Project objective

The aim of this project is to evaluate the effects of current daily human exposure to single or combined EDs (endocrine disruptors) (PFOS and BPA) during the highly sensitive phases of prenatal development. Combining animal and cellular models, we will analyze the molecular mechanisms by which exposure to EDs can alter perinatal stem cells, organ development, reproductive capacity, neuroendocrine axis, and neurobiological and behavioral characteristics, taking into account possible sex-specific effects.

The safety levels of BPA and PFOS for the human population established by different health protection authorities show disparities over the range of exposure: these discrepancies generate concern among scientists and the general population and underlie the urgent need to closely evaluate the impact of EDs on human and environmental health. A better understanding of the mechanisms by which these environmental chemicals cause molecular disorders, how these mechanisms interact, and whether displaying sex specificities is essential for the development of sex-specific and mitigation strategies against chemical-induced diseases.

In particular, endocrine disruptors (EDs) are compounds that have the ability to influence the endocrine system by interfering with the synthesis, bioavailability and action of hormones, thus altering cell proliferation and differentiation, tissue development and various metabolic processes. EDs have also been attributed an effect in altering fetal programming at the epigenetic level, which can be transmitted transgenerationally and may be involved in the development of various chronic pathologies in adulthood, including metabolic, reproductive, neurological and behavioral disorders. Among the main EDs, bisphenol A (BPA) and perfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS) have had a wide diffusion throughout the world in recent decades: these substances are highly persistent in the environment, are easily absorbed but only slowly eliminated from the body. They are used in industrial processes for the production of everyday products, mainly plastic for food packaging: humans are therefore inevitably and involuntarily exposed to BPA and PFAS through the consumption of food that has come into contact with plastic. BPA and PFAS, and in particular perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), appear to exert harmful effects on human health. Associations carried out on the human population indicate that “in utero” exposure to environmental contaminants is associated with negative outcomes in pregnancy or at birth. Furthermore, several investigation groups around the world have reported abnormalities of female and male reproductive physiology.

However, the toxicity of EDs remains debated and safe levels of BPA and PFOS for the human population established by different health protection authorities show disparities over the range of exposure: these discrepancies generate concern among scientists and the general population and underlie the urgent need to assess the impact of EDs on human and environmental health. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which these pollutants cause disorders, how these mechanisms interact and whether they manifest with sex-related specificities (male/female differences) are essential for the development of mitigation strategies against chemical-induced diseases.

Project duration

36 months

MUR – Research Projects of Relevant National Interest PRIN 2020

University Role

Local unit

Partnership

BY BALDASSARRE Angela – University of Studies “G. d'Annunzio” CHIETI-PESCARA (Principal Investigator)
FERLIN Alberto – University of BRESCIA
BARBAGALLO Federica – University of Enna “Kore”
SAVASTANO Silvia – University of Naples “Federico II”
GOTTI Stefano – University of TURIN

Head of Local Unit of Enna

Prof. Federica Barbagallo – Faculty of Medicine and Surgery

Projects of significant national interest