Bisphenol A modulates inflammation and proliferation pathway in human endometrial stromal cells by inducing oxidative stress

Abstract Bisphenol A (BPA) has been implicated in altered human reproductive function. The oxidative stress or change of inflammatory signaling may appear a key factor in the biological changes of the human endometrium. Using MTT assay we assessed BPA mediated modulation of oxidative stress and inflammation responses in human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). According to the results, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was highest upon exposure to 1000 pmol BPA. Increased mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) were demonstrated. Gene expression and release of inflammatory cytokines were increased. Upon BPA exposure, elevated estrogen receptor (ER)-α expression levels in ESCs correlated with changes in oxidative stress, inflammatory gene expression and signal changes in cellular proliferation signaling. These findings support that BPA induces oxidative stress and activates inflammatory signals in cultured ESCs via ER-α. Together, this result may provide insight into the association between BPA exposure and endometrium-related disorders.