Toxicidad del Bisfenol A: Revisión

Resumen

Bisfenol A (BPA) is a chemical compound commonly used in industry. It is generally used as an element and/or component in the manufacturing of plastics and epoxy resins. These plastics and resins are used in the manufacture of containers with different purposes, for example; in the packaging of food and drinks, crockery, thermic paper, devices used in the medical field etc. Human beings are commonly exposed to BPA, being the diet (food and drink packaging) the highest exposure factor and therefore a key contamination spot. For this reason it is necessary that the usage of materials which are in contact with food is properly evaluated and regulated. BPA is considered a endocrine disruptor, with the capacity to alter functions and systems in the organism. Several studies have recently proposed a relation between the exposure to BPA and the appearance of adverse effects for the health. However, the EFSA recently concluded in their latest scientific opinion on the topic, that this compound does not imply any risk for the health of the exposed population. Therefore the EU considers BPA an authorised product to be used as material to enter in contact with food. However research on BPA and its potential negative effects is still ongoing. This review contains the latest ´´in vitro`` and ´´in vivo`` studies about BPA toxicity, these studies are grouped in the following categories (regarding different implications); cellular proliferation and cancer, alterations in development and cellular maturation, oxidative stress, damage to genetic material and finally alterations at a metabolic, reproductive, cardiovascular or neuronal level.