Tricresylphosphate isomers: A review of toxicity pathways

Synthetiс organophosphates are a large group of chemicals, annually produced by an industry with their further application as oil additives, flame retardants, plasticizers, warfare agents and insecticides for domestic use and in the control of vector-borne diseases. Consequently, organophosphates are often detected in the environment and human samples, which can have adverse effects on ecosystems and human health. This review aimed to summarize recent findings about different aspects of tricresyl phosphate mixture and separate isomers toxicity, including their impact on nervous, endocrine, and reproductive systems studied in animal models or in vitro. We also discuss the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in these processes, which comprise inhibition of neuropathy target esterase (NTE), overactivation of neuregulin1/ErbB and MAPK signaling pathways, impairment of glutamate signaling as well as interaction with nuclear hormone. Finally, we outline potential therapeutic targets and promising agents as important directions for future research.