Prospective Study on the Longitudinal Impact of Bisphenol A and Paraben Exposure on Adolescent Obesity and Cardiometabolic Outcomes

Deanna Chinerman¹, Tracie Barnett¹, Jonathan Chevrier², Melanie Henderson^2,3,4, Tibor Schuster¹, Andraea Van Hulst⁵

¹Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada 

²Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada 

³Département de Pédiatrie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada 

⁴CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, QC, Canada 

⁵Ingram School of Nursing, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada 

Corresponding Author: Deanna Chinerman, email deanna.chinerman@mail.mcgill.ca 

Introduction

While lifestyle factors play a significant role in the increasing rates of global obesity, numerous environmental factors demonstrate an impact as well. In both animal and prenatal studies, exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) and parabens appear to promote adiposity during critical windows of development. Since adolescence is another critical period in the development of obesity, it is hypothesized that BPA and paraben exposure during this period could have long-term associations with obesity development. Using data from a cohort of adolescents with a parental history of obesity, the longitudinal impact of BPA and paraben exposure in these populations can be used to measure associations between adiposity, cardiometabolic health, and exposure to these compounds. BPA and parabens exposure have been hypothesized to impact the gut microbiome, so this study will analyze that relationship as well.

Methods

Sample data were taken from 630 participants over three phases of data collection. BPA and paraben levels will be quantified in urine samples using high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectroscopy. Longitudinal associations between obesity and BPA and paraben exposure will be measured using trajectory modelling. Interdependence between exposures on obesity and cardiometabolic measures will be performed using multivariate modelling. Microbiome analysis will be performed using a one-way ANOVA test. The longitudinal impact of BPA and paraben exposure on obesity will be quantified and modelled in the R software. 

Anticipated results

The associations between obesity and cardiometabolic health when exposed to these compounds over time, once measured, will allow for an estimation of risk in this population. Microbiome composition changes will be measured according to exposure, thus demonstrating potential associations between BPA and paraben exposure and its impact on obesity and cardiometabolic health. 

Conclusion

These results will elucidate mechanisms linking adolescence as a critical window of exposure for BPA and paraben exposure to an increase in adiposity and cardiometabolic health. Findings could inform regulatory policies, potentially limiting exposure to these compounds in adolescent populations.