Bisphenols A and S Alter the Bioenergetics and Behaviours of Normal Urothelial and Bladder Cancer Cells

SIMPLE SUMMARY: This research brings new knowledge on the potential roles of bisphenol A and bisphenol S on bladder cancer progression. By assessing the impact of bisphenols A and S on normal urothelial cells and non-invasive and invasive bladder cancer cells, this study aimed to demonstrate that these endocrine-disrupting chemicals could promote bladder cancer progression through the alteration of the bioenergetics and behaviours of healthy and cancerous bladder cells. These results could provide a better understanding of the pathophysiology of bladder cancer and its hormone-sensitive characteristics. Furthermore, this study suggests that bisphenols A and S could affect bladder cancer recurrence, progression and patient prognosis. ABSTRACT: Bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS) are used in the production of plastics. These endocrine disruptors can be released into the environment and food, resulting in the continuous exposure of humans to bisphenols (BPs). The bladder urothelium is chronically exposed to BPA and BPS due to their presence in human urine samples. BPA and BPS exposure has been linked to cancer progression, especially for hormone-dependent cancers. However, the bladder is not recognized as a hormone-dependent tissue. Still, the presence of hormone receptors on the urothelium and their role in bladder cancer initiation and progression suggest that BPs could impact bladder cancer development. The effects of chronic exposure to BPA and BPS for 72 h on the bioenergetics (glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration), proliferation and migration of normal urothelial cells and non-invasive and invasive bladder cancer cells were evaluated. The results demonstrate that chronic exposure to BPs decreased urothelial cells’ energy metabolism and properties while increasing them for bladder cancer cells. These findings suggest that exposure to BPA and BPS could promote bladder cancer development with a potential clinical impact on bladder cancer progression. Further studies using 3D models would help to understand the clinical consequences of this exposure.