Hydroxylated Metabolites of the Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether Mixture DE-71 Are Weak Estrogen Receptor-α Ligands
2008
Weak Estrogenic Effects of Hydroxylated Metabolites of DE-71
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Minerva Mercado-Feliciano, Robert M. Bigsby
Primary Institution: Indiana University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
OH-PBDEs would interact with and alter activity of estrogen receptor-α (ER-α).
Conclusion
The weak estrogenic effects of DE-71 are due to metabolic activation of individual congeners.
Supporting Evidence
- DE-71 did not displace E2 from ER-α, but all six of the OH-PBDE metabolites did.
- Para-hydroxylated metabolites displayed a 10- to 30-fold higher affinity for ER-α compared with ortho-hydroxylated PBDEs.
- One metabolite produced a maximal effect 30% higher than that produced by E2.
Takeaway
Some chemicals in a flame retardant can act like hormones in the body, but only after they are changed by the body.
Methodology
Estrogenicity was tested using two assays: 3H-estradiol displacement from recombinant ER-α and induction of reporter gene in cultured cells.
Limitations
The study's findings may not directly translate to human exposure due to differences in metabolism between species.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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