The bisphenol S contamination level observed in human follicular fluid affects the development of porcine oocytes

Abstract

Bisphenol S (BPS), the main replacement for bisphenol A (BPA), is thought to be toxic, but limited information is available on the effects of Bisphenol S on ovarian follicles. In our study, we demonstrated the presence of Bisphenol S in the follicular fluid of women at a concentration of 22.4 nM. The effect of such concentrations of Bisphenol S on oocyte maturation and subsequent embryo development is still unknown. Therefore, we focused on the effect of Bisphenol S on in vitro oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo development. As a model, we used porcine oocytes, which show many physiological similarities to human oocytes. Oocytes were exposed to Bisphenol S concentrations similar to those detected in female patients in the ART clinic. We found a decreased ability of oocytes to successfully complete meiotic maturation. Mature oocytes showed an increased frequency of meiotic spindle abnormalities and chromosome misalignment. Alarming associations of oocyte Bisphenol S exposure with the occurrence of aneuploidy and changes in the distribution of mitochondria and mitochondrial proteins were demonstrated for the first time. However, the number and quality of blastocysts derived from oocytes that successfully completed meiotic maturation under the influence of Bisphenol S was not affected.