Integrated multi-omics analyses reveal potential inflammatory, hepatic, and endocrine risks of the overlooked BPA isomer o,p’-BPA
2,4'-Isopropylidenediphenol (o,p'-BPA), a structural isomer and byproduct of bisphenol A (BPA) synthesis, is frequently detected in food and human samples, yet its toxicological effects remain insufficiently characterized. In this study, the toxicological profiles of BPA and o,p'-BPA were systematically compared in male Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to 50 μg/kg/day for 28 days. Hematological parameters, metabolomic profiles, and gut microbiota composition were integrated to construct a microbiota-metabolite-host interaction framework. Both compounds significantly elevated inflammation-related markers (e.g., white blood cell count) and liver function indicators (e.g., alanine aminotransferase) by 11-42% (ANOVA, p = 0.0018-0.037). Multi-omics analysis revealed that BPA toxicity involved Romboutsia dysbiosis and disruptions in purine metabolism, lipid metabolism, and pantothenate/CoA biosynthesis. In contrast, o,p'-BPA exposure was associated with changes in both Romboutsia and Escherichia_Shigella populations and with alterations in glutathione metabolism and steroid hormone biosynthesis-related pathways. These findings suggest that o,p'-BPA may induce a distinct pattern of microbiota and metabolic perturbations compared with BPA, highlighting the importance of considering potential isomer-specific responses in chemical safety evaluations.
Authors
- Nan Zhao (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7147-9002)
- Ruyue Guo
- Hangbiao Jin
- Huan Xu
Institutions
- Zhejiang University of Science and Technology (CN)
- Zhejiang Shuren University (CN)
- Zhejiang Energy Group (China) (CN)
- Hainan Marine Monitoring and Forecasting Center (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
- Published
- 2026-06-27
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2026.120447
- Primary Topic
- Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- National Natural Science Foundation of China
- Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province