M. J., & Beg, M. A. (2017). Computational insights into the molecular interactions of environmental xenoestrogens 4-tert-octylphenol, 4-nonylphenol, bisphenol A (BPA), and BPA metabolite MBP with human sex hormone-binding globulin. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 135, 284–291. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2016.10.005 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27750096/ Accessed July 6, 2026. 52. Miyakoshi, T., Miyajima, K., Takekoshi, S., & Osamura, R. Y. (2009). The influence of endocrine disrupting chemicals on the proliferation of ERα BPA in the Pathophysiology of PMOS Page 30 of 30 knockdown-human breast cancer cell line MCF-7: New attempts by RNAi technology. Acta Histochemica et Cytochemica, 42(2), 23–28. https://doi.org/10.1267/ahc.08036 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2685020/ Accessed July 6, 2026. 53. Hirao-Suzuki, M., Nagase, K., Suemori, T., Tsutsumi, K., Shigemori, E., Tanaka, M., Takiguchi, M., Sugihara, N., Yoshihara, S., & Takeda, S. (2021). 4-Methyl-2,4-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)pent-1-ene (MBP) targets estrogen receptor β, to evoke the resistance of human breast cancer MCF-7 cells to G-1, an agonist for G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 44(10), 1524–1529. https://doi.org/10.1248/bpb.b21-00417 https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/bpb/44/10/44_b21-00417/_html/-char/en Accessed July 6, 2026. 54. Huang, C.-C., Yang, C.-Y., Su, C.-C., Fang, K.-M., Yen, C.-C., Lin, C.-T., Liu, J.-M., Lee, K.-I., Chen, Y.-W., Liu, S.-H., & Huang, C.-F. (2021). 4-Methyl-2,4-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)pent-1-ene, a major active metabolite of bisphenol A, triggers pancreatic β-cell death via a JNK/AMPKα activation-regulated endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptotic pathway. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(9), 4379. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22094379 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8122752/ Accessed July 6, 2026. 55. Azziz, R., Dumesic, D. A., & Goodarzi, M. O. (2011). Polycystic ovary syndrome: An ancient disorder? Fertility and Sterility, 95(5), 1544–1548. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.09.032 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3164771/ Accessed July 6, 2026.