Wide-Ranging Genomic Effects of Plasticisers and Related Compounds

The effects of four compounds, bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (BEHP); diisodecylphthalate (DIP); 4-n-octylphenol (OP); 4- chloro-3-methylphenol (CMP), on gene expression (steady-state mRNA levels) across the whole human genome were studied in human TE671 cells. Effects were studied using the Affymetrics GeneChip® Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0, HG-U133 Plus 2.0 arrays, The array analyses the expression of 47,000 transcripts and variants, including ∼38,500 well characterised. All four compounds exerted statistically significant actions, affecting between 4 and 6.5% of all genes. Each compound had its own expression signature. In most instances where there was an effect steady-state mRNA levels were decreased, although not always. CMP reatment caused most increases in mRNA levels. .A mixture of DIP and CMP caused fewer changes in mRNA levels than either of the individual compounds. Conclusions: These plasticisers affected the steady-state mRNA levels of many human genes. Exposure to these compounds over many years has the potential to influence human health.