Bisphenol A and immunotoxic potential: A commentary

Bisphenol A (BPA) is used in the manufacture of polycarbonate and epoxy resin plastics. There has been interest in the possibility that BPA has immunotoxic properties, and a variety of investigations have explored this. Among the approaches taken have been human observational and cross-sectional studies, investigations using experimental animals, and in vitro studies, some of which have been reviewed previously by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). This commentary aims to provide a focused review of data regarding the ability of BPA to perturb the immune system, including the developing immune system, and to cause related adverse health effects. The objective is to complement the evaluations conducted by EFSA, with a focus on the ability of BPA to impair immune function, to promote respiratory allergy and airway inflammation, and to compromise immunological tolerance to dietary proteins. The conclusion drawn is that there is currently no persuasive evidence that BPA has significant immunotoxic potential. This is, in part, due to some of the data reviewed being apparently contradictory or inconsistent, and the investigations from which those data were derived having limitations with regard to experimental design. The conclusion drawn here is that presently there is no clear evidence that BPA has the potential to cause immunotoxicity resulting in adverse health effects. (C) 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.