Can bisphenol S affect liver scarring pathways?
Lab and animal evidence says yes. A 2026 study found BPS promoted liver fibrosis pathways in zebrafish, macrophage cells, and human hepatic stellate cells.
What's actually in it
Bisphenol S (BPS) is a BPA substitute used in some plastics and papers. A BPA-free label does not always mean a product is free from other bisphenols.
Food-contact plastic matters because bisphenols can migrate more with heat, oil, and long storage time.
What the research says
A 2026 study in Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology tested BPS in zebrafish, macrophage cells, and human hepatic stellate cells.
The study found that 1 and 100 micrograms per liter of BPS increased macrophage movement into zebrafish liver, especially with excess toxic lipids. In cell work, BPS pushed macrophage signaling and directly activated hepatic stellate cells through autophagy.
Hepatic stellate cells are involved in liver scar tissue. This does not prove that a BPA-free container causes liver scarring in people. It does show that BPS can activate fibrosis-related pathways in model systems.
What to do at home
Use glass or stainless steel for warm, oily, or long-stored foods. Store leftovers in glass containers instead of heating or storing food in plastic labeled BPA-free.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Bisphenol S promotes hepatic fibrosis through macrophage polarization- and autophagy-mediated activation of hepatic stellate cells. | Toxicol Appl Pharmacol | 2026 |