The Effect of Phthalate Mixture and BPA on Maturation in Xenopus Laevis Oocytes

Phthalates and Bisphenol A (BPA) are synthetic compounds of high environmental significance. Both compounds have high production rates and are often found in many consumer items. A person can come in contact with phthalates and BPA through ingestion, inhalation, and through dermal contact. Although both chemicals were once considered harmless, research has demonstrated that both phthalates and BPA are developmental and reproductive toxicants. Here, a toxicity test was conducted by using oocytes from Xenopus laevis ovaries to understand the effect of toxicants BPA and a phthalate mixture on maturation of oocytes. Our results reveal that higher concentrations of the phthalate mixture and BPA have adverse effects on oocyte maturation.