Internal Bisphenol Analogue Exposure in an Elderly Chinese Population: Knowledge from Dietary Exposure

Due to its endocrine-disrupting effects and neurotoxicity, Bisphenol A (BPA) has been banned from some products and some countries; therefore, alternatives are increasingly being used. Studies have been performed to evaluate internal Bisphenol analogue (BP) exposure in children, adolescents and adults; however, little information on elderly age groups is available. In this study, a cohort of 161 senior residents aged 60-70 years, from a coastal residential district in Jiangsu Province of China, was selected, and blood samples were collected from these individuals to evaluate internal BP exposure. The serum concentrations of eleven BPs (BPA, BPB, BPC, BPE, BPF, BPS, BPZ, BPP, BPAF, BPAP and TBBPA) were quantitatively determined by HPLC-MS/MS. In parallel, demographic and dietary surveys were conducted, and the potential association between BP levels and dietary habits was analyzed. Noteworthily, the detection rate of 10 BPs in serum samples exceeded 78%. Of all the BPs, BPA displayed the highest level, followed by BPAF, BPB, and BPS. Interestingly, the levels of most types of BPs in males were higher than those in females, and individuals above 65 years of age exhibited significantly higher BPA levels. Dietary analysis indicated a significant correlation between meat consumption and BP levels, implying that this is an important source of BP exposure. The current study uncovers previously unknown aspects of BPs exposure, characterized by high internal BP levels in the elderly, and risk factors such as gender and meat consumption. This offers valuable insights for preventing region-specific BP exposure in the elderly.