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Imprint
Skin toxicity of commensal metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Project
Project code: BfR-CPS-08-1322-664
Contract period: 01.01.2016
- 31.12.2017
Purpose of research: Basic research
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants and contaminants. Human exposure is thus frequent and long established, as is the carcinogenic potential of high molecular weight PAHs following metabolic activation by cytochrome P450-dependent oxygenases (CYPs). Particularly benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) has thus become a model system for a metabolically activated procarcinogen. Recent studies now showed the human skin microbiome to harbour some metabolic potential for B[a]P-degradation, the corresponding metabolites being highly cyto- and genotoxic (Sowada et al. 2014; Sowada et al. unpublished). With up to 107 cfu/cm2 and more than 1000 microbial species the human skin is the second most densely populated human organ after the gut. At the same time it is also highly exposed to PAHs, be it from air, commodities with skin contact or cosmetics. The potential toxification of B[a]P by human skin commensals is thus a potential hazard which is relevant to human health (Sowada et al. 2014). The analysis of the corresponding bacterial supernatants has so far identified several B[a]P-metabolites known from eukaryotic metabolism as well several B[a]P-diols, (hydroxylated) benzo[a]anthracene and phenanthrenecarboxylic acid. These substances act synergistically, accounting for most of the cyto- and genotoxic effects observed in vitro. Notably the toxicity occurs within a window of exposure (20 to 30 hours) that is equivalent to what would be expected for the commensalic excretion of B[a]P-metabolites. This project therefore aims for a more comprehensive evaluation of commensalic PAH-toxification and its relevance for the human host.
Section overview
Subjects
- Toxicology
