Assessment of the (anti)androgenic potential of three organophosphate esters using the recombinant yeast androgen bioassay

Abstract

Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are synthetic phosphoric acid derivatives widely used as flame retardants, plasticizers, and lubricants. In recent years, the production of OPEs has rapidly increased. This is due to the withdrawal of brominated flame retardants, as well as the lack of regulation on OPEs usage limits. The presence of OPEs has been detected in various environmental matrices and biota. Also, the estimated daily intake of the sum of the eight most common OPEs is high, especially in toddlers (1.547 μg/kg b.w./day). Earlier toxicological studies have demonstrated that OPEs can cause various adverse toxic effects, including neurotoxicity, genotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. The risk associated with exposure to OPEs is intensified by the fact that these substances accumulate in adipose tissue, which hinders their rapid metabolism. Recent toxicity tests indicate potential reproductive and developmental toxicity and hormonal activity in humans and animals. Since hormonally active compounds may cause harmful health effects, there is a need to identify their mechanism(s) of action. In this study, we examined (anti)androgenic activity of three commonly used OPEs.