INTRODUCTION: Tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) isocyanurate (TBC; TAZTO) is a persistent, lipophilic brominated flame retardant that is resistant to biodegradation and undergoes bioaccumulation in the environment and in the tissues of organisms. It can also accumulate in the central nervous system, affecting cellular function. To date, TBC has been shown to disrupt the synthesis and action of steroid hormones, receptor signaling pathways, and metabolic processes. Progesterone, testosterone, and estradiol play a key neuroprotective role in the nervous system by regulating neuronal survival, the response to oxidative stress, and cellular metabolic homeostasis

AIM(S): Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the neurotoxic effects of TBC in murine neuronal cells (HT-22).

METHOD(S): The effect of TBC on the synthesis of progesterone, testosterone, and estradiol was analyzed using ELISA, both in the cells and in the culture medium. In addition, the expression of estrogen receptors (ERα and GPER) was evaluated by Western blot analysis.

RESULTS: The obtained results indicate that TBC may disrupt steroid hormone synthesis

CONCLUSIONS: suggesting impairment of neuroprotective mechanisms in the murine HT-22 cellular model.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT: This work was supported by statutory funds from the University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow, Poland (DS 503-07-01-59).