Effects of BPA on expression of apoptotic genes and migration of ovine trophectoderm (oTr1) cells during the peri-implantation period of pregnancy

Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical used in the manufacture of many products used daily. In the present study, the effects of BPA (1 × 10 −4 to 1 × 10 -9 M) on migration and on the expression of some apoptotic genes were examined in vitro using ovine trophectoderm (oTr1) primary cell line. The results revealed that BPA at 1 × 10 −9 , 1 × 10 −8 and 1 × 10 −7 M increased migration of oTr1 cells, while 1 × 10 −6 , 1 × 10 −5 and 1 × 10 −4 M BPA decreased cell migration. Regarding apoptosis, expression of the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 mRNA was greater at 1 × 10 −8 and 1 × 10 −9 M BPA and was down-regulated at 1 × 10 −4 to 1 × 10 −7 M BPA; however, expression of pro-apoptotic genes (Bax, cathepsin B, caspase-3 and c-myc) was reduced at the higher concentrations of BPA. Results of this study suggest that BPA may impair implantation by decreasing migration of oTr1 cells and inhibiting apoptosis.