Effects of maternal exposure to bisphenol A on adult and senescent gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) prostate

Abstract

The prostate is an accessory gland of reproductive system responsible for producing most part of seminal fluid. Its development occurs under the influence of a regulated and precise androgenic and estrogen control, so minimal interferences can predispose this gland to develop diseases such as benign prostatic hyperplasia and cancer during adult and senile life. Current research has shown that several environmental pollutants, when in contact with human organism present hormonal activity. Among these environmental chemicals, Bisphenol A (BPA) stands out. BPA may interfere with prostatic morphogenesis as it mimics estrogens and competes with receptors for these hormones. Studies have shown that intrauterine and neonatal exposure to estrogenic dysregulators such as BPA alter prostatic pattern morphogenesis, favoring the development of lesions in adult and senile life. The aim of this study is to evaluate the consequences of maternal exposure during pregnancy and lactation on male offspring ventral prostate in adulthood and senescence. For this, four gerbils groups (n = 5) of mothers treated, daily by gavage will be used, from the 8th day of gestation until end of lactation, with 50 ¼g/kg BPA diluted in corn oil - G1 (group low dose); with 5000 ¼g/kg BPA diluted in corn oil - G2 (high dose group), with corn oil - G3 (oil control group) and with water - G4 (water control group). Each experimental group will be divided into 2 subgroups, the adult subgroup: animals that will be euthanized at 90 days old and elderly subgroup: animals that will be euthanized at 1 year old. Prostatic morphology, pre-neoplastic and neoplastic cell lesions will be evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The immunohistochemical reactions will be evaluated and quantified presence of P-H-H3 cell proliferation antigens, hormonal receptors AR, ER alfa, ER beta e ERRgama, and inflammatory mediators TNF-alpha and COX-2. Serum and intraprostatic dosages of testosterone and estradiol will also be performed. (AU)