Assessment of membrane and metabolic parameters of erythrocytes exposed to selected bromophenols

Bromophenols are aromatic compounds containing one or more benzene rings substituted with hydroxyl groups, bromine atoms, and other functional groups. Due to their widespread industrial use, bromophenols such as 2,4-dibromophenol (2,4-DBP), 2,4,6-tribromophenol (2,4,6-TBP) and pentabromophenol (PBP) have become prevalent environmental contaminants. These compounds are primarily found in air, water, and soil and bioaccumulate in various organisms, including fish and birds. Studies have linked bromophenols to oxidative stress, endocrine disruption, and adverse health effects, emphasizing the need to further investigate their biological impacts. Due to their high hydrophobicity and bioaccumulative potential, BPs may penetrate biological membranes, potentially altering their structural and functional properties. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of three bromophenols: 2,4-DBP, 2,4,6-TBP and PBP on erythrocyte membrane parameters and metabolic parameters such as ATP level. These findings highlight the differential effects of bromophenols on erythrocyte membranes, with 2,4-DBP primarily disrupting membrane fluidity and intracellular viscosity, while PBP predominantly affects oxidative processes. This study provides new insights into the potential toxicological mechanisms of BPs and their impact on cellular integrity. Moreover, the number of bromine atoms in bromophenols plays a crucial role in inducing damage to specific cellular structures and, ultimately, in determining their toxicity.