Organophosphorus flame retardants inhibit specific liver carboxylesterases and cause serum hypertriglyceridemia

ACS Chem Biol. 2014 May 16;9(5):1097-103. doi: 10.1021/cb500014r. Epub 2014 Mar 10.

Abstract

Humans are prevalently exposed to organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) contained in consumer products and electronics, though their toxicological effects and mechanisms remain poorly understood. We show here that OPFRs inhibit specific liver carboxylesterases (Ces) and cause altered hepatic lipid metabolism. Ablation of the OPFR target Ces1g has been previously linked to dyslipidemia in mice. Consistent with OPFR inhibition of Ces1g, we also observe OPFR-induced serum hypertriglyceridemia in mice. Our findings suggest novel toxicities that may arise from OPFR exposure and highlight the utility of chemoproteomic and metabolomic platforms in the toxicological characterization of environmental chemicals.

Publication types

  • Letter
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases / metabolism
  • Flame Retardants / toxicity*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Hypertriglyceridemia / blood*
  • Hypertriglyceridemia / chemically induced*
  • Lipid Metabolism / drug effects
  • Liver / drug effects
  • Liver / enzymology*
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Organophosphorus Compounds / toxicity*

Substances

  • Flame Retardants
  • Organophosphorus Compounds
  • Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases