Dogs Exposed to BPA Give Us Epigenetic Clues About Our Own Wellbeing

Exposure to a widespread environmental chemical could cause changes to chemical tags on DNA, which can impact the expression of genes and potentially increase the risk for disease. Researchers studied one of our closest companions – dogs – and the epigenetic effect of bisphenol-A (BPA) found in canned dog food. Since these animals share our environment more closely than any other species, they offer us valuable insight into the exposure of this toxic chemical and its potential epigenetic influence.

Extensive research has connected BPA to breast cancer, obesity, diabetes, and other serious medical problems, including reproductive issues shown to compromise fertility. For example, epigenetic research has recently shown that BPA can affect fetal development and a similar chemical may even “tip the epigenetic balance”, programming a person for obesity.

BPA has been known to seep into food from containers lined with a sealant containing the chemical. Only recently did the FDA ban BPA from baby bottles and sippy cups. Yet, it is still found in food and drink packaging and elsewhere in the environment to this day.

In this study, a team of researchers looked at circulating concentrations of BPA in dogs that ate canned food from two different manufacturers over a 2 week period. Both types of canned dog food were found to contain BPA, although one was initially verified as BPA-free. Surprisingly, the researchers found that serum BPA concentrations increased by almost 3-fold as a result of both diets.

In order to investigate a potential epigenetic effect of short-term exposure to BPA, they used EpiGentek’s MethylFlash Global DNA Methylation (5-mC) ELISA Easy Kit to quantitate global DNA methylation with a one-step ELISA method. Not only did the levels of BPA in the dogs rise, but the team detected hypomethylation, or an overall loss of methylation, in the circulating lymphocytes of the dogs that ate one type of canned food. Specifically, they found lowered levels of 5-mC, suggesting a potential impact from the chemical on the epigenome.

Although additional research is required to tease out this possible epigenetic effect of BPA, the evidence offers interesting preliminary insight, especially because dogs may be a good biological sensor for hazards to human health, according to the researchers.

“It could be speculated that this epigenetic shift could lead to detrimental gene expression changes, such as increased expression of proto-oncogenes,” the researchers added.

There is much more to be investigated regarding the epigenetic effects of BPA on DNA methylation and the development of disease. BPA will likely continue to be a chemical of great interest, considering its widespread presence and newly discovered epigenetic role.

Bailey Kirkpatrick

Source: Koestel, Z.L., et al., (2016). Bisphenol A (BPA) in the serum of pet dogs following short-term consumption of canned dog food and potential health consequences of exposure to BPA,Sci Total Environ.

Published by dreddymd

Dr Eddy Bettermann MD focus on Biological Medicine (Biologische Medizin), Darkfield Microscopy (Dunkelfeld Mikroskopie), Orthomolecular Medicine (Orthomolekulare Medizin), Ayurvedic Medicine (Ayurveda), Psychosomatic Medicine (Psychosomatische Medizin), raw food (Rohkost), fasting (Fasten): Our primary integrative medicine goal is the maintenance of your health and wellness, and we are committed to safe and effective healthcare. Our specialties include online integrative medicine education by alternative doctor: food and allergy management through the use of Integrative medical therapy, Environmental Medicine, General Family Medicine, Ayurveda, Panchakarma, Chronic Fatigue, ADHD, autism, Fibromyalgia, Yeast/Fungus related diseases – Candidacies, mercury dental replacement and detoxification, Natural Thyroid Replacement, Weight loss, Lyme Disease, Irritable Bowel Disease, Attention Deficit Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, Addiction related programs, Intestinal Dysbiosis, as well as trigger point therapy using Neural Therapy. Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD, physician from Germany, consultant and teacher in biological medicine, especially dark field microscopy known as Live Blood Analysis in Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Philippines. But he lecture also in the USA, Canada and the U.A.E. He speaks english and german. https://dreddymd.com/2017/01/17/the-interactive-live-blood-cd-and-the-certified-training-live-blood-analysis-online-course/ https://dreddymd.com/courses/ https://dreddymd.com/2017/01/17/live-blood-microscopy-analysis-darkfield-course/ “Let thy Food be thy Medicine and thy Medicine be thy Food.” — Hippocrates Physician Member of the Medical Board at AOX Singapore, Medical Doctor at Nurse Mobile Clinic and Physician at DrEddy Clinic Our Mission: The mission of the Integrative Medicine is to search for the most effective treatments for patients by combining both conventional and alternative approaches that address all aspects of health and wellness – biological, psychological, social and spiritual. Biological Medicine is a big part of my work and so is Dark field Microscopy, what I use in my daily practice and what I teach more then 15 years in Asia and around the world: Live Blood Analysis in dark field based on Haematology. We utilize Live blood analysis since 2004, conventional as well as specialty laboratories for a thorough diagnostic work up of the disease in question. Our integrative medicine treatment regimens are especially unique and are tailored specifically to the individual needs of each patient. Our Mission: don’t harm, prevent, use food as medicine We are a reliable partner for integrative medicine in Medical Spa & Clinic Development and integrative medicine Education Training for alternative doctors – we bring different holistic approaches, like Integrative Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda Medicine together. On your request we offer our service in your place as well. Heavy metal poisoning Heavy metal poisoning is much more common than most people realize, and if you’re thinking that it doesn’t apply to you because you haven’t been exposed to any, think again. If you’ve eaten fish regularly, had amalgam fillings, received vaccinations, drank contaminated water, or done industrial or agricultural work or pharmaceutical manufacturing, there’s a good chance that you have a fair amount of toxic metals in your system.. We are here to help and to educate! Wishing your health and happiness Dr Eddy Bettermann MD Multimedia library https://bit.ly/2Wgqsd3 Protect you and your family from harmful radiation https://bit.ly/synergyscience-dreddymd More information about 5G and EMF: https://dreddymd.com/?s=5G+and+EMF Protocol https://amzn.to/2Nxsfql View all posts by dreddymd