Induction of adipocyte differentiation by polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in 3T3-L1 cells
- DOI
- Language of the publication
- English
- Date
- 2014-04-10
- Type
- Article
- Author(s)
- Tung, Emily W. Y.
- Boudreau, Adèle
- Wade, Michael G.
- Atlas, Ella
- Publisher
- Public Library of Science
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a class of brominated flame retardants that were extensively used in commercial products. PBDEs are ubiquitous environmental contaminants that are both lipophilic and bioaccumulative. Effects of PBDEs on adipogenesis were studied in the 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cell model in the presence and absence of a known adipogenic agent, dexamethasone (DEX). A PBDE mixture designed to mimic body burden of North Americans was tested, in addition to the technical mixture DE-71 and the individual congener BDE-47. The mixture, DE-71, and BDE-47 all induced adipocyte differentiation as assessed by markers for terminal differentiation [fatty acid binding protein 4 (aP2) and perilipin] and lipid accumulation. Characterization of the differentiation process in response to PBDEs indicated that adipogenesis induced by a minimally effective dose of DEX was enhanced by these PBDEs. Moreover, C/EBPα, PPARγ, and LXRα were induced late in the differentiation process. Taken together, these data indicate that adipocyte differentiation is induced by PBDEs; they act in the absence of glucocorticoid and enhance glucocorticoid-mediated adipogenesis.
Plain language summary
Health Canada is responsible for the assessment and management of health risks to Canadians associated with exposure to environmental contaminants. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are chemicals that were used extensively as additives in commercial products including electronics, textiles, and polyurethane foam. Some forms of these chemicals have recently been prohibited from manufacture, import and use in Canada. However, because of the very widespread global use of these prohibited chemicals, Canadians may continue to be exposed from various sources. One of the characteristics of PBDEs is that they accumulate in fat tissue. Since there is increasing evidence that some chemicals may change fat tissue and its function, in order to determine if these compounds have similar properties, this study sought to examine the ability of PBDEs to induce adipogenesis, a process whereby certain types of fat precursor cells are converted to mature fat cells. A mouse cell line model known as the 3T3-L1 was used in the study. It was found that PBDEs induced adipogenesis by activating various genes important in fat cell development. The results will be used to help in designing tests for the identification of chemicals that have effects on adipogenesis.
Subject
- Health,
- Health and safety