Neurotransmitter Systems Affected by PBDE Exposure: Insights from In Vivo and In Vitro Neurotoxicity Studies
Wendy Argelia García-Suastegui1, Cynthia Navarro-Mabarak2, Daniela Silva-Adaya3,4
1Departamento de Biología y Toxicología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Ciencias, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla C.P. 72570, Mexico.
Toxics
|April 25, 2025
Summary
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), persistent flame retardants, disrupt neurotransmitter pathways, causing neurotoxicity. Environmental monitoring is crucial to reduce human and biota exposure risks.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are persistent, bioaccumulative flame retardants used extensively from the 1970s to 1990s.
- PBDEs contaminate various environmental matrices (air, soil, water, food) and persist long-term.
- Chronic exposure is linked to severe health issues, including neurotoxicity, particularly in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the molecular mechanisms underlying PBDE-induced neurotoxicity.
- To identify neurotransmitter pathways targeted by PBDEs.
- To assess the public health and ecological risks posed by environmental PBDEs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating PBDE neurotoxicity.
- Analysis of in vitro and in vivo data from mammalian models.
- Examination of molecular impacts including DNA damage, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitter level alterations.
Main Results:
- PBDE exposure induces mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA damage, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and epigenetic changes.
- Key neurotransmitter signaling pathways (excitatory and inhibitory) are identified as primary targets of PBDE neurotoxicity.
- Evidence demonstrates PBDEs alter calcium and neurotransmitter levels, contributing to neurotoxic effects.
Conclusions:
- PBDEs exert neurotoxicity through diverse molecular mechanisms, primarily by interfering with neurotransmitter signaling.
- Environmental PBDEs represent a significant risk to human health and ecosystems.
- Continued environmental monitoring and exposure mitigation strategies are essential.
