Alterations in human neutrophil function caused by bisphenol A

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic, organic compound frequently present in consumer plastics, including plastic-lined cans, water bottles, toys, and teeth sutures. Previous studies have shown that BPA can produce adverse health effects that include defects in reproductive function and altered prenatal/childhood development. However, little is known regarding the effects of BPA on immune function. In this study, we assessed the effect of BPA on human neutrophils, a critical component of the innate immune system’s defense against pathogens. We found that BPA induces a concentration-dependent increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by neutrophils, which is inhibited by the estrogen receptor-β antagonist PHTPP. Furthermore, incubation with the membrane-permeable calcium chelator BAPTA-AM and/or removal of extracellular calcium inhibited BPA-induced ROS production, indicating that the process is calcium dependent. Transwell chemotaxis assays revealed that BPA exposure reduces the chemotactic capacity of neutrophils in a gradient of the bacterial cell wall component f-Met-Leu-Phe, a potent chemoattractant. Exposure to BPA also inhibits the ability of neutrophils to kill methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a leading human pathogen. Our findings reveal that BPA alters the in vitro function of neutrophils, including ROS production, chemotaxis, and bacterial killing, and raises the possibility of altered innate immunity in vivo, especially in those with compromised immune function and who can be exposed to BPA in a wide variety of products.