Study Finds BPA Actually Changes Your BrainLisa Garber BPA and Genetic Changes Lead author of the study as published in the journal PLOS ONE, Dr. Heather Patisaul is an NC State associate professor of biology. For the research, she and other researchers divided rats into four groups: Rats exposed to BPA were given low doses during gestation, lactation, and throughout puberty. When administered blood tests, the rats dosed with BPA showed levels comparable to those found in humans. The same was true of rats fed a soy diet, which displayed comparable levels of genistein the estrogen-mimicking chemical much abhorred in soy. Group IVrats fed no soy and exposed to BPAshowed markedly higher levels of anxiety than the other groups. Their genes had changed, specifically where expressed in the amygdala (a region of the brain that deals with responses to fear and stress, also associated with behavior). The affected genesestrogen receptor beta and melanocortin receptor 4both deal with the process of releasing oxytocin, a hormone and neurotransmitter linked to social behavior. Researchers therefore believe that the increased anxiety must have to do with BPAs ability to change the oxytocin/vasopressin signaling pathway. Early life exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA), a component of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, alters sociosexual behavior in numerous species including humans. The present study focused on the ontogeny of these behavioral effects beginning in adolescence and assessed the underlying molecular changes in the amygdala. The Relationship Between Soy and BPA The rats in Group IIIfed a soy-heavy diet and dosed with BPAshowed no increased levels of anxiety. Although both BPA and genistein in soy have both been accused of mimicking estrogen, the two together seemed to subdue the effects. It is not clear whether these phytoestrogens [found in soy] are what mitigate the effect of BPA, or if it is something else entirely, says Patisaul. Thats a question were hoping to address in future research. BPA is found in a variety of items and foods, including but not limited to: Additionally, BPA (and its close cousin, BPS chemical) has been linked with the following conditions: While the scientists are working on the soy option (which is far from the best option), try these other methods to mitigate the estrogenic effects of BPA. Additional Sources: Explore More: This article first appeared at Natural Society, an excellent resource for health news and vaccine information. 