Endocrine disrupting and carcinogenic effects of decabromodiphenyl ether

BackgroundDecabromodiphenyl ether (BDE209), an essential industrial flame retardant that is widely used, has recently been reported to be increasing in human serum. Due to the structural similarity between BDE209 and thyroid hormones, its toxic effects on the thyroid are of particular concern. MethodsOriginal articles in the PubMed database were collected using the terms BDE209, decabromodiphenyl ether, endocrine disrupting, thyroid, carcinogenesis, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, PBDEs, and their synonyms from inception up to October of 2022. ResultsOf the 748 studies initially identified, 45 were selected, which emphasized the adverse effects of BDE209 on endocrine system. BDE209 may have a toxic effect not only on thyroid function but also on thyroid cancer tumorigenesis at multiple levels, such as by directly interfering with the TR, hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, enzyme activity, and methylation. However, it is impossible to draw a definitive conclusion on the exact pathway of thyroid toxicity from BDE209. ConclusionsAlthough the toxic effects of BDE209 on the thyroid have been well investigated, its tumorigenic effects remain unclear and further research is necessary.

Automated summary

BDE209, an industrial flame retardant, has been found to increase in human serum. Its structural similarity to thyroid hormones raises concerns about its toxic effects on the thyroid. Studies have shown that BDE209 may have toxic effects on thyroid function and tumorigenesis, but the exact pathway of thyroid toxicity remains unclear.