Effects of bisphenols on the assisted reproductive technology outcomes considering the patient clinical parameters

Bisphenol A (BPA) and its analogues disrupt endocrine functions, adversely impacting oocyte meiosis, maturation, and granulosa cell (GC) steroidogenesis.

To identify clinical factors, particularly adiposity and age, influencing ovarian cell sensitivity to bisphenol (BP) exposure.

This study analysed a cohort of 368 women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) from 2019 to 2023. Four BPs (BPA, BPS, BPF, and BPAF) were quantified, and ART outcomes (e.g., oocyte count, embryo quality, and pregnancy rates) were assessed using regression models. GCs from 156 patients were cultured and exposed to BPS for 48 hours to evaluate progesterone and estradiol secretion based on clinical parameters.

BPS and BPA were the most prevalent BPs in follicular fluid. BP exposure was associated with reduced fertilisation rates (p = 0.05). Obesity tended to lower live birth rates (p = 0.08) but did not affect embryo development or implantation. Age significantly impacted embryo quantity (p < 0.001) and quality (p = 0.03). GC progesterone secretion was correlated with donor age after exposure to 1 µM and 10 µM BPS (p = 0.03 for both). GCs from younger women appeared more sensitive to BPS.

Although obesity did not affect embryonic development, its association with reduced live birth rates suggests a suboptimal environment for implantation and/or fetal development. Age was linked to lower antral follicle count, pregnancy rates, and live birth rates. Younger women’s GCs may exhibit heightened sensitivity to BPS exposure, warranting further investigation.