Liquid Crystal Monomers and Their Mixtures Alter Nuclear Receptor Signaling and Promote Adipogenesis In Vitro

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Toxicology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Liquid crystal monomers (LCMs) are widespread environmental contaminants from electronic devices.
• Exposure to LCMs in food, breast milk, and serum is a growing concern.
• The toxicity and health effects of LCMs and their mixtures are poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the endocrine-disrupting potential of nonfluorinated (NF) and fluorinated (F) LCMs and their mixtures.
• To assess the impact of LCMs on adipogenesis (fat cell development) in vitro.
• To evaluate the interactions and combined effects of LCM mixtures.

Main Methods:

• Screening of 10 NF-LCMs, F-LCMs, and 3 LCM mixtures using adipogenesis and luciferase reporter gene assays.
• In vitro testing at exposure-relevant concentrations.
• Analysis of nuclear receptor activity and triglyceride accumulation.

Main Results:

• Both NF-LCMs, F-LCMs, and mixtures altered nuclear receptor activity.
• Six LCMs and all mixtures antagonized the progesterone receptor.
• Multiple LCMs and mixtures increased triglyceride accumulation in fat precursor cells, suggesting synergistic interactions.

Conclusions:

• LCMs, whether fluorinated or nonfluorinated, and their mixtures exhibit endocrine-disrupting potential and affect adipogenesis.
• Synergistic interactions may occur in LCM mixtures, with current models underestimating their potency.
• Further in vivo studies and alternative models are needed to fully assess LCM health impacts.