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Melatonin Modulates Bisphenol S Induced Alterations in Metabolic Status and Ovarian Functions in Adult Golden Hamster, Mesocricetus auratus

Journal of Endocrinology & Reproduction 2026
Vartika Malik, Sriparna Pal, Rakesh Verma

Summary

Bisphenol S (BPS), a chemical used in "BPA-free" plastics and often assumed to be a safer alternative, was found to disrupt fat metabolism and damage ovarian health in a hamster study—causing unhealthy cholesterol changes, enlarged fat cells, and lower egg follicle quality. The good news: melatonin, a hormone naturally produced by our bodies (and available as a supplement), helped reverse many of these negative effects, suggesting it could be a potential protective tool against everyday chemical exposures. While this research was done in animals, it raises real concerns about "BPA-free" lab

Over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in miscellaneous female reproductive disorders that have highlighted the growing concern towards compromised female reproduction. Among various contributing factors, exposure to environmental contaminants such as bisphenols, phthalates, polychlorinated biphenyls and microplastics has been implicated in the disruption of reproductive pathophysiology. Bisphenol S (BPS), earlier believed to be a safe substitute for Bisphenol A (BPA), is established as a potent endocrine disruptor causing adverse health effects. Hence, in the present work, we have demonstrated the pernicious outcome of BPS exposure on peri-gonadal white adipose tissue and ovarian functions, along with the ameliorative potential of melatonin in adult female golden hamsters. BPS was found to induce dyslipidemia as evidenced by the altered serum lipid profile, while melatonin supplementation normalised the effect. Exposure to BPS has also been found to cause hypertrophy of adipocytes in the peri-gonadal region. Further, BPS treatment disrupted ovarian functions by decreasing the expression of BMP- 15 and increasing degenerative follicles. However, melatonin treatment reduced the adipocyte dysfunctions and ovarian anomalies. Therefore, from the present study, we can conclude that BPS exposure causes alterations in serum metabolic parameters, adipocytes and ovarian functions, while melatonin ameliorated the negative impacts of BPS.

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