Background Research: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a substance that is often found in plastic; it is widely used in the packaging for food and drinks, medical devices, thermal paper, and dental materials. BPA can

contaminate food, beverage, air, and soil. It accumulates in several human tissues and organs and is potentially harmful to human health

through different molecular mechanisms. Due to its hormone-like

properties, BPA may bind to estrogen receptors, thereby affecting both body weight and tumorigenesis. BPA may also

affect

metabolism

and cancer progression, by interacting with GPR30, and may impair

male

reproductive function, by binding to androgen receptors. Several transcription factors, including PPARY, C/EBP, Nrf2

, HOX, and HAND2, are involved in BPA action on fat and liver homeostasis, the cardiovascular

system, and cancer.

Furthermore, data obtained in human and different cell lines show that BPA interferes with thyroid hormones synthesis, secretion, and signaling. Recently, it has been shown that BPA interferes with

spermatogenesis and impairs male reproductive function. BPA exposure has been also associated with an increased

risk for hypertension and cardiovascular disease in humans and rodents, although

the

mechanisms are still unclear. Interestingly, BPA affects glucose metabolism, onset and progression of several tumors, and

immune function by binding different receptors, modulating transcription factors

, and

inducing epigenetic changes.

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