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Association between bisphenol A and abnormal free thyroxine level in men

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Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical that is used in a variety of consumer products, and exposure to BPA is widespread among the general population. Recent studies have suggested that BPA may affect the thyroid and related pathways. However, human studies are still limited. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between BPA exposure and thyroid function. We obtained survey data and blood samples from The Thai National Health Examination Survey IV 2009, a nationally representative cross-sectional survey using a multistage, stratified sampling of the Thai population. A total of 2,340 subjects aged 18–94 years were sampled for the present study. Serum BPA, TSH, FT4, and related covariates were measured. BPA was log-transformed prior to analysis. BPA was detected in 52.8 % of serum samples with a median concentration of 0.33 (range 0–66.91) ng/mL. We excluded subjects who tested positive for thyroid autoantibody and then stratified the remaining subjects by gender; the analysis showed a significantly negative correlation between serum BPA and FT4 levels in males (r = −0.14, P < 0.001). In contrast, no association was observed in females. BPA was not associated with TSH in either gender. This gender-related discrepancy is possibly related to androgen-related differences in the metabolism of BPA. Our preliminary results provide evidence of a negative association between BPA and FT4 levels. Additional detailed studies are needed to investigate the temporal relationship and potential public health implications of such an association.

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Acknowledgments

NHES IV was conducted by the National Health Examination Survey Office, Health Systems Research Institute, Thailand. The NHES IV study group includes: National Health Examination Survey Office: Wichai Aekplakorn, Rungkarn Inthawong, Jiraluck Nonthaluck, Supornsak Tipsukum, Yawarat Porrapakkham; Northern region: Suwat Chariyalertsak, Kanittha Thaikla (Chiang Mai University), Wongsa Laohasiriwong, Wanlop Jaidee, Sutthinan Srathonghon, Ratana Phanphanit, Jiraporn Suwanteerangkul, Kriangkai Srithanaviboonchai; North Eastern Region: Pattapong Kessomboon, Somdej Pinitsoontorn, Piyathida Kuhirunyaratn, Sauwanan Bumrerraj, Amornrat Rattanasiri, Suchad Paileeklee, Bangornsri Jindawong, Napaporn Krusun, Weerapong Seeupalat (Khon Kaen University); Southern region: Virasakdi Chongsuvivatwong, Rassamee Sangthong, Mafausis Dueravee (Prince of Songkla University); Central Region: Surasak Taneepanichskul, Somrat Lertmaharit, Vilai Chinveschakitvanich, Onuma Zongram, Nuchanad Hounnaklang, Sukarin Wimuktayon (Chulalongkorn University); Bangkok Region: Panwadee Putwatana, Chalermsri Nuntawan, Karn Chaladthanyagid (Mahidol University). The Thai National Health Examination Survey IV was supported financially by the Health System Research Institute; Bureau of Policy and Strategy, Ministry of Public Health; Thai Health Promotion Foundation; National Health Security Office, Thailand. The assays for TSH, TPOAb, and TgAb were partially supported by Roche Diagnostics Thailand.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand

    Chutintorn Sriphrapradang, La-or Chailurkit & Boonsong Ongphiphadhanakul

  2. Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 270 Rama 6th Road, Ratchatewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand

    Wichai Aekplakorn

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  1. Chutintorn Sriphrapradang
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Correspondence to Wichai Aekplakorn.

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Sriphrapradang, C., Chailurkit, Lo., Aekplakorn, W. et al. Association between bisphenol A and abnormal free thyroxine level in men. Endocrine 44, 441–447 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12020-013-9889-y

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