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 (R) Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0, HG-U133 Plus 2.0 arrays, The array analyses the expression of 47,000 transcripts and variants, including similar to 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.