Toxicological biomarkers of 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran in proteins secreted by HepG2 cells

► 2,3,4,7,8-PCDF is the most abundant molecule in dioxin-like compounds. ► The toxicological biomarkers of 2,3,7,8-TCDD in secreted proteins were evaluated using HepG2 cells. ► Protein DJ-1, proteasome activator complex subunit 1 and plasminogen activator inhibitor-3 were validated in rat plasma. ► These proteins could be used as potential toxicological biomarkers of 2,3,4,7,8-PCDF.