Title:In Vitro Effects of Bisphenol Analogs on Immune Cells Activation and Th
Differentiation
Volume: 23
Issue: 14
Author(s): Pia Štrukelj Pahović, Martina Iulini*, Ambra Maddalon, Valentina Galbiati, Erica Buoso, Marija Sollner Dolenc and Emanuela Corsini
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular
Sciences, Laboratory of Toxicology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
Keywords:
Bisphenols, immune system, THP-1 cells, Th cell activation, PBMC, surface marker expression, cytokines release.
Abstract:
Aims: Investigate the immunomodulatory effects of bisphenols in the THP-1 cell line
and peripheral blood mononuclear cells in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activation or to
phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and ionomycin.
Background: We have previously demonstrated the usefulness of the evaluation of RACK1 expression
as a link between endocrine disrupting activity and the immunotoxic effect of xenobiotics. We
demonstrated that while BPA and BPAF reduced RACK1 expression, BPS was able to increase it.
Objective: Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most commonly used chemicals in the manufacturing
of polycarbonate plastics and plastic consumer products. Its endocrine disrupting (ED) potential and
changes in European regulations have led to replacing BPA in many uses with structurally similar
chemicals, like bisphenol AF (BPAF) and bisphenol S (BPS). However, emerging data indicated
that bisphenol analogues may not be safer than BPA both in toxic effects and ED potential.
Methods: THP-1 cell line and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were activated with lipopolysaccharide
(LPS) or with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and ionomycin.
Results: BPA and BPAF decreased LPS-induced expression of surface markers and the release of
pro-inflammatory cytokines, while BPS increased LPS-induced expression of CD86 and cytokines.
BPA, BPAF, and BPS affected PMA/ionomycin-induced T helper differentiation and cytokine release
with gender-related alterations in some parameters investigated.
Conclusion: Data confirm that bisphenols can modulate immune cell differentiation and activation,
further supporting their immunotoxic effects.
