Effect of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) on early implantation using the three-dimensional spheroid model with human endometrial cell line, Ishikawa

Abstract

Abstract Background Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) has endocrine-disrupting effect and has been widely used as brominated flame retardant in industrial products. The endocrine-disrupting chemical has effects on female reproduction such as infertility, hormone imbalance, and endometriosis. In Korea, the problems of infertility and the decreasing birth rate are concerns. Exposure to EDCs might have a harmful effect on childbearing-age women. This study aimed to investigate the effect of TBBPA on infertility, particularly on uterus endometrium early implantation events. Results The expression of mRNA was analyzed by qRT-PCR. The mRNA expression of TBBPA on Ishikawa cells, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF- α, and LIF were significantly increased. Moreover, the outgrowth area in the TBBPA group has significantly decreased compared with the control. On the other hand, TBBPA had a slight effect on protein level and attachment rate. Conclusions In this study, TBBPA occurred inflammatory environmental milieu in mRNA expression. The increase of inflammation-related cytokines in the endometrium can disrupt the implantation of the embryo. Also, the TBBPA disrupted the outgrowth of spheroids on the endometrium, however, the protein levels and attachment rate were comparable to the control group. The effect of TBBPA on implantation events should be further clarified.