Bisphenol A disrupts gene expression in human placental trophoblast cells

• BPA increased 11β-HSD2 activity and expression in primary human trophoblast cells.
• BPA also augmented the expression of aromatase, CRH, Glut-1, and hCG.
• By contrast, BPA reduced leptin expression.
• Exposure to BPA during human pregnancy may disrupt placental gene expression.

This study examined the effect of bisphenol A (BPA) on human placental gene expression using primary trophoblast cells as an in vitro model system. Trophoblast cells were isolated from human placentas at term, cultured and then exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of BPA (0.1–2 μg/ml) for up to 24 h, after which levels of 11β-HSD2 mRNA, protein and activity were determined by standard radiometric conversion assay, western blotting, and qRT-PCR, respectively. The mRNA levels of several other prominent placental hormones/factors were also assessed by qRT-PCR. BPA dramatically increased levels of 11β-HSD2 activity, protein and mRNA in a time- and concentration-dependent manner (>4-fold). BPA also augmented aromatase, glucose transporter-1, CRH, and hCG mRNA levels while reducing the level of leptin mRNA. These findings demonstrate that BPA severely disrupts human placental gene expression in vitro, which suggests that exposure to BPA may contribute to altered placental function and consequent pregnancy complications.