In vitro and in vivo interactions of organohalogens with the endocrine system : the role of metabolites and implications for human health

I.A.T.M. Meerts

Research output: Thesis › internal PhD, WU

Abstract

Organohalogen compounds such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) belong to the group of persistent compounds, implying that they are slowly biodegradable and accumulate in the environment. A new group of possibly persistent compounds are the polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). These PBDEs have recently been identified in the environment, and their toxicity is relatively unknown. PBDEs are used extensively as flame retardants in e.g. computers, tv-sets, or textile. In this thesis, the toxicity of PBDEs is described.<br/>In vitro experiments revealed that PBDEs are able to bind to transthyretin (TTR), a thyroid hormone transport protein, and can exert estrogenic activity. In vivo experiments with a model compound showed that these substances can have adverse effects on brain development and the estrous cycle in offspring of rats exposed in utero.<br/>The concentrations that gave rise to these effects in the rats are only one order of magnitude higher than the concentrations in which these compounds are currently present in human blood.
Original languageEnglish
QualificationDoctor of Philosophy
Awarding Institution
  • Wageningen University
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Koeman, J.H., Promotor
  • Brouwer, A., Co-promotor, External person
Award date2 Nov 2001
Place of PublicationS.l.
Publisher
Print ISBNs9789058085221
Publication statusPublished - 2001

Fingerprint

Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers
Endocrine System
Health
Flame Retardants
Prealbumin
Estrous Cycle
Textiles
Polychlorinated Biphenyls
Thyroid Hormones
Carrier Proteins
In Vitro Techniques
Brain

Keywords

  • polybrominated biphenyls
  • polychlorinated biphenyls
  • endocrine system
  • metabolites
  • toxicity
  • health hazards

Cite this

Meerts, I.A.T.M.. / In vitro and in vivo interactions of organohalogens with the endocrine system : the role of metabolites and implications for human health. S.l. : S.n., 2001. 160 p.
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Meerts, IATM 2001, 'In vitro and in vivo interactions of organohalogens with the endocrine system : the role of metabolites and implications for human health', Doctor of Philosophy, Wageningen University, S.l..

In vitro and in vivo interactions of organohalogens with the endocrine system : the role of metabolites and implications for human health. / Meerts, I.A.T.M.

S.l. : S.n., 2001. 160 p.

Research output: Thesis › internal PhD, WU

TY - THES

T1 - In vitro and in vivo interactions of organohalogens with the endocrine system : the role of metabolites and implications for human health

AU - Meerts, I.A.T.M.

N1 - WU thesis 3068 Met lit. opg. - Met samenvatting in het Nederlands Proefschrift Wageningen

PY - 2001

Y1 - 2001

N2 - Organohalogen compounds such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) belong to the group of persistent compounds, implying that they are slowly biodegradable and accumulate in the environment. A new group of possibly persistent compounds are the polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). These PBDEs have recently been identified in the environment, and their toxicity is relatively unknown. PBDEs are used extensively as flame retardants in e.g. computers, tv-sets, or textile. In this thesis, the toxicity of PBDEs is described.In vitro experiments revealed that PBDEs are able to bind to transthyretin (TTR), a thyroid hormone transport protein, and can exert estrogenic activity. In vivo experiments with a model compound showed that these substances can have adverse effects on brain development and the estrous cycle in offspring of rats exposed in utero.The concentrations that gave rise to these effects in the rats are only one order of magnitude higher than the concentrations in which these compounds are currently present in human blood.

AB - Organohalogen compounds such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) belong to the group of persistent compounds, implying that they are slowly biodegradable and accumulate in the environment. A new group of possibly persistent compounds are the polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). These PBDEs have recently been identified in the environment, and their toxicity is relatively unknown. PBDEs are used extensively as flame retardants in e.g. computers, tv-sets, or textile. In this thesis, the toxicity of PBDEs is described.In vitro experiments revealed that PBDEs are able to bind to transthyretin (TTR), a thyroid hormone transport protein, and can exert estrogenic activity. In vivo experiments with a model compound showed that these substances can have adverse effects on brain development and the estrous cycle in offspring of rats exposed in utero.The concentrations that gave rise to these effects in the rats are only one order of magnitude higher than the concentrations in which these compounds are currently present in human blood.

KW - polybroombifenylen

KW - polychloorbifenylen

KW - endocrien systeem

KW - metabolieten

KW - toxiciteit

KW - gezondheidsgevaren

KW - polybrominated biphenyls

KW - polychlorinated biphenyls

KW - endocrine system

KW - metabolites

KW - toxicity

KW - health hazards

M3 - internal PhD, WU

SN - 9789058085221

PB - S.n.

CY - S.l.

ER -

Meerts IATM. In vitro and in vivo interactions of organohalogens with the endocrine system : the role of metabolites and implications for human health. S.l.: S.n., 2001. 160 p.

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