Dust obesity

Dust is an inexhaustible disaster source. Not only is it a lot of microorganisms and arthropods find a shelter in it, it also accumulates substances harmful to people. The list of these compounds is growing steadily. Recently, specialists of the University of Duke and the Boston University of Health School led by Dr. Heather M. Stapleton found organic compounds in household dust.

Cells and metabolism in higher organisms are controlled by other receptors activated by peroxisis proliferators (Peroxisome Prolifarator-Ctivated Receptors, PPAR). These are nuclear receptors that play the role of transcription factors. There are three types of ppar: alpha, beta and gamma. Gamma, in turn, exists in two forms. Receptors γ1 are present in all tissues, and γ2, which is 30 amino acids longer, is the first known transcription factor specific to adipocytes (adipose tissue cells). Pparγ regulates lipid metabolism, differentiation of adipocytes, the expression of their genes; Its activation can serve as a key factor in the development of obesity. Activate pparγ, as it turned out, many chemicals are capable of. They enhance adipogenesis in cell cultures, and sometimes in the body (shown on the Xenopus laevis frog). Such activators are called "Chemical Obesogens). Hizer Staplon studies the accumulation and biotransformation of substances that make up fireproof products, lubricants, hydraulic fluids and plastics. These compounds - organophosphates, halogenic phenols and bisphenols, phthalates and their metabolites - often accumulate in the environment, including dust. Scientists have found that many of these substances are well associated with pparγ, but in contact does not mean activating. Therefore, at the next stage, the researchers checked whether the substances found by them are capable of activating the pparγ1 receptor.

Scientists tested 30 formations in different concentrations, as well as 25 samples of domestic dust taken from residential premises, offices and gymnastic halls. Chemicals were extracted from dust with a mixture of acetone and hexane, and then concentrated, filtered, cleaned and diluted. At the disposal of the researchers was a commercial system that allows you to determine the activity of PParγ1.

The receptor activated 28 substances out of 30, including the components of fire-retardant agents Treretbutilphenylphenylphosphate and 2.2 ', 4,4'-tetrabromdiphenyl ether, known for its ability to provoke obesity. These compounds turned out to be agonists of the receptor of weak or medium force, and they can complement the list of Obyrogenes. To activate Pparγ, the chemical structure of the compound is important, as well as its solubility and cytotoxicity.

They were associated with pparγ1 and activated it 15 out of 25 dust extracts. Samples of dust collected in residential premises are most affected by the receptor; Dust from the gymnastic hall practically did not have an effect. However, researchers note that they analyzed few samples, and plan to increase their number.

People are in contact with home dust a significant part of the day. According to the US Agency for Environmental Protection, children, especially infants, swallow up to 50 mg of dust daily. The extract from so much dust is activated by PParγ1, which can stimulate the development of obesity, especially if chronic activation occurs at an early age.

Heather Staplon and its co -authors plan to continue research in order to identify all the active substances of dust and study the possible consequences of their effects, especially on young children. In particular, it is necessary to find out what consequences chronic contact with a small amount of domestic dust leads to - that is, a condition in which many of us are almost our whole lives.

1. Fang M., Webster TF, Stapleton HM Activation of Human Peroxisome Prolifarator-Activated Nuclear Receptions (PPARγ1) By Semi-Volatile Compound (Svocs) and Chemical MIXTures in Indoor DUST // ENVIRON. SCI. Technol., 2015, 49 (16), PP 10057–10064, DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b01523