The role of bisphenol A on puberty: a critical review of the medical lierature

Introduction: Many scientific studies have revealed a trend towards anticipation of the age of puberty and disclosed an increasing number of children displaying a precocious puberty. As explanation, some authors have considered the global socio-economic improvement across different populations, but also claimed the action of many endocrine disrupting chemicals (ECDs). Among these, bisphenol A (BPA), an aromatic compound largely used worldwide as a precursor of some plastic stuff and chemical additives, is well-known for its molecular estrogen-like and obesogenic actions. Methods: We have reviewed the medical literature containing studies published in the previous 20 years that examined any associations between BPA exposure and age of puberty in humans, considering only the ones referring clinical or epidemiological data. Discussion: Out of 19 studies found, only 7 showed a correlation between BPA and puberty. In particular, the possible disrupting role on puberty of BPA may be seen in those with central precocious puberty or isolated premature breast development aged 2 months-4 years old, even if the mechanism is undefined. Some studies have also found a close relationship between urinary BPA, body weight, and early puberty, which can be explained by the obesogenic effect of BPA itself. Conclusions: Data currently available do not allow to establish a clear role of BPA on the pubertal development because of conflicting results of all clinical and epidemiological studies examined. Further researches are needed to fully understand the potential role of exposure to ECDs and their adverse endocrine health outcomes.