Flame retardant tetrabromobisphenol A induced hepatic changes in ICR male mice

Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) is widely used throughout the world as flame retardant for electronic equipment or building materials, and is detected in air at the dismantling plant, sewage sludge, sediment or human serum samples. In the present study, we examined the effects of TBBPA on the liver when administered to mice for 14 consecutive days. Groups of 7 (control group) or 8 (treated group) Crlj:CD1 (ICR) male mice were given 0 (control), 350, 700 or 1400 mg/kg body weight/day TBBPA (99.1% pure) in olive oil for 14 days. The serum concentration of total-cholesterol in high-dose (1400 mg/kg BW) group was higher than those of the control group. Absolute and relative liver weights were dose-dependently increased, and were significantly increased in high-dose (1400 mg/kg BW) group. The histological findings showed that the slight enlargement of the hepatocytes, inflammatory cell infiltrations and focal necrosis of hepatocytes were more marked in liver of treated groups (from 350 mg/kg BW) than in control group. The present data suggest the possibility of inducing hepatic lesion by TBBPA dosing.