In vitro PBDE's metabolism by pet-animals liver microsomes – evaluation of their potential on assessing human exposure to indoor contaminants.

The proposed research project aims on characterizing the in vitro metabolism of selected indoor contaminants, like polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and identifying their hydroxylated metabolites formed. Since the use of pet animals as sentinels to monitor the contamination degree of indoor environment was already suggested as a good alternative to human biomonitoring (especially when addressing toddler's exposure), investigation of the in vitro metabolism will be performed on cat liver microsomes. Later, there will be monitored the presence of PBDEs and of their metabolites in cat plasma samples. The potential relationship between cat endocrinopathies and levels of PBDEs and other xenobiotics, and also of their metabolites monitored in plasma samples will also be investigated. The similitudes between some endocrinopathies encountered in cats (feline hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus) and those affecting humans, together with the common habits of cat and toddlers to share indoor living areas, suggest that research in this field would be of high value to establish the role of cats on assessing human exposure to indoor contaminants.

Keywords:CONTAMINANTS, HUMAN EXPOSURE, METABOLISM, IN VITRO TESTS

Disciplines:Sustainable chemistry, Biochemistry and metabolism, Aquatic sciences, challenges and pollution, Environmental science and management, Medical biochemistry and metabolism