Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical widely used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, leading to ongoing human exposure, including during pregnancy. Prenatal BPA exposure has been associated with neurodevelopmental disturbances, particularly through disruption of synaptic proteins and estrogen receptor signalling, which are essential for proper fetal development. Synapsin III (SYN3) is a presynaptic protein involved in early synaptogenesis and neuronal differentiation, particularly in the hippocampus, a brain region critical for learning and memory. Estrogen Receptor alpha (ERα), expressed in peripheral organs such as the liver, plays an important role in regulating cellular development, metabolic function, and hormonal signalling. Disruption of these proteins during fetal development may lead to long-term neurological and physiological consequences. This study aimed to investigate the effects of prenatal BPA exposure on SYN3 expression in the fetal hippocampus and on ERα expression in the fetal liver on day 21 of pregnancy (PD21).

Pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were divided into control and BPA-exposed groups. BPA was administered throughout pregnancy, while the control group received vehicle treatment. On PD21, fetal hippocampus and liver tissues were collected. SYN3 and ERα protein levels were quantified using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Statistical analysis was conducted using an independent samples t-test.

The results showed that prenatal BPA exposure significantly increased SYN3 protein expression in the fetal hippocampus (p = 0.0264), while ERα protein expression in the fetal liver was significantly decreased (p = 0.0106) compared to the control group.

These findings demonstrate that prenatal BPA exposure disrupts key developmental regulatory proteins in both central and peripheral tissues. SYN3 and ERα may serve as potential early biomarkers for assessing BPA-induced developmental toxicity.

Siti Khadijah Azmi is a master’s student at the faculty of medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia, specializing in neuroscience with a focus on neurotoxicology and synaptic physiology. She holds a bachelor of science (Hons.) in Biology from Universiti Teknologi MARA, Kuala Pilah, Malaysia. Her current research investigates the effects of Bisphenol A (BPA), an environmental endocrine-disrupting chemical, on hippocampal synaptic protein regulation and cognitive function in rat models. She is also involved in research exploring the neuroprotective potential of kelulut honey in mitigating neurodevelopmental and cognitive impairments. Her research aims to advance the understanding of environmental neurotoxicity and factors affecting brain development, as well as identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic approaches for neurological disorders.