Changes in Human Erythrocyte Exposed to Organophosphate Flame Retardants: Tris(2-chloroethyl) Phosphate and Tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) Phosphate.

Bożena Bukowska

doi:10.3390/ma14133675

Abstract

Tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) and tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCPP) are the main representatives of organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs). The exposure of humans to OPFRs present in air, water, and food leads to their occurrence in the circulation. Thus far, no report has been published about the influence of these retardants on non-nucleated cells like mature erythrocytes. Therefore, the impact of TCEP and TCPP (in concentrations determined in human blood as well as potentially present in the human body after intoxication) on human erythrocytes was evaluated. In this study, the effect of TCEP and TCPP on the levels of methemoglobin, reduced glutathione (GHS), and reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as the activity of antioxidative enzymes, was assessed. Moreover, morphological, hemolytic, and apoptotic alterations in red blood cells were examined. Erythrocytes were incubated for 24 h with retardants in concentrations ranging from 0.001 to 1000 μg/mL. This study has revealed that the tested flame retardants only in very high concentrations disturbed redox balance; increased ROS and methemoglobin levels; and induced morphological changes, hemolysis, and eryptosis in the studied cells. The tested compounds have not changed the activity of the antioxidative system in erythrocytes. TCPP exhibited a stronger oxidative, eryptotic, and hemolytic potential than TCEP in human red blood cells. Comparison of these findings with hitherto published data confirms a much lower toxicity of OPFRs in comparison with brominated flame retardants.

Highlights

Flame retardants (FRs) are substances that have been designed to prevent the occurrence and spread of fire and are used as plasticizers
These results have unequivocally showed the hazard of trophic transfer of tions of 17 organophosphate FRs (OPFRs) in lipids of aquatic organisms, sediments, and sea water in the concenOPFRs into the food web
It was observed that tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCPP) caused greater leakage of hemoglobin from the cell when compared with Tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) at the same concentrations

Summary

Introduction

Flame retardants (FRs) are substances that have been designed to prevent the occurrence and spread of fire and are used as plasticizers. These chemicals are commonly used in the production of textiles (e.g., in baby clothing, pushchairs, car seats), furniture, and electronics, and are utilized in plastic equipment. Some of these compounds migrate from products into the environment. FRs may be released from textiles, and may penetrate ground and surface waters [1]. FRs’ presence has been observed in indoor air and dust [2,3,4], as well as in various compartments of the environment, including surface water [5], arctic air [6], and sediments [7].

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion