Evaluation of the toxicity of BDE-47 and BDE-99 congeners of polybrominated biphenyl ether (PBDE) using mitochondrial assays

Author(s)

Murilo Pazin Silva

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Ribeirão Preto.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (PCARP/BC)
• Defense date: 2014-01-24

Examining board members

Daniel Junqueira Dorta; Carlos Manoel Marques Palmeira

• Advisor: Daniel Junqueira Dorta

Abstract

Polybrominated biphenyls ethers (PBDE) , widely used as flame retardants, have been detected in human blood, adipose tissue and breast milk due to their physicochemical and high bioaccumulative properties and environmental persistence. Many studies have reported liver toxicity related to exposure to PBDEs. As cytotoxic effects are often associated with mitochondrial dysfunction,in the present study, we investigated the toxicity of the BDE-47 and BDE-99 on isolated rat liver mitochondria. Assessing mitochondrial membrane potential, oxygen consumption, interaction with the mitochondrial membrane, calcium release, mitochondrial swelling and ATP levels of the mitochondrial suspension in order to observe the ability of the compounds to interfere with the bioenergetic organelle, and the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), GSH/GSSG levels, mitochondrial sulfhydryl groups and levels of mitochondrial NAD(P)H in order to analyze mitochondrial redox state. The congeners BDE-47 and BDE -99 were evaluated at concentrations ranging between 0.1 and 50 ?mol/L. Both PBDEs congeners showed mitochondrial toxicity affecting all parameters that assess mitochondrial bioenergetics and culminating with ATP depletion. On the other hand, no effect was observed in tests assessing oxidative stress, although they were able to inhibit the mitochondrial respiratory chain, which is usually reflected in an accumulation of reactive oxygen species. These results are explained by the mechanism of action of this compounds as flame retardants, because during the combustion brominated flame retardants perform the neutralization of free radicals (OHo and Ho). It follows that PBDEs can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and thus induce bioenergetic cell death. It was also observed that The BDE-47 showed higher toxicity than BDE-99 in the studied model (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/04542-0 - Evaluation of the toxicity of congeners 47 and 99 of polybrominated biphenyls (PBDEs) using mitochondrial assays.
• Grantee: Murilo Pazin Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master