Cell membrane‐related toxic responses and disruption of intercellular communication in PCB mechanisms of toxicity: A review

An understanding of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congener‐specific effects on cell membrane and intercellular communication is important within the studies of PCB absorption, organ‐related PCB accumulation and exertion of toxic responses. Toxic potential of PCBs is linked to various deleterious ef...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of applied toxicology 2020-12, Vol.40 (12), p.1592-1601
Main Authors: Murati, Teuta, Miletić, Marina, Pleadin, Jelka, Šimić, Branimir, Kmetič, Ivana
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biphenyl
Carcinogens
cell membrane
Cell membranes
Cell signaling
Communication
Congeners
Connexins
gap junction intercellular communication
Genotoxicity
Immunotoxicity
Literature reviews
Membranes
Neurotoxicity
PCB
Polychlorinated biphenyls
tight junction
Toxicity
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Summary:An understanding of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congener‐specific effects on cell membrane and intercellular communication is important within the studies of PCB absorption, organ‐related PCB accumulation and exertion of toxic responses. Toxic potential of PCBs is linked to various deleterious effects on human health, including neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity, reproductive toxicity and genotoxicity and, recently in 2016 International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has upgraded the classification of PCBs to Group 1 “Carcinogenic to humans.” Proposed mechanisms of aforementioned PCBs adverse effects at cellular membrane level are: (i) downregulation of gap junction intercellular communication and/or connexins; (ii) compromised membrane integrity; and (iii) altered tight junction barrier function. This study, based on an extensive literature survey, shows the progress in scientific research of each of these three levels with the aim of pointing out the earliest toxic events of PCBs, which can result in serious cell/tissue/organ damage. Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) effects are linked to neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, genotoxicity and carcinogenicity. Proposed PCB mechanisms of action at cellular membrane level are: (i) downregulation of gap junction intercellular communication and/or connexins; (ii) compromised membrane integrity; and (iii) altered tight junction barrier function. This study shows the progress in scientific research of each of these three levels with the aim of indicating the earliest toxic events, which can lead to serious cell/tissue/organ damage.
ISSN:0260-437X
1099-1263
DOI:10.1002/jat.4019