Sub-chronic Exposure to Tris(1,3-dichioro-propyl) Phosphate Induces Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Abstract

Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP), one of the most widely used organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) is frequently detected in various environment and biota. Thus, its potential risk on wildlife and human health should be concerned. It has been implicated to induce hepatotoxicity, but the toxicological mechanism still remains unclear. Thus, Sprague Dawley (SD) male rats were administrated TDCIPP at 125, 250, or 500 mg/kg/d for 8 weeks in the present study. And hepatic histopathology and enzyme activities in serum and livers were analyzed to determine the molecular mechanisms of hepatotoxicity induced by TDCIPP. The histopathology showed the hepatocytes of rats exposed to TDCIPP were damaged, and the necrosis was more severe in 500 mg/kg/d TDCIPP-exposed group. And the decrease of transaminases in serum and livers were observed after TDCIPP exposure for 8 weeks, which indicated that severe hepatotoxicity was induced by TDCIPP. The abnormalities of oxidative stress makers and inflammation factors also indicated that TDCIPP caused dysfunction of oxidative system and severe inflammation response in livers of rats. Collectively, the results in our study demonstrated that TDCIPP induced hepatic oxidative stress and inflammatory response, and caused hepatotoxicity in rats.