High concentrations of polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) in breast adipose tissue of California women

Abstract

We measured major PBDEs and PCBs in breast adipose tissues of California women participating in a breast cancer study in the late 1990s. Samples were analyzed using gas chromatography with electron impact ionization and tandem mass spectrometry detection. The congener profile observed was: BDE47> BDE99>BDE153>BDE100>BDE154 and PCB153>PCB180>PCB138>PCB118. Whereas high correlations were observed within each chemical class, very weak correlations appeared between classes, pointing to different exposure pathways. Weak negative associations were observed for PBDE congeners and age. Our PBDE data are among the highest reported, exceeding data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and consistent with the high use of PBDEs in California. These data may be helpful in establishing a baseline for PBDE body burdens to gauge changes over time as a result of restrictions in the use of PBDE formulations.

Adipose levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and risk of breast cancer

“…It was conducted among a population of women with high levels of exposures [20]. Despite being collected during an earlier time period, before the use of PBDEs began to be phased-out, median levels in our study population were higher than those reported in 2003-2004 national data.…”

Non-coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are direct agonists for the human pregnane-X receptor and constitutive androstane receptor, and activate target gene expression in a tissue-specific manner

“…Measurement of PCB levels in humans has been undertaken in a number of countries, with blood concentrations for PCB153 in the range 5-550 ng/g lipid having been reported (Petersen et al, 2007;Rudge et al, 2012). In addition, similar levels have been reported in fatty tissues such as breast (170±364 ng/g lipid (Petreas et al, 2011)), demonstrating the rapid distribution of these lipophilic compounds. Given the rapid and complete uptake of PCBs into human liver cells (Ghosh et al, 2010), it is likely that similar concentrations are found in the liver.…”

Abundance and distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in breast tissue

“…Our results showed that 94 of the 97 congeners were present at detectable levels in human breast tissues. Levels of abundant PCB congeners (118, 138, 153, and 180) showed the same relative abundance and were within the range of concentrations previously observed in the United States and other industrialized countries (summarized in Petreas et al, 2011).…”