Organophosphorus Flame Retardants and Metabolic Disruption: An in Silico, in Vitro, and in Vivo Study Focusing on Adiponectin Receptors

Environmental chemical exposures have been associated with metabolic outcomes, and typically, their binding to nuclear hormone receptors is considered the molecular initiating event (MIE) for a number of outcomes. However, more studies are needed to understand the influence of such exposures on cell membrane-bound adiponectin receptors (AdipoRs), which are critical metabolic regulators.

In silico, in vitro, and in vivo assays suggest that aryl-OPFRs act as noncompetitive inhibitors of AdipoRs, preventing their activation by adiponectin, and thus function as antagonists to these receptors. Our study describes a novel MIE for chemical-induced metabolic disturbances and highlights a new pathway for environmental impact on metabolic health. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP14634.

Employing in silico simulation, cell thermal shift, and noncompetitive binding assays, we screened eight OPFRs for interactions with AdipoR1 and AdipoR2. We tested two key events underlying AdipoR modulation upon OPFR exposure in a liver cell model. The Toxicological Prioritization Index (ToxPi)scoring scheme was used to rank OPFRs according to their potential to disrupt AdipoR-associated metabolism. We further examined the inhibitory effect of OPFRs on AdipoR signaling activation in mouse models.

We aimed to clarify the potential interactions between AdipoRs and environmental chemicals, specifically organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs), and the resultant effects.

Analyses identified pi-pi stacking and pi-sulfur interactions between the aryl-OPFRs 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDPP), triphenyl phosphate (TPhP), and tricresyl phosphate (TCP) and the transmembrane cavities of AdipoR1 and AdipoR2. Cell thermal shift assays showed a >3°C>3°C<math><mrow><mo>></mo><mn>3</mn><mo>°</mo><mi>C</mi></mrow></math> rightward shift in the AdipoR proteins' melting curves upon exposure to these three compounds. Although the binding sites differed from adiponectin, results suggest that aryl-OPFRs noncompetitively inhibited the binding of the endogenous peptide ligand ADP355 to the receptors. Analyses of key events underlying AdipoR modulation revealed that glucose uptake was notably lower, whereas lipid content was higher in cells exposed to aryl-OPFRs. EHDPP, TCP, and TPhP were ranked as the top three disruptors according to the ToxPi scores. A noncompetitive binding between these aryl-OPFRs and AdipoRs was also observed in wild-type (WT) mice. In db/db mice, the finding of lower blood glucose levels after ADP355 injection was diminished in the presence of a typical aryl-OPFR (TCP). WT mice exposed to TCP demonstrated lower AdipoR1 signaling, which was marked by lower phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (pAMPK) and a higher expression of gluconeogenesis-related genes. Moreover, WT mice exposed to ADP355 demonstrated higher levels of pAMPK protein and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-αα<math><mi>α</mi></math> messenger RNA. This was accompanied by higher glucose disposal and by lower levels of long-chain fatty acids and hepatic triglycerides; these metabolic improvements were negated upon TCP co-treatment. Conclusions: In silico, in vitro, and in vivo assays suggest that aryl-OPFRs act as noncompetitive inhibitors of AdipoRs, preventing their activation by adiponectin, and thus function as antagonists to these receptors. Our study describes a novel MIE for chemical-induced metabolic disturbances and highlights a new pathway for environmental impact on metabolic health. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP14634.