Mitochondrial alterations induced by representatives main of the classes of poly-brominated diphenyls ethers (PBDEs)

Author(s)

Lílian Cristina Pereira

• 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: 2012-04-26

Examining board members

Daniel Junqueira Dorta; Luciane Carla Alberici; Fábio Erminio Mingatto

• Advisor: Daniel Junqueira Dorta

Abstract

The brominated flame retardants are substances used in various consumer goods to increase their fire resistance and / or higher temperatures in case of fire, thus increasing the chances of escape and reducing the severity of burns. To this end polybrominated diphenyls ethers (PBDEs) are the most used class in view of its efficiency in controlling the spread of flame and its low cost. These compounds are among the newly emerging environmental contaminants known to exhibit a lack of toxicological data, especially regarding the harmful effects and biomarkers of exposure and potential harm to the environment, which is a recent concern of the scientific community. Because the mitochondrion is recognized as the main energy-producing cell organelles, as well as play a vital role in the maintenance of many cellular functions, it was used as an experimental model to evaluate the effects of the congeners BDE-100 (Penta- BDE), -153, -154 (Hexa-BDE) and -209 (Deca-BDE), in concentration range ranging from 0.1 ?mol/L to 50 ?mol/L. The results show that the effects on isolated mitochondria may occur at lower concentrations for the BDE-153, -154 and -209 and high concentrations to the BDE-100. Thus, it was observed that the compounds have the ability to interact with mitochondrial membrane, inducing swelling, dysregulation of calcium homeostasis and dissipation of membrane potential at different concentrations, however they cannot change factors related to oxidative stress in mitochondria. Furthermore, the induction of mitochondrial swelling, and added significant depletion of ATP levels may contribute to the toxic effects observed. Thus, we conclude that the action of PBDESS on mitochondria is one of the mechanisms of toxicity of this class of compounds. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/02661-6 - Assessment of mitochondrial alterations induced by representatives of major classes of poly-brominated biphenyls (PBDEs)
• Grantee: Lilian Cristina Pereira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master