Increased maternal urinary bisphenol F levels associated with reduced anogenital distance in male newborns

Abstract

Background: Bisphenol exposure during pregnancy has been linked to a range of adverse reproductive outcomes. However, the full extent of the effects of bisphenol analogs, particularly bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol S (BPS), and bisphenol F (BPF), on fetal development, especially anogenital distance (AGD), a sensitive marker of reproductive development, remains unclear. We conducted this research to investigate association among maternal and neonatal urinary bisphenol analogs (BPA, BPS, BPF) and AGD. Methods: This prospective cohort study enrolled 85 mother-newborn pairs in Bangkok, Thailand, from April 2023 to January 2024. Maternal and neonatal urine samples were collected and analyzed for BPA, BPF, and BPS concentrations by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Neonatal AGD measurements were obtained within 72 h of birth. Correlation was analyzed by Pearson's correlation test and linear regression analysis. Results: High maternal urinary BPF concentrations were negatively associated with ano-penile distance, ano-scrotal distance, and penile length in male newborns (r −0.963, −0.844 and − 0.900, respectively, p < 0.05). No significant associations were found for BPA or BPS. Frequent maternal consumption of carton drinks was associated with higher neonatal BPS levels, while maternal obesity was positively correlated with maternal BPA concentration. No significant correlation was observed between maternal and neonatal bisphenol concentrations, nor between neonatal bisphenol levels and AGD. Conclusions: This study is the first to report a negative association between maternal BPF exposure and AGD in male newborns. These findings highlight the potential endocrine-disrupting effects of BPF on fetal development and emphasize the need for further research.