Laboratory rats were dosed with levels of BPA experienced by many people, and increases in exposure to substances like BPA coincided with a greater risk of developing a precursor to prostate cancer in humans.
Additionally, heightened levels of phosphodiesterase 4 were observed during the aging of mice exposed to BPA, but not in the unexposed group. Phosphodiesterase 4 breaks down a key molecule that regulates cell growth and differentiation.
The discovery of high phosphodiesterase levels were observed before any obvious signs of tissue damage, leading researchers to believe that it may be a useful early warning sign for men who are heading toward a prostate cancer diagnosis.
The evidence presented in the study means that doctors may have a significant early warning sign for prostate cancer, but also adds weight to the long-contended evidence that exposure to endocrine-disrupting contaminates during developmental years can cause adverse effects, such as cancers, by adulthood.
Bisphenol A is found in many plastics, including those used for food storage and preparation such as food storage containers, plastic wrap, water bottles, sandwich bags and commercial food packaging.