Serum polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) concentrations in relation to biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2004

Abstract

Exposure to Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) has been associated with various adverse health outcomes related to liver, neural and endocrine systems. Some of these may be the result of PBDE-induced oxidative stress or inflammation, but these associations have been explored minimally in humans. In the present study we examined the relationship between PBDE concentrations and biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation measured in blood samples among a representative US sample from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Oxidative stress biomarkers showed no significant associations with PBDEs in adjusted regression models. For inflammation biomarkers, we observed small but statistically significant positive associations between BDE-153 and alkaline phosphatase (percent change with an interquartile range [IQR] increase in BDE-153=0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] =0.01, 1.65) and absolute neutrophil count (percent change with IQR increase in BDE-153= 0.53%, 95% CI=0.03, 1.04). Associations with other PBDE congeners and inflammation markers were generally positive but did not reach statistical significance. These results are consistent with human research of oxidative stress and inflammation in response to PBDE congeners and mixtures, and support previous reports of inflammation in response to PBDE treatment in animal and in vitro studies. More detailed toxicological and epidemiologic research in humans is needed to confirm the present results, and to determine the potential clinical and public health significance of these findings.

Association between persistent endocrine-disrupting chemicals (PBDEs, OH-PBDEs, PCBs, and PFASs) and biomarkers of inflammation and cellular aging during pregnancy and postpartum

“…In a cross-sectional of the US general population, Yuan et al found significant positive associations between BDE-153 and two biomarkers of systemic inflammation, alkaline phosphatase and absolute neutrophil count. 39 However, associations with all other PBDE congeners were null as well associations with levels of C-reactive protein. Another population-based cross-sectional study of elderly men and women from Sweden did not observe any associations between serum BDE-47 and a wide range of inflammatory markers, including TNF-α and IL-6.…”

“…These results support previous reports from animal and in vitro studies that demonstrate individual PBDEs and their mixtures can shift cytokine production to a more pro-inflammatory phenotype (e.g., increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and/or decreased production of anti-inflammatory cytokines). 36, 37, 39, 69 Few prior epidemiologic studies have examined associations between serum PBDE concentrations and inflammation biomarkers, and results to date have been equivocal. In a cross-sectional of the US general population, Yuan et al found significant positive associations between BDE-153 and two biomarkers of systemic inflammation, alkaline phosphatase and absolute neutrophil count.…”

“…38 In a cross-sectional study of the US general population, exposures to certain PBDE congeners were positively associated with some inflammation biomarkers. 39…”

Biomarkers in Stress Related Diseases/Disorders: Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Therapeutic Values

“…Similarly, other non-enzymatic natural antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C), alpha tocopherol (vitamin E), glutathione, and uric acid (Bartoli et al, 2018) have been evaluated as oxidative markers (Kawamura and Muraoka, 2018). Another study revealed that hydroxylated polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and their possible metabolites promote oxidative stress in cellular studies (Costa et al, 2014; Yuan et al, 2017). Also, other in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrated that some PBDEs could induce oxidative stress and inflammation (Fernie et al, 2005; He et al, 2008; Costa et al, 2014).…”

Interactive Effects of BDE-153 and its Metabolite 2,4-DBP on Biochemical Status in Crucian Carp (Carassius auratus)

“…PBDEs are suspected toxins of the renal, neural, and endocrine systems [15][16]. In an aquatic organism, PBDE exposure has been associated with the nervous system, metabolic function, and oxidative stress.…”