NTU Undergraduates' research April 2014 - Biosciences | Page 78

The Interaction of Xenobiotic Compounds with the Cell Proteome
Abstract
Background: Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical which is increasingly being used in the production of
plastics, has been investigated extensively as an endocrine disruptor. It is known as a xenobiotic
substance when present in the blood stream and in the cells of animals and humans. The aim of this
study was to identify additional actions and effects of BPA on the cellular proteome of the human
placenta.
Results: BPA was found to exert antioxidant properties, similar to those of N-acetylcysteine. It was
also discovered that the activity of intracellular proteasome is increased in the presen ce of BPA
following an incubation period of twenty-four hours. Finally, a number of proteins normally
expressed by placental cells were altered, as illustrated using SDS-PAGE. It is suggested that the
minor specific 125I-EGF binding protein, HSP90 and PAI-2 are under expressed in the presence of
BPA. Whereas CEACAM8 and inhibin A are over expressed when cells are exposed to BPA. The
respective alterations in protein regulation and an increase in proteasomal activity have been
suggested to be linked with the development of preeclampsia in patients.
Conclusion: Overall these finding propose that there is a possible relationship between the exposure
of BPA in the environment to the occurrence of preeclampsia and other diseases.
Keywords: Bisphenol A, Placenta, Cell Proteome, Preeclampsia.

N0375598
Charlotte Jayne Morris