Transgenerational Effects of Endocrine Disrupting Chemical (Bisphenol A) on the Reproductive System of Male and Female Wistar Rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic compound widely used in plastics and epoxy resins, is a prominent endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) with the ability to mimic endogenous hormones. Globally there are growing concerns abouth then long-term impact of BPA on reproduction, particularly its potential to induce transgenerational effects. This study assessed the effects of maternal BPA exposure on the reproductive systems of male and female Wistar rats across two generations. Pregnant dams (F0) received oral BPA during gestation and lactation. Their F1 and F2 offspring were evaluated for histopathological, morphological, and reproductive parameters. BPA exposure resulted in significant dose-dependent reproductive toxicity, including ovarian follicular atresia, irregular estrous cycles, reduced testicular weight, sperm density decline, and seminiferous tubule degeneration. Remarkably, certain reproductive alterations persisted into the F2 generation despite absence of direct exposure. These findings confirm that BPA can induce heritable reproductive impairments, underscoring serious implications for human health and intergenerational risk. Keywords: Bisphenol A, endocrine disruptors, transgenerational toxicity, reproductive system, Wistar rats