Bisphenol S is used, for example, in receipts (thermal printing paper) and we come into contact with the chemical compound relatively often in everyday life. Long-term exposure can apparently lead to impairments in the intestinal flora, metabolism and intestinal health.
A Chinese research team from Xiamen University examined the effects of bisphenol S (BPS) in a recent study on mice and found, among other things, significant negative effects on the intestinal flora, the liver and intestinal health. The study results are published in the specialist magazine “Toxicology”.
What are the consequences of long-term exposure?
BPS is now often used as a replacement for bisphenol A, which is extremely harmful to health, although it has been proven to form an endocrine disruptor that can lead to hormonal disorders, the researchers explain. The toxicological effects of BPS should also not be neglected.
The team now examined the consequences of long-term exposure on mice that were exposed to BPS for 22 weeks. The experts then determined the changes in the intestinal flora and physiological indicators of the liver, intestines and blood.
It’s not just the intestinal flora that suffers
“The results showed that exposure to BPS resulted in gut microbiota dysbiosis, obesity, liver lipid accumulation, intestinal lesions and dyslipidemia,” the team reports.
In addition, there was a significant correlation between changes in intestinal flora and indicators of host health. The researchers explain that the identification of specific intestinal microbiota could also serve as a potential biomarker for assessing the risk associated with BPD.
Important information about BPD risks
To date, the toxicological risks of BPS as a replacement for BPA are still largely unclear and the new study provides important information about the consequences of long-term exposure.
Potential risks include disorders of the intestinal flora, fat accumulation in the liver, lipid metabolism disorders, intestinal damage and obesity. The new data could also serve as a valuable reference in assessing potential health risks from BPD, the research team concluded. (fp)
