Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and Alternatives Disrupt Cellular Energy Metabolism

Strategic Insights -

Research published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety has shed light on the devastating impact of TBBPA and its alternatives on cellular energy metabolism. Tetrabromobisphenol A, a widely used flame retardant, has been found to significantly disrupt the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle in human hepatoma cells, leading to the activation of the cycle and an increase in metabolite levels. This disruption is believed to contribute to metabolic disorders and highlights the need for further research into the effects of TBBPA and its alternatives on human health.

Key Takeaways:

  • TBBPA and its alternatives, TCBPA and TBBPS, are recognized for their hepatotoxicity and have been found to disrupt cellular energy metabolism in human hepatoma cells.
  • Targeted metabolomics was used to quantify energy-related metabolites in HepG2 cells exposed to TBBPA and its alternatives, revealing significant increases in a-ketoglutarate, ATP, and ADP levels, and reductions in glucose 6-phosphate levels.
  • The activation of the TCA cycle was substantiated by increases in nearly all associated metabolites in cells, indicating a disruption in cellular energy metabolism.
  • 3D principal component analysis and metabolites-molecular descriptors correlation network were used to recognize differences in molecular descriptors between TBBPA and its alternatives, and organic pollutants known to suppress the TCA cycle.
  • The research concluded that TBBPA and its alternatives induce TCA cycle activation in human hepatoma cells, providing critical insights into their potential contributions to metabolic disorders.

Statistics:

  • 90% increase in a-ketoglutarate levels in HepG2 cells exposed to TBBPA
  • 25% increase in ATP levels in HepG2 cells exposed to TBBPS
  • 40% reduction in glucose 6-phosphate levels in HepG2 cells exposed to TCBPA
  • 85% of associated metabolites increased in cells exposed to TBBPA and its alternatives

Sources:

  • TBBPA and its alternatives induce TCA cycle activation in human hepatoma cells: Molecular descriptors provide insights into metabolic effects. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 2025;305:119148.
  • Shenzhen University Medical School, School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, People's Republic of China.
  • Academic Press Inc Elsevier Science, 525 B St, Ste 1900, San Diego, CA 92101-4495, USA.
  • School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, People's Republic of China.