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Metabolites of polychlorinated biphenyls reported in human tissues

November 2, 2003

Analysts have determined the distribution of methyl sulfone metabolites of polychlorinated biphenyls and p,p'-DDE in human tissues.

"We determined methylsulfonyl metabolites of chlorinated biphenyls (MeSO2-CBS) and 1,1-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2-dichloroethene (p,p'-DDE) in human adipose, liver, brain, and lung tissues obtained from 11 Belgian individuals (9-62 years of age)," scientists in Belgium and Japan report.

"The total concentration of MeSO2-CBs (lipid weight basis) decreased in the following order: liver (mean, 9.30 ng/g; range, 1.68-27.03 ng/g lipid) > lung mean, 2.72 ng/g; range, not detected (ND) to 1154 ng/g lipid > adipose tissue (mean, 1,57 ng/g; range, 0.33-4.33 ng/g lipid) > brain (mean, 0.24 ng/g; range, ND-0.56 ng/g lipid)," stated Shaogang Chu and collaborators at the University of Antwerp in Belgium and Daiichi College of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Japan.

"The profiles of MeSO2-CBs and MeSO2-DDE in each tissue were similar for all 11 subjects," reported Chu and colleagues. "In adipose, brain, and lung tissues, 4'-MeSO2-CB87, 4'-MeSO2-CB101, and 3-MeSO2-CB149 (except brain) occurred at higher concentrations than did other MeSO2-CBs. However, 3'-MeSO2- CB132 was by far the most abundant congener in liver, contributing on average to approximately 60% of the sum of MeSO2-CBs. The concentrations of 3-MeSO2- DDE in different tissues were at the same or lower levels than the total concentrations of MeSO2-CBs."

The researchers concluded, "This study suggests that the distribution patterns of MeSO2-CBs and MeSO2-DDE in humans differ between liver and other tissues. Moreover, these profiles differ from those found in other mammals, such as polar bears, porpoises, and otters."

Chu and associates published their study in Environmental Health Perspectives (Distribution of methyl sulfone metabolites of polychlorinated biphenyls and p,p'-DDE in human tissues. Environ Health Perspect, 2003;111(9):1222-1227).

For more information, contact Adrian Covaci, Toxicological Center, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein, 1, Building S, 6th Floor, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium. E-mail: covaci@uia.ua.ac.be.

The publisher of the journal Environmental Health Perspectives can be contacted at: Environmental Health Perspectives, Brogan and Partners, 1001 Winstead Drive, Suite 355, Cary NC 27513, USA.

The information in this article comes under the major subject areas of Environmental Health, Toxicology, Adipose Tissue, and Public Health.

This article was prepared by Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA editors from staff and other reports.

Copyright 2003 Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA