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Complex roles for sulfation in the toxicities of polychlorinated biphenyls
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Complex roles for sulfation in the toxicities of polychlorinated biphenyls

Michael W Duffel and Hans-Joachim Lehmler
Critical reviews in toxicology, Vol.54(2), pp.92-122
2024
DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2024.2311270
PMCID: PMC11067068
PMID: 38363552
url
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11067068/pdf/nihms-1986234.pdfView
Open Access

Abstract

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic toxicants derived from legacy pollution sources and their formation as inadvertent byproducts of some current manufacturing processes. Metabolism of PCBs is often a critical component in their toxicity, and relevant metabolic pathways usually include their initial oxidation to form hydroxylated polychlorinated biphenyls (OH-PCBs). Subsequent sulfation of OH-PCBs was originally thought to be primarily a means of detoxication; however, there is strong evidence that it may also contribute to toxicities associated with PCBs and OH-PCBs. These contributions include either the direct interaction of PCB sulfates with receptors or their serving as a localized precursor for OH-PCBs. The formation of PCB sulfates is catalyzed by cytosolic sulfotransferases, and, when transported into the serum, these metabolites may be retained, taken up by other tissues, and subjected to hydrolysis catalyzed by intracellular sulfatase(s) to regenerate OH-PCBs. Dynamic cycling between PCB sulfates and OH-PCBs may lead to further metabolic activation of the resulting OH-PCBs. Ultimate toxic endpoints of such processes may include endocrine disruption, neurotoxicities, and many others that are associated with exposures to PCBs and OH-PCBs. This review highlights the current understanding of the complex roles that PCB sulfates can have in the toxicities of PCBs and OH-PCBs and research on the varied mechanisms that control these roles.
OH-PCB toxicity sulfatase inhibition polychlorinated biphenyl sulfotransferase SULT PCB Sulfation endocrine disruption STS neurotoxicity PCB sulfate detoxication metabolic activation

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